SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County voters narrowed down the field of candidates for local political office during Washington state's 2021 primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Ballots were due at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Spokane County released its first round of results shortly after 8:15 p.m. Another round of results was released shortly before 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
A handful of key races are up for vote, including candidates for Spokane City Council and the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors. For races, the primary election narrows down to the top two candidates for the November general election. Races with more than two candidates will see candidates eliminated in this election.
Here are the latest results for key races in the primary election:
Spokane County Primary Results:
Spokane City Council: District 1, Council Position 2:
Three candidates are running to replace Council Member Kate Burke, the most progressive member of city council, who is not seeking reelection. The district represents Northeast Spokane. The other seat in this district is held by Council Member Michael Cathcart, currently the only conservative on city council.
Jonathan Bingle is leading the race with 47% of the vote. The race between progressives Naghmana Sherazi and Luc Jasmin is too close to call.
Spokane City Council: District 3, Position 2
Current City Council Member Candice Mumm is term-limited and cannot seek re-election this year. Five candidates are running to replace her. This district represents Northwest Spokane. The other seat is held by Council Member Karen Stratton.
Zack Zappone is leading the race after the first ballot count with 42% of the vote, followed by Mike Lish with 30% of the vote.
Spokane Valley City Council, Position 4
Current Spokane Valley Mayor Ben Wick is leading the race count with 61% of the vote. He will face off against Brandon Fenton, who owns The Black Diamond bar in Spokane Valley, in the November general election.
Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5
Spokane Valley City Council Position 5 Incumbent Pam Haley has a strong showing during the primary, leading with 48% of the vote. Haley will likely face business owner Wayne Fenton, who is Brandon Fenton's father, in the November general election.
Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7
Spokane Valley City Council Position 7 Incumbent Linda Thompson is currently trailing to Laura Padden, who is Washington State Senator Mike Padden's wife.
Spokane School District 81, Position 3
Melissa Bedford is leading the race for Position 3 on the Spokane Public Schools Board after the first ballot count with 43% of the vote, followed by Daryl Geffken with 32% of the vote.
Spokane School District 81, Position 4
Kata Dean is leading the race for Position 4 on the Spokane Public Schools Board after the first ballot count with 31% of the vote. Both Dean and Riley Smith had raised the most money in this race and are poised to advance.