Tuesday, November 3, 2026
CHELAN COUNTY — Brian Burnett held an early lead over Stacy Willoughby among Chelan County voters, while Willoughby led districtwide in the race for Washington’s 12th Legislative District House Position 1 seat after results were released Nov. 3.
In Chelan County, Brian Burnett received 13,063 votes (52.71%), while Stacy Willoughby received 11,705 (47.23%), according to unofficial results reported as of 8:37 p.m. Nov. 3.
The candidates were separated by 1,358 votes in Chelan County.
Across the full district, which includes communities in Chelan, King and Snohomish counties, Brian Burnett received 23,542 votes (48.47%), while Stacy Willoughby received 24,997 (51.46%). Willoughby led by 1,455 votes districtwide.
In King County’s portion of the district, Burnett received 4,641 (40.24%) to Willoughby’s 6,887 (59.71%). In Snohomish County’s portion, Burnett received 5,838 (47.63%) to Willoughby’s 6,405 (52.26%).
The candidates finished the certified Aug. 4 primary fewer than 200 votes apart districtwide. Burnett received 54.25% in Chelan County to Willoughby’s 45.65%, while her stronger showing west of the Cascades nearly erased his local advantage.
Burnett, a Republican and former Chelan County sheriff, was first elected to the House in 2024 and is seeking a second term. In campaign forums, he has emphasized local control and argued that state mandates and regulations increase housing costs, particularly when requirements designed for the Puget Sound region are applied to rural communities.
Willoughby, a Democrat and commercial lender with 25 years of financial experience, has served as board president of Chelan Valley Hope and on the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce board. She has emphasized affordability, bipartisan cooperation and representing rural communities on both sides of Stevens Pass.
On housing, Willoughby has called for easier permitting and greater flexibility for modular, prefabricated and multigenerational homes. She has also connected housing construction to building-trades apprenticeships and local workforce development.
“Lots of ballots left to count,” said Brian Burnett when we reached out to him by phone On Tuesday night. “Later results always favor conservatives, so we’re still holding out hope.”
“I’m blown away by the support here tonight,” said Willoughby from an election night party held at Epoch on Wenatchee Avenue. “I think it’s indicative of the support across the district. The people want something different, and I think I can help with that. I want to help with that,” she said.
The results are unofficial. Chelan County’s next results update is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 4.
Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media
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