Newhouse to be Replaced as State Agriculture Director

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Dan Newhouse says he will not be retained as director of the state Department of Agriculture.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that Newhouse sent an email to industry contacts on Monday notifying them of the decision by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee not to reappoint him to the position.

Newhouse is a Republican. Former Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed him to the post in 2009.

The newspaper reports that a replacement for Newhouse is expected to be announced later this week.

Newhouse previously represented 15th District for four terms in the Washington House.

The Sunnyside farmer says he plans to return to the family farm that produces hops, tree fruit, grapes and alfalfa.