State to certify outcomes by Dec. 8
One last report of Okanogan County results from the Nov. 8 general election confirmed the likely outcomes of several races, assuring victories to Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow for sheriff, Oroville Mayor Jon Neal for county commissioner and incumbent Dave Rodriguez for coroner.
The auditor’s office released another round of ballot counting results on Monday (Nov. 28). On Tuesday (Nov. 29), the county canvassing board was expected to certify and transmit results to the Secretary of State’s Office. Dec. 8 is the last day for Secretary of State to certify results.
Budrow, Twisp’s police chief, started out trailing one-term incumbent Sheriff Tony Hawley in early returns, but surged ahead in the third counting and built on that lead. As of Monday Budrow had tallied 7,821 votes (52.29%) to Hawley’s 7,135 (47.71%).
Meanwhile, in the race for the District 3 County Commissioner seat, Neal defeated Lloyd Caton Jr. of Tonasket. Rodriguez, of Twisp, rode a primary election write-in campaign to a position on the November ballot and defeated Rojean (Jeannie) Hughes of Tonasket. Incumbent Okanogan County PUD District 3 Commissioner Jerry Asmussen maintained his seat over challenger Joseph Enzensperger of Tonasket.
In the only contested race in state Legislative District 7, incumbent State Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber easily overcame a challenge by fellow Republican Lonny Ray Williams of Republic.
In the 4th Congressional District, which includes the Methow Valley, incumbent Rep. Dan Newhouse was easily re-elected over Democratic challenger Doug White.
Statewide, incumbent Sen. Patty Murray outpolled Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley, 1,738,832 votes (57.2%) to 1,296,830 (42.7%). In Okanogan County, Smiley drew 9,926 votes (59.91%) to Murray’s 6,643 (40.09%).
The Methow Valley Emergency Medical Services District won overwhelming approval, with 2,471 “yes” votes (81.34%) to 567 “no” votes (18.66%).
In results as of Monday’s counting:
• Neal triumphed with 6,954 votes (52.19%) to Caton’s 6,370 (47.81%) in the contest to replace Commissioner Jim Detro.
• Rodriguez tallied 9,075 votes (65.19%) to Hughes’ 4,846 votes (34.81%) in the coroner’s race.
• Asmussen garnered 8,521votes (60.54%) to Enzensperger’s 5,533 votes (39.46%) for the PUD position.
• Districtwide, Maycumber drew 42,297 votes (72.8%) to Williams’ 14,656 (25.2%) in the race for state representative, Position 1. In Okanogan County, Maycumber had 10,227 votes (77.16%); Williams polled 3,027 votes (22.84%).
• Districtwide in the Congressional contest, Newhouse tallied 149,996 votes (66.5%) to White’s 70,311 votes (31.2%). In Okanogan County, the margin was narrower: Newhouse 9,669 (60.89%), White 6,210 (39.11%).
• Filing for re-election, and drawing no challengers, were Okanogan County incumbents Assessor Larry Gilman, Auditor Cari Hall and Prosecuting Attorney Albert Lin. Susan Speiker was the only candidate for county clerk and Pam Johnson was the only candidate for county treasurer.
• Incumbent Republicans Sen. Shelly Short and Rep. Joel Kretz ran unopposed for their 7th District positions.
• Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Robert Grim and District Court judges Chancey Crowell and Charles Short were re-elected without opposition.
Newly elected officials will take office in January 2023.
