Brian Brett leads Brandt Cappell in Chelan County auditor general election

Brian Brett is running for Chelan County auditor in the Nov. 3 general election.

ANDREW SIMPSON/WARD MEDIA

Brandt Cappell is running for Chelan County auditor in the Nov. 3 general election.

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CHELAN COUNTY — Brian Brett held an early lead over Brandt Cappell in the race for Chelan County auditor after results were released Nov. 3.

Brandt Cappell received 6,803 votes (30.72%), while Brian Brett received 15,087 (68.12%), according to results reported as of 8:33 p.m. Nov. 3.

The candidates were separated by 8,284 votes. Additional ballots remain to be counted.

The Republican-versus-Republican contest pits an appointed incumbent with experience inside the auditor’s office against a certified public accountant and retired Wenatchee Valley fire chief.

Cappell had been chief deputy auditor before taking over as acting auditor May 1, following longtime Auditor Skip Moore’s retirement in late April. County commissioners selected Cappell to fill the vacancy, with the appointment beginning July 1.

At the time of the appointment, commissioners said their decision was not an endorsement in the election and that voters would choose who would lead the office.

Brett entered the general election after receiving 12,044 votes in the certified Aug. 4 primary, about 61%, to Cappell’s 7,731, about 39%. Both candidates advanced to November.

Cappell’s campaign has emphasized election integrity, financial oversight and customer service. During an Oct. 8 candidate forum in Wenatchee, he highlighted access to ballot counting and payroll reviews. Brett emphasized financial planning and political neutrality, drawing on his accounting and fire-service background.

The candidates were not available for comment at press time.

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