(The Center Square) – As the primary election comes to a close on Tuesday, Spokane County residents have one day left to cast their ballots as several local leaders are eyeing offices at the state level.
While seasoned politicians like Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig and Sen. Mike Padden are leaving office, others hope to secure another term. All in all, residents across Spokane’s five legislative districts will help determine 15 offices.
Legislative District 3
With Billig stepping aside, Rep. Marcus Riccelli is anticipated to take his seat while running unopposed in the Senate. Rep. Timm Ormsby is also running unopposed but intends to keep his seat in the house as three hopefuls come for Riccelli’s opening.
Democrats Natasha Hill and Ben Stuckart, as well as Republican Tony Kiepe are all on the ticket for a seat in the state House of Representatives. Stuckart held a local office as Spokane City Council president for years, while Hill, an attorney, has made a name for herself by advocating for various groups.
Kiepe is hoping to shift the district’s political makeup, which is currently entirely Democratic.
Legislative District 4
Spokane’s entirely Republican district is also expecting a shift in leadership. Rep. Leonard is giving up his seat as he seeks Sen. Mike Padden’s alongside multiple Spokane Valley leaders, including Mayor Pam Hayley, Councilmember Al Merkel and businessman Mike Kelly.
Rep. Suzanne Schmidt hopes to defend her seat in the house from two other candidates, while six more come for Christian’s opening.
Legislative District 6 and 7
While neither senator from District 6 or 7 is up for reelection this time, each of the four House seats is on the ballot. Republican Rep. Mike Volz is up against Democrat Steven McCray, and Republican Rep. Jenny Graham is going head-to-head with Democrat Michaela Kelso.
Meanwhile, District 7 will elect two new leaders to replace Republicans Rep. Joel Kretz and Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber. Kretz is not running for reelection and Maycumber is running for Washington’s 5th Congressional District seat held by Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, who is retiring.
However, with only one Democrat among all the candidates in both races, it’s unlikely that the party will be able to shift District 7 away from its Republican majority.
Legislative District 9
All three of District 9’s Republican legislators are running for reelection, with Sen. Mark Schoesler running unopposed, as Rep. Mary Dye and Rep. Joe Schmick defend their House seats from a few Democrats hoping to shift the majority there.
County Commissioners, Taxes and Other Races
Spokane County Commissioners Chris Jordan, Josh Kerns and Al French are all up for reelection, with only French facing competition on the ballot. Coming for his spot is Molly Marshall, a 30-year Air National Guard veteran having served multiple tours in the Middle East.
In addition to all the local races, residents will also vote on five tax measures and several other state and federal-level offices.
Ballot drop boxes will close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the unofficial results will be available within approximately one hour. The official results will be certified on Aug. 20.
