Biography

   At 31 years, Janéa was elected the youngest female state senator in Washington history after serving three terms as her district’s state representative. Janéa is the ranking Republican on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. She also serves on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee and the Senate Environment, Water & Energy Committee.

   She has also accepted the added responsibility of many other leadership assignments. She has a proven track record of voting against new taxes and fees and is committed to protecting you, your wallet and your rights.

   In recognition of her efforts, Holmquist has been honored with several awards and distinctions including: the National Federation of Independent Businesses'

2010 Guardian of Small Business award and Outstanding Legislator for 2009-2010 award, the Washington State Potato Commission 2010 Legislator of the Year, the 2009 Association of General Contractors Legislator of the Year, named a 2009 Legislative Hero by the Washington Restaurant Association, and received the 2009 Business Star Award from the Business Institute of Washington.

   Raised in the Eastern Washington communities of George and Colville, Janéa grew up on family farms, raising horses, cattle and hay. She currently resides in Grant County with husband, Matt Newbry.

Download a high-resolution photo of Sen. Holmquist Newbry

Standing Committees: Ranking Republican Member, Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection; Assistant Ranking Republican Member, Early Learning and K-12 Education; Environment, Water & Energy.

Additional Leadership Assignments: Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee; Joint Legislative Task Force on Family Leave Insurance; Joint Legislative Task Force on Basic Education Finance; Joint Legislative Task Force on the Underground Economy in the Construction Industry; Joint Legislative Task Force on the HVAC/R Industry; Joint Legislative Task Force on the Aerospace Industry; Joint Select Committee on Beer & Wine Regulation; Select Committee on Pension Policy; Joint Transportation Committee - Freight Mobility Group; Co-Chair, Governor's Prayer Breakfast.

Education: Gonzaga University, B.A. in political science and sociology.