Senator-elect Cyrus Habib (D-Kirkland) was named to the key leadership position of Whip by his fellow Senate Democrats on Dec. 18. The position, which is responsible for party discipline and strategy, is considered one of the top leadership positions in the Senate. Habib was recently elected to the State Senate to replace controversial Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, after having already served in the State House of Representatives.

“The position of Whip is one of supreme trust and I’m honored to have the confidence of my esteemed colleagues in the State Senate. I look forward to working with Democratic Leader, Senator Sharon Nelson, to advance the legislative agenda of our Democratic caucus: addressing income inequality, the opportunity gap, and climate change,” Habib said.

Earlier this year, the Washington Post named Habib to its list of “40 Rising Stars,” and Governing Magazine named him “one of 12 State Legislators to watch nationally.”

“Senator Habib is a leader on issues related to the environment, education, and jobs,” said Senate Democratic Leader Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island). “I look forward to him joining our leadership team to move Washington State forward on these important issues in the coming years.”

Habib lost his eyesight to cancer at a young age, but went on to become a Rhode Scholar, Yale Law School graduate, attorney at Perkins Coie, and law professor at Seattle University. His district includes Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Medina, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point and Yarrow Point.