Burnett widens lead over Willoughby in 12th District primary

NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON — Rep. Brian Burnett expanded his narrow lead over challenger Stacy Willoughby on Thursday as additional primary ballots were counted across Washington's 12th Legislative District, increasing his statewide advantage to 151 votes.

With updated results released Thursday afternoon, Burnett had 19,240 votes (50.16%) to Willoughby's 19,089 (49.76%), a margin of 151 votes, or 0.40 percentage points. The race remains one of the closest legislative contests in the state.

In Chelan County, where all 104 precincts have now reported, Burnett received 10,813 votes (53.69%) to Willoughby's 9,305 (46.21%). Both candidates will advance to the November general election because only two candidates filed for the seat.

The district also includes portions of Snohomish and King counties, where the race remains closely divided geographically. Burnett maintained a slim edge in Snohomish County with 5,062 votes (50.84%) to Willoughby's 4,891 (49.12%), while Willoughby continued to lead decisively in King County, receiving 4,893 votes (59.20%) to Burnett's 3,365 (40.71%).

Burnett, a Republican and former Chelan County sheriff, first won the seat in 2024. Willoughby, a Democrat and president of Chelan Valley Hope, is making her first bid for the Legislature.

Thursday's update reflects continued processing of ballots received by Election Day rather than new precinct returns. While Burnett's lead has grown since Wednesday's count, the contest remains exceptionally close, with just 151 votes separating the candidates across the three-county district.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media