Dems win most contests in Kitsap, state

While the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump captivated voters nationwide, the Red Wave stopped at the Washington border and in Kitsap County, too, as there were few surprises for local races on Election Night Nov. 5.

Most races aren’t even close, with Dems way in front. The only close races are for state representative Position 1 in District 26, state schools chief and Supreme Court position 2. Close measures are the North Kitsap school levy and Initiative 2066.

For Kitsap County commissioner District 2, Oran Root, R, had a big lead over fellow GOP candidate Sean Murphy 60% (44,662) to 40% (29,426). Both are competing for the seat held by Charlotte Garrido, who did not seek re-election. “It was a good campaign and doesn’t change the fact that we still move forward serving Kitsap County,” Murphy said in a statement to the Kitsap News Group. Root did not respond.

In the commissioner District 1 race, incumbent Christine Rolfes, D, was beating write-in candidate Scott Henden, I, 59% (53,618) to 41% (37,419). “I’m really excited to be able to keep working for the people of Kitsap County,” Rolfes said. “I’ve met so many people from across the county over the last year, and there’s lots of work to do together.”

Henden expressed disappointment, but was grateful to everyone who supported him. “This is a tough race going in, and if you look at the results for the last 20 years, these are tough races to get into. I think I would do the same thing if I was going to do it again, and I wish her the best success for the citizens,” he said.

For the U.S. representative District 6 race, Emily Randall, D, was beating Drew MacEwen, R, in Kitsap County 58% (54,765) to 42% (39,566). Statewide she leads 57% to 43%. The seat is currently held by Derek Kilmer, who did not seek re-election.

For state lawmakers representing Kitsap or parts of it, incumbent Drew Hanson, D, was beating Lance Byrd, R, 65% (34,988) to 35% (18,467) for the Senate spot for Legislative District 23. For state representative Position 1 in that district incumbent Tarra Simmons, D, was beating Kurt Robertson, R, 64% (34,020) to 36% (19,074). For Position 2, Greg Nance, D, who was appointed last year, was leading Jamie Miles, R, 67% (35,721) to 33% (17,803). For District 26, state rep. Position 1, Adison Richards, D, was leading Jesse L. Young, R, 52% (14,661) to 48% (13,427).

There were two Republicans winning in local races. For Position 2, 26th District, incumbent Michelle Caldier was leading Tiffiny Mitchell, D, 53% (14,810) to 47% (13,221) in Kitsap and 54% to 46% overall. And in District 35, state rep. Position 2, incumbent Travis Couture, R, was beating James DeHart, D, 63% (7,302) to 38% (4,375) and overall 58% to 42%.

For Kitsap Public Utility District, incumbent Heather Pauley was leading Richard Tift 62% (49,039) to 38% (29,704).

North Kitsap School District’s six-year, $31.9 million Facilities and Technology Capital Projects levy measure was barely passing 51% (9,848) to 49% (9,611).

Voter turnout in Kitsap so far is 63% (123,956 of 197,010). Statewide it’s 53% (2.643 million out of 5.019 million). The election will be certified Nov. 26 with updates many days before then.

(Kitsap then statewide results)

President: Kamala Harris, D, 58% (57,588); Donald Trump, R, 38% (36,427); Harris 58%-Trump 39%. Nationwide: Trump 277 Electoral Votes, Harris 224. Popular vote Trump 71,586,270 (51%) to Harris 66,731,023 (47.5%).

State races

US senator: Incumbent Maria Cantwell, D, 60% (57,245); Dr. Raul Garcia, R,40% (37,647) ; Cantwell 60%-Garcia 40%

Governor: Bob Ferguson, D, 58% (55,007); Dave Reichert, R, 42% (40,507); Ferguson 56%-Reichert 44%

Lt. governor: Incumbent Denny Heck, D, 57% (54,259); Dan Matthews, R,43% (40,332); Heck 57%-Matthews 43%

Secretary of state: Incumbent Steve Hobbs, D, 61% (57,100); Dale Whitaker, R, 39% (37,022); 60%-Whitaker 40%

Treasurer: Incumbent Mike Pellicciotti, D, 59% (55,048); Sharon Hanek, R, 41% (38,629); Pellicciotti 58%-Hanek 42%

Auditor: Incumbent Pat McCarthy, D, 59% (55,648); Matt Hawkins, R, 41% (37,910); McCarthy 59%-Hawkins 41%.

Attorney General: Nick Brown, D, 57% (54,000); Pete Serrano, R, 43% (39,935); Brown 56%-Serrano 44%

Lands commissioner: Dave Upthegrove, D, 55% (51,136); Jaime Herrera Beutler, R, 45% (42,329); Upthegrove 53%-Beutler 47%

State schools chief: Incumbent Chris Reykdal, 51% (42,029); David Olson, 48% (39,613); Reykdal 54%-Olson 46%

Insurance commissioner: Patty Kuderer, D, 58% (53,664) Phil Fortunato, R, 42% (38,891); Kuderer 57%-Fortunato 43%

Supreme Court justice Position 2: Dave Larson 52% (42,288) Sal Mungia, 48% (39,525); Larson 49.78%-Mungia 49.73%.

State measures

Initiative 2066: Repeals laws that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrification. 51% yes (47,376), 49% no (45,352); 51%-49%

I-2109: Repeals excise tax for people who have annual capital gains of over $250,000. 36% yes (33,844), 64% no (60,583); 37%-63%

I-2117: Prohibits carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 37% yes (35,155), 63% no (58,931); 38%-62%

I-2124: Would allow employees to elect rather than be mandated to have state long-term care insurance. 43% yes (40,298), 57% no (52,902); 45%-55%.

Reporters Molly Hetherwick and Britney Fletcher-West contributed to this story.