In his first term in the House, Van De Wege was selected by his colleagues to serve as an assistant majority whip. He was also selected to a key committee focusing on veteran's issues. In 2008, Thomas Thomas of Joyce challenged Van De Wege. Van De Wege prevailed with more than 65 percent of the vote. Van De Wege has become a strong advocate for the timber and biomass industries on the Olympic Peninsula. Van De Wege also led the fight to secure permanent funding for the Neah Bay rescue tug, which provides year-round protection for marine vessels in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. In 2010, Van De Wege won in an anti-Democratic year with over 55% of the vote. He was challenged by Port Angeles real estate broker and consultant Dan Gase, who refused to initially acknowledge defeat. Overall, Republicans gained control of several Democratic seats across the state, and Van De Wege's results showed his ability to win support across party lines. In 2012 Van de Wege was challenged by Port Ludlow resident Craig Durgan. Van De Wege prevailed with 64% of the vote in the general election. In 2014 Representative Van De Wege ran unchallenged. In 2016, Van De Wege announced his intention to run for Washington's 24th State Senate district, being vacated by the retiring Jim Hargrove. Van De Wege went on to defeat Independent Republican Danille Turissini in the election, winning 56.6% against Turissini's 43.4%  Van De Wege is a member of the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, co-chairs the Heritage Caucus in Olympia, and is a member of the Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Fighter Pension Board.