Smith widens lead in Chelan County commissioner race

CHELAN COUNTY — The narrow margin between incumbent Shon Smith and Clint Strand is widening slightly in the Chelan County Commissioner District 2 primary race as more ballots are being counted.

As of Thursday afternoon, Smith holds 46.63 percent of the vote (3,882 votes) compared to Strand’s 44.96 percent (3,743 votes).

The 139-vote difference is a small step up from last night’s counts, when Smith held a lead over Strand by only 10 votes. 

The two candidates continue to pull well ahead of the race’s third contender, Nathaniel Helligso, who has hovered around the 8 percent mark since initial results were released Tuesday night. 

Both Strand and Smith will advance to the general election this November, with the close primary suggesting a closely contested race ahead.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media