Primary election results: Fire measures passing, Republicans lead Kitsap commissioner race

The general election to chose the next Kitsap County commissioner could be between Republicans, with two GOP candidates at the top of the list after the primary election, according to results posted Tuesday night by the Kitsap County Auditor's Office.

According to initial returns, Sean Murphy leads the District 2 race with just more than 26 percent of the primary ballots, followed by Oran Root at approximately 22%. The top two, who would move on to November's general election, are followed by Democrats Stacey Smith (21%) Jeff Coughlin (19%) and Matt Macklin (just under 9%). Paul Nuchims, who prefers the Abe Lincoln Democrat Party, received 120 votes, or just 1% of the total.

Just 78 votes separate Root from Smith, and totals will be updated each evening this week.

Voters approved funding emergency medical services or fire departments for four Kitsap County departments and one in North Mason, though a renovation for the Bainbridge Parks District Ray Williamson Pool was falling short of the 60 percent needed in initial returns, released after 8 p.m. by the Auditor's Office.

The levy lid lift request for the Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue passed with 55% of the vote in favor, and EMS levies for North Kitsap Fire and Rescue (77% in favor), Poulsbo Fire Department (74%), Bremerton (64%) and North Mason were also approved, according to initial returns.

Live results: Click here to see results for Kitsap County primary races and ballot measures

Results are expected to be announced by the Kitsap County Auditor's Office around 8 p.m. Auditor Paul Andrews said his office anticipates a voter turnout of around 40%.

The other primary night question drawing significant statewide interest was the choice voters in Kitsap and Pierce counties have on a key Congressional race, where two candidates will advance Tuesday night in the contest to replace current Sixth District Rep. Derek Kilmer.

State Sen. Emily Randall, a Democrat, pulled in 34 percent of the primary vote, followed by state Rep. Drew MacEwan, a Republican, at 30%. Current state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz drew 26.5%.

In state legislative races, leaders on Tuesday include current Sen. Drew Hansen and Republican Lance Byrd for the 23rd District Senate position; Rep. Tarra Simmons and Republican Kurt Robertson in the 23rd's Pos. 1 race; and Rep. Greg Nance and Republican Jamie Miles in the 23rd's Post. 2 race.

For the 26th District, Adison Richards (D) and Jesse Young (R) will move ahead for Pos. 1, with Rep. Michelle Caldier (R) and Tiffiny Mitchell (D) for Pos. 2.

Two Republicans lead their re-election races in the 35th District, with incumbent Rep. Dan Griffey advancing unopposed and Rep. Travis Couture (45.3 percent) likely to match up with Democrat James DeHart (43.7 percent) in November.

Statewide primaries include the governor's office, where Gov. Jay Inslee is not running for re-election, along with lieutenant governor, attorney general, state commissioner of public lands, and attorney general, among others.

Live results: Click here to see results for state races, including the 23rd, 26th and 35th District legislative races

Election totals will be updated by the Kitsap County Auditor's Office daily at 5 p.m., Kitsap County Auditor Paul Andrews said. Vote totals are scheduled for certification on Tuesday, August 20, according to the auditor's office.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

This story will be updated through the evening.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington primary election results 2024