The latest round of Okanogan County returns from the Aug. 2 primary election, filed on Monday (Aug. 15), continued to show incumbent Sheriff Tony Hawley and challenger Paul Budrow, the police chief in Twisp, as the leading vote-getters to advance to the November general election.
The primary election also narrowed the field in the contest for the District 3 county commissioner seat. And an unexpected race is now on to fill the county coroner’s position.
In the sheriff’s race, Hawley — who is seeking his second term — drew 4,.558 votes (41%) to Budrow’s 4,234 votes (38.2%) in the updated results posted Monday by the Okanogan County Auditor’s Office. A second challenger to Hawley, Kevin Newport of Omak, trailed with 2,302 votes (20.7%).
In the race to fill the District 3 commissioner seat being vacated by Jim DeTro, Lloyd Caton Jr. of Tonasket (1,597 votes, 37.3%) and Oroville Mayor Jon Neal (1,470 votes, 34.4%) were in a close race to advance to the November election. Two other contenders, Aaron Kester of Tonasket (717 votes, 16.8%) and Kari Alexander of Tonasket (494 votes, 11.5%), trailed.
Only District 3 residents vote in the primary. In the general election, all county residents will choose between the top two vote-getters from the primary.
Rojean (Jeannie) Hughes of Tonasket, the only candidate for county coroner who was listed on the ballot, drew 6,646 votes or 83.4% of the total — but will nonetheless face competition in the November general election.
Incumbent David Rodriguez did not file for re-election, but a late write-in effort for Rodriguez generated considerable support, as the 1,325 write-in votes reported by the auditor’s office account for 16.56% of the total cast. If the write-in votes are validated, Rodriguez will be on the November general election ballot.
The next vote tally was to be issued on Tuesday (Aug. 16) after the News went to press.
In other results:
- An excess tax levy renewal request by Three Rivers Hospital (Hospital District 1) was being approved with nearly 67% of the voters in Okanogan and Douglas counties supporting the request, 2,809 yes to 1,406 no.
- Filing for re-election, and drawing no challengers, were incumbents Assessor Larry Gilman, Auditor Cari Hall and Prosecuting Attorney Albert Lin.
- Susan Speiker was the only candidate for county clerk.
- Pam Anderson was the only candidate for county treasurer.
- In the 4th District congressional race, incumbent Republican Dan Newhouse had drawn about 25.4% of the counted votes in district-wide returns, while Democrat Doug White was the leading challenger with about 25.2% of the vote. Republican and former gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp was in third with about 21.6%. Five other challengers trailed, none garnering more than 12%. The top two vote-getters advance to the November general election. In Okanogan County, White drew 30.8% of the votes, Culp 29.7% and Newhouse 22.6%.
- In Washington state Legislative District 7, incumbent state Sen. Shelly Short was unopposed. Incumbent State Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, who was challenged by Lonny Ray Williams of Republic, drew about 70.8% of the counted district-wide votes to Williams’ 26.8%. In Okanogan County, Maycumber drew about 76.9% of the votes to Williams’ 23.2%. Incumbent state Rep. Joel Kretz had no challengers.
For complete statewide results, visit https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20220802/default.htm.
