House Democrats have scheduled a July 31 meeting to pick a new Speaker of the House to replace Frank Chopp, who has served as the sole speaker since 2002. He has stepped down from the role following this week’s adjournment of the 2019 legislative session.

Five Democrats have reportedly shown interest in succeeding Chopp including Representatives Laurie Jinkins of Tacoma; June Robinson of Everett; Monica Jurado Stonier of Vancouver; Gael Tarleton of Seattle and John Lovick of Mill Creek, who has said he would be interested in serving in the role temporarily until the end of the calendar year.

As chair of the Rule Committee, the chairman wields significant influence in determining which bills advance for votes and others that do not proceed through the approval process. The new speaker would officially start after a floor vote when the 2020 legislative session begins in January.