Goehner ahead in State Senate contest

Keith Goehner

WENATCHEE — Republican Keith W. Goehner has taken a commanding lead in the race for Washington's 12th District State Senate seat, with strong showings in two of three counties comprising the district.

According to latest election results, Goehner has secured 37,065 total votes (54.9%) across Chelan, Snohomish, and King counties, while Democratic challenger Jim Mayhew trails with 29,360 votes (44.9%).

The results show distinct geographic divisions in voter preferences. Goehner demonstrated particular strength in Chelan County, where he captured 63.5% of the vote (21,074 votes) compared to Mayhew's 36.4% (12,077 votes). This advantage continued in Snohomish County, where Goehner maintained 54.9% (8,917 votes) to Mayhew's 45% (7,298 votes).

However, Mayhew found stronger support in King County, where he secured 58.5% of the vote (9,985 votes) compared to Goehner's 41.4% (7,074 votes).

The senate seat is being vacated by incumbent Brad Hawkins, who opted to run for Chelan County Commissioner. In that race, preliminary results show Hawkins leading with 64.8% of the vote against challenger Flint Hartwig.

The election results remain unofficial, with Chelan County reporting approximately 7,255 ballots still to be counted. The next ballot count update is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, at 5 p.m.

Write-in candidates received minimal support across all three counties, accounting for less than 1% of the total vote.