(The Center Square) – The race for Pierce County Executive is too close to call after Election Day.
As of Wednesday morning, Pierce County Council Chair Ryan Mello, a Democrat, is leading Rep. Kelly Chambers, R-Puyallup, by less than 3% of votes.
Current Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier has reached his current term limit and is unable to run again.
If Mello’s lead holds up, the executive position will switch from a Republican to a Democrat for the first time since 2016, before Dammeier took office.
Mello’s campaign has revolved around creating more incentives and mandates to build more affordable housing, expanding behavioral health programs, supporting reproductive rights, and expanding public transit.
On the other side of the race, Chambers’ priorities include preserving energy choice, repairing road infrastructure, improving public safety, and providing schools with necessary resources.
Both of the candidates support the construction of more housing in the region and creating more programs that address the root causes of homelessness.
Whoever wins will take over county executive responsibilities, which include overseeing all operations within the county government and services. This means they will be in charge of a $3.2 billion budget and more than 3,000 employees.
Mello has served in the Pierce County Council since 2021. Prior to that, Mello was on the Tacoma City Council from 2010-2019.
Chambers has represented the 25th Legislative District since 2019. She also serves as the ranking Republican member of the House Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee, assistant ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, and is also a member of the House Innovation, Community & Economic Development, and Veterans Committee.
Votes are still being counted. The Center Square will continue to cover this race.
