Primary results begin to take shape across Chelan County

WENATCHEE — Chelan County voters cast nearly 16,000 ballots in Tuesday's primary election, with several closely watched legislative and county races taking shape as the first unofficial results were released.

As of 8:16 p.m., voter turnout stood at 29%, with 15,995 ballots cast from 55,034 registered voters. Additional ballot counts are expected throughout the week before results are certified.

In Washington's 8th Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier led both districtwide and in Chelan County after the first ballot count. Across the six-county district, Schrier received 54% of the vote, while Republicans Spencer Meline and Trinh Ha were separated by just seven votes in the race for the second spot on the November ballot.

Locally, Schrier received 50.26% of the vote with 7,894 votes. Meline was second in Chelan County with 19.24%, followed by Ha at 14.06% and Bob Hagglund at 12.90%.

The contest for Position 1 in the 12th Legislative District remained one of the closest races of the evening. Although Republican incumbent Brian Burnett led in Chelan County with 52.79% to Democrat Stacy Willoughby's 47.11%, early returns from King County gave Willoughby a narrow districtwide lead of just 46 votes. Because only two candidates filed, both will advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of the primary outcome.

In the race for Position 2, Republican incumbent Mike Steele led both locally and districtwide. Steele received 52.95% of the vote in Chelan County, ahead of Republican Adam James at 25.81% and Democrat Maggie Adams at 21.19%. Districtwide returns, however, showed Adams running second behind Steele, positioning those two candidates to advance to the general election under Washington's top-two primary system.

Several county races also remained competitive.

In the race for Chelan County assessor, Independent candidate Britini Port led Republican Wes Cornelius, 53.28% to 46.53%.

Brian Brett held a substantial lead over fellow Republican Brandt Cappell in the auditor's race, receiving 60.59% of the vote to Cappell's 38.38%.

The four-candidate race for county clerk was led by Independent Sandra Arechiga with 39.07%, followed by Republican Marty Young at 29.98%. Republican Samantha J. Thompson received 16.39%, while Charlene Beck, who states no party preference, received 14.44%. Arechiga and Young were in position to advance to November.

The closest county contest was for Chelan County commissioner, District 2. Democrat Clint Strand held a narrow lead with 46.25% of the vote, while Republican Shon D. Smith followed closely with 45.54%. Independent Nathanial Helligso received 8.18%. Strand and Smith were positioned to advance to the general election.

In uncontested races, Republican Earl J. Crowe received 98.40% of the vote for coroner, while Republican Robert W. Sealby received 98.02% in the prosecuting attorney's race.

Sheriff Mike Morrison led challenger Stan Langlow, with both running as Republicans, receiving 75.24% of the vote to Langlow's 24.02%.

The race for county treasurer remained close, with Republican Rick Viall holding a slim lead over Democrat Doug Miller, 51.20% to 48.64%.

Election night totals remain unofficial. Washington counties will continue counting ballots postmarked by Election Day and release updated results throughout the week before the election is certified.