Smith’s commissioner lead narrows as more primary ballots are counted

WENATCHEE — Shon D. Smith’s lead in the Chelan County commissioner race narrowed slightly Friday as another round of ballots pushed countywide voter turnout to 42%, while most other primary races continued to hold their course.

As of 4:39 p.m. Friday, 23,031 ballots had been counted from 55,034 registered voters, according to unofficial Chelan County election results. The next results update is expected Monday afternoon.

The race for Chelan County commissioner, District 2, remained the county’s closest contest. Republican Smith received 4,206 votes, or 46.42%, compared with Democrat Clint Strand’s 4,094 votes, or 45.18%. Independent Nathanial Helligso received 756 votes, or 8.34%.

Smith’s advantage stood at 112 votes Friday, down from 139 votes following Thursday’s count. The race had been separated by just 10 votes Wednesday.

In Washington’s 8th Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier continued to lead the field in Chelan County with 48.36% of the vote, receiving 10,934 votes. Republican Spencer Meline remained second locally with 20.52%, followed by Trinh Ha at 14.44% and Bob Hagglund at 12.81%.

Districtwide, Schrier remained firmly in first place, while Meline continued to hold the second position for advancement to the Nov. 3 general election under Washington’s top-two primary system.

Based on Friday results from the district’s six counties, Schrier had approximately 96,559 votes, while Meline had 28,445. Ha followed with 26,985 votes, leaving Meline with an advantage of about 1,460 votes in the contest for second place.

In the 12th Legislative District Position 1 race, Republican Brian Burnett continued to lead Democrat Stacy Willoughby both in Chelan County and districtwide.

Burnett received 54.30% of the Chelan County vote, with 12,119 votes, compared with Willoughby’s 45.61%, or 10,180 votes.

The race remained considerably closer districtwide. Combining Friday results from Chelan, King and Snohomish counties, Burnett had approximately 21,246 votes to Willoughby’s 20,786, giving Burnett an advantage of about 460 votes.

Both candidates will advance to the general election because they are the only two candidates in the race.

In the Position 2 race, incumbent Republican Mike Steele continued to lead in Chelan County with 52.42% of the vote, receiving 11,770 votes. Republican Adam James remained second locally with 26.58%, while Democrat Maggie Adams received 20.95%.

The order remained different districtwide, where Steele continued to lead and Adams held second place.

Combining results from Chelan, King and Snohomish counties, Steele had approximately 17,391 votes, followed by Adams with 14,089 and James with 10,582. Steele and Adams remained in position to advance to November.

Independent Britini Port continued to lead the Chelan County assessor’s race, receiving 11,450 votes, or 52.86%, compared with Republican Wes Cornelius’ 10,170 votes, or 46.95%.

In the auditor’s race, Brian Brett maintained a comfortable lead over fellow Republican Brandt Cappell. Brett received 11,671 votes, or 60.30%, compared with Cappell’s 7,472 votes, or 38.61%.

Independent Sandra Arechiga continued to lead the four-candidate race for county clerk with 8,281 votes, or 38.09%. Republican Marty Young remained second with 6,649 votes, or 30.59%.

Republican Samantha J. Thompson received 3,712 votes, or 17.08%, while Charlene Beck, who states no party preference, received 3,071 votes, or 14.13%. Arechiga and Young remained in position to advance to the general election.

Sheriff Mike Morrison continued to hold a commanding lead over Republican challenger Stan Langlow, receiving 15,625 votes, or 75.49%, compared with Langlow’s 4,915 votes, or 23.75%.

Republican Rick Viall also maintained his advantage in the county treasurer’s race. Viall received 11,390 votes, or 52.55%, compared with Democrat Doug Miller’s 10,249 votes, or 47.29%.

In uncontested races, Republican Earl J. Crowe received 98.41% of the vote for coroner, while Republican Robert W. Sealby received 98.03% in the prosecuting attorney’s race.

Friday’s count increased Chelan County turnout from 38% Thursday to 42%, with 2,236 additional ballots included in the results.

The county’s next results update is expected at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10.

All results remain unofficial. Under Washington’s top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes in each contested race advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party preference. Counties will continue processing eligible ballots before certifying their results, and the secretary of state is scheduled to certify the primary election Aug. 21.