State lawmaker resigns, takes Amazon job

SEATTLE — Democratic Washington state Sen. Guy Palumbo of Maltby is leaving the Legislature to take a job at Amazon where he previously worked as a manager.

The Seattle Times reports Palumbo was first elected in 2016. His resignation was effective Friday.

Company spokesman Aaron Toso says Palumbo will serve as Amazon's director of public policy for the state.

Palumbo said in a statement he was proud of lawmakers' work this year on a 100% clean-power bill for utilities, an increase for higher-education funding and the creation a long-term care trust for the state.

He said on Twitter Friday that representing the 1st Legislative District has been the distinguishing honor of his career.

The district includes parts of Kirkland, Bothell and Mountlake Terrace in King and Snohomish counties.

Local party leaders will nominate three potential replacements to fill Palumbo's seat. The two county councils will then vote to approve an appointee.