OLYMPIA… Shelly Short was sworn in today as the 7th Legislative District’s state senator. Short was the unanimous choice of the district’s county commissioners to succeed former Sen. Brian Dansel, who resigned Jan. 24 to take a position with the Trump Administration.

“I wish former Senator Dansel the best in his new position,” said Short, R-Addy, who began the 2017 legislative session as one of the district’s state representatives. “It is a great honor to receive this appointment and I look forward to hitting the ground running.”

Short will serve on three Senate committees: Agriculture, Water, Trade and Economic Development; Energy, Environment and Telecommunications; and Local Government, of which she will be chair.

“While I am sad to leave my colleagues in the House, I look forward to working with them as a member of the Senate to solve the tough challenges our state faces this session,” Short said.

A lifelong Washingtonian, Short served four terms in the state House from the 7th District, which includes Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties and parts of Okanogan and Spokane counties.

She is a 4-H leader, has participated in the Colville Valley Gymkhana Club and enjoys skeet shooting, horseback riding, swimming and gardening.  Short and her husband, Mitch, live in Addy.  They have two adult children, Trevor and Brianna.