Smith edges ahead of Strand in commissioner race

CHELAN COUNTY — For the Chelan County Commissioner District 2 race, incumbent Shon Smith pulls ahead of challenger Clint Strand by just 10 votes in the second round of election results in the Aug. 4 Primary.

With latest counts released Wednesday afternoon, Smith currently sits with 45.9 percent of the vote, or 2,998 votes. Strand is just a hair behind with 45.74 percent (2,988 votes). The narrow margin between Strand and Smith points to a competitive general election.

The narrow lead is a shift from initial results Tuesday night, where Strand held the lead with 46.25 percent of the vote (2,737 votes), compared to Smith’s 45.54 percent (2,695 votes)

With only two candidates advancing to the November election, Nathanial Helligso appears to be the candidate left behind in this primary election. In the second round of results, Helligso’s standing saw minimal improvement, increasing from 8.18 percent of the vote to 8.31 percent (484 votes to 543).

Smith is a business owner and current county commissioner. He was elected to the board in 2022, becoming chair in 2025. Strand is a Leavenworth City Council member and Executive Director of Wenatchee Valley College Foundation.