Schoesler steps down as Senate minority leader

RITZVILLE — A local lawmaker is stepping down from his leadership position in the state Senate, but he is not retiring.

Sen. Mark G. Schoesler, R-Ritzville, confirmed Tuesday morning, Dec. 1, that he won’t be seeking re-election as the Senate minority leader.

“It’s real simple,” Schoesler said of his decision. “I’d like to turn my cellphone office and my email off for a bit of time.”

With 65.34% of the vote, Schoesler won re-election to the Legislative District No. 9 senate seat on Nov. 3, topping Democrat Jenn Goulet.

Goulet, who moved out of district prior to the election, received 34.1%.

“I...