He lived in Sequim Washington for 20 years before moving to Port Angeles with his wife Jennifer, a Principal at Tenino Elementary School.

Starting in 1995 Van De Wege served as a Resident Firefighter with Snohomish County Fire District #7 and completed paramedic training.

[4][5] In 2004, Van De Wege challenged Republican incumbent Representative Jim Buck, narrowly losing 51-49 percent, a margin of fewer than 2,000 votes.

[7] In his first term in the House, Van De Wege was selected by his colleagues to serve as an assistant majority whip.

He was challenged by Port Angeles real estate broker and consultant Dan Gase, who refused to initially acknowledge defeat.

[12] 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 2016, Van De Wege announced his intention to run for Washington's 24th State Senate district, being vacated by the retiring Jim Hargrove.

[2] Van De Wege announced his campaign for Public Lands Commissioner on June 21, 2023, giving up his seat in the Senate.