Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, was sworn in Jan. 13 to represent the 1st Legislative District in the Washington State Senate.

He was appointed to the office on July 1 following the departure of Sen. Guy Palumbo.

“I look forward to continuing to put people first by making sure our education system is top-notch and expanding higher education opportunities for Washingtonians,” Stanford said in a press release. “I’m also focused on improving working conditions and rights for Washington workers, and building an economy that works for everyone.”

Stanford has been selected as vice chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee and will also serve on the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee. He is also chair of the Washington State Caseload Forecast Council.

Stanford’s professional background is in data science. He currently runs a small business specializing in analytics solutions and statistical consulting.

Stanford served from 2011-19 in the Washington House of Representatives, where he was the chair of the House Commerce & Gaming Committee.