Primary Election Update

With virtually all of the ballots counted in Spokane, the head-to-head contests are set for November’s showdown.

Let’s take a look at some key races:

Governor

It’s Bob Ferguson (D) with 45.2% vs Dave Reichert (R) at 27.4% to decide who redecorates the Governor’s mansion for the first time in quite a while. The next highest vote-getters were Semi Bird (R) at 10.62% and Mark Mullet (D) with 5.87% of the vote. In a heavily Democrat-leaning state, Ferguson likely repeats his Primary win in November.

5th Congressional District

Former Defender of Housing award winner Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) also retired this year, leading to a bevy of candidates vying to replace her in Washington D.C. Amid a crowded primary Michael Baumgartner (R) with 27.73% and Carmela Conroy (D) with 18.47% will advance to November’s General Election. Notable other republicans in the race include Jacqueline Maycumber (R) 13.2%, Brian Dansel (R) 10.66%, and Jonathan Bingle (R) 3.75%. Bernadine Bank (D) 11.93% and Ann Marie Danimus (D) 5.57% round out the democrat candidates. The 5th District is a right-leaning as Washington State is left, leaving Baumgartner the presumptive winner.

3rd Legislative District - State Representative Position 1

In one of the closest races this year, Natasha Hill (D) 32.5% beat Ben Stuckart (D) 31.8% by just 272 votes. That means Hill is likely to replace Marcus Riccelli (D) who is running unopposed for the State Senate seat vacated by the retiring Andy Billig (D). The lone Republican, Tony Kiepe (R), received 35.46% of the vote and will advance to November’s General Election.

4th Legislative District - State Senate

The first of two hotly contested races in the 4th Legislative District, State Representative Leonard Christian (R) leads the Republican field with 21.46% of the vote, followed closely by Mike Kelly (R) with 20.95%. Spokane Valley City Council Members Pam Haley (R) and Al Merkel (R) round out the field with 12.82% and 11.95% respectively. The top vote-getter in the Primary was Miguel Valencia (D) with 22.11%. Valencia advances to the General Election where he is expected to fall to Rep. Christian (R).

4th Legislative District - State Representative Position 2

Similar to the Senate seat, 4 republicans and 2 democrats vied for a chance to represent the district in Olympia. Ted Cummings (D) with 24.04% will represent democrats in the fall while Rob Chase (R) with 24.37% took the primary win and looks likely to return to the Legislature. Brandi Peetz (R) and Michael Schmidt (R) end with 22.86% and 16.32%.

7th Legislative District - State Representative Position 1

In an open seat due to Jacqueline Maycumber (R) running for Congress, Andrew Engels (R) leads with 47.77%. Teagan Levine (R) garnered 25.15%, but will miss by just 75 votes to Soo Ing-Moody’s 25.36%.

7th Legislative District - State Representative Position 2

Another open seat, this one caused by the retirement of long-term representative Joel Kretz (R), sees a four-way race where Hunter Bell (R) leads at 35.17%. Democrat Paul “Rocky” Dean (D) has 27.26% and Pat Bell (R) is third with 23.94%. Ronald McCoy (R) tallied 13.43%. A republican stronghold, this republican vs democrat race is all but certain come November.

Other Legislative District Endorsed Candidates

Incumbents Suzanne Schmidt (R) 4th Legislative District - State Representative Position 1, Mike Volz (R) 6th Legislative District - State Representative Position 1, Jenny Graham (R) 6th Legislative District - State Representative Position 2, Mary Dye (R) 9th Legislative District - State Representative Position 1, and Joe Schmick (R) 9th Legislative District - State Representative Position 2 all won by convincing margins and look to hold their seats in November.

Mark Schoesler (R) 9th Legislative District - State Senate, Tom Dent (R) 13th Legislative District - State Representative Position 1, and Alex Ybarra (R) 13th Legislative District - State Representative Position 2 ran unopposed and are all but guaranteed to return to Olympia.

Spokane County Commission District 1

Josh Kerns (R) is running unopposed and will continue as a pro-business and pro-housing advocate on the County Commission for another 4-year term.

Spokane County Commission District 5

In what is likely the most important race in recent memory, Al French (R) overcame a first night deficit to beat Molly Marshall (D) 51.05% to 48.63%. A critical swing district on the County Commission, this race determines control of the County Commission. If you want a business-friendly environment and a Commission that will actually help build more housing now, it is imperative that Al French win this race.

Join the Fight

Join the fight by getting involved in SHBA Government Affairs and Political Action efforts. To learn more about the important issues we advocate on contact Kelly Lotze klotze@shba.com or Isaiah Paine ipaine@shba.com.

You can also make a significant impact by donating to SHBA political efforts by visiting shba.com/give. Would you consider making a donation of $1000, $500, $100, or even $50? Any amount you give helps support pro-housing and pro-business candidates. Go to shba.com/give now to keep building Spokane.