Editor’s note: For more Primary Election coverage, including U.S. District 6 results, turn to A4.
The Primary Election is now behind us and the campaigns for the General Election (Nov. 5) heat up.
The Grays Harbor County Auditor reported that 9,642 votes have been counted, with an estimated 8,000 ballots left to be counted. Ballot counts will continue with the certification of results on Aug. 20. Grays Harbor County Auditor Joe MacLean said the next count will be late today (Thursday) and likely another one on Friday.
All four levy measures up for approval passed. Only one race, for Grays Harbor County Supreme Court Position 2, is still awaiting more ballots to be counted for the second and final position.
Legislative District 24
For the Legislative District 24 Senate, Democrat Mike Chapman is leading with 55% of the vote over Republican Marcia Kelbon, who garnered 40% of the vote. Both of them will move on to the General Election. Left behind is Democrat James Russell, who came in with 5% of the vote.
For the Legislative District 24 state Representative Position 1, with five candidates, the top two who will survive to the General Election are Democrat Adam Bernbaum with 29% of the vote, and Republican Matthew Roberson with 27% of the vote.
For the Legislative District 24 state Representative Position 2, Democrat and incumbent Steve Tharinger has a large showing with 60% of the vote. The two Republicans, Terry Roberts (26% of the vote) and Hickory Grant (14% of the vote) split the GOP. Roberts will join Tharinger in the General Election.
Legislative District 35
For state Representative Position 1, Republican Dan Giffey is running unopposed. He came in with 93% of the vote.
For state Representative Position 2, Republican Travis Couture (45%) will go on to the General Election where he will face Democrat James DeHart (44%).
Legislative District 19
For the Legislative District 35 Senate, incumbent Republican Jeff Wilson (59%) has a large lead over Democrat Andi Day (41%).
For the state Representative Position 1, incumbent Republican Jim Walsh will move on with 58% of the vote. Walsh, the chair of the state GOP, will face Democrat Mike Coverdale (41%) in the General Election.
Grays Harbor County Commissioner Position 1
Republican Georgia Miller had a strong showing with 57% of the vote. Democrat Chris Thomas will join her in the General Election after coming in with 18% of the vote.
Grays Harbor County Commissioner Position 2
This commissioner race is tight and should prove interesting in the General Election. Republican Rick Hole is holding on to a slight lead with 43% of the vote; Democrat Brian Blake is just behind at 42%.
Grays Harbor County Supreme Court Position 2
Dave Larson had a good showing with 49% of the vote. Moving on to the General Election with Larson is still up for grabs. Sal Mungia has 22% with 1,720 votes. Todd Bloom has 21% with 1,647 of the vote.
“It’s way too close to call,” Auditor MacLean said on Wednesday.
Levies
All four Grays Harbor levy elections are passing.
City of Elma levy to partially fund police services for 2025 is passing with 61% in favor.
School District 64 — North Beach capital levy for instructional technology improvements is passing with 54% yes votes.
Fire District 2 EMS property tax levy is passing with a whopping 71% in support.
South Beach Regional Fire Authority excess levy for maintenance and operations passed with 64% in favor.
