PORT ANGELES — Voters locally will decide on several primaries in August now that candidate filing has wrapped up.
Following U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer’s decision to step down, the race for his 6th District Congressional seat attracted numerous candidates. Notable Republicans include state Sen. Drew MacEwen of Union and Republican Federal Way nonprofit founder Janis Clark. Democrats in the running are Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz of Grays Harbor and state Sen. Emily Randall of Bremerton. Port Angeles lawyer J. Graham Ralston filed to run as an Independent.
Franz’s departure as Land Commissioner sparked a series of moves, with state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege pursuing her vacated seat, leaving the 24th Legislative District’s Senate position open. Democrat Mike Chapman then announced a bid for that Senate seat.
Chapman will have a primary race with fellow Democrat James Russell of Port Angeles and Quilcene Republican Marcia Kelbon.
Several candidates have emerged in the race to fill Chapman’s House seat. Democrat candidates are former House Legislative Assistant Adam Bernbaum, Makah Tribal Councilmember Nate Tyler, and Sequim School Board President Eric Pickens. Republicans in the race are Clallam County Deputy Prosecutor Matt Roberson and JR Streifel from Aberdeen.
The 24th District Position 2 seat saw Republicans Hickory Grant and Terry Roberts challenging Democratic incumbent Rep. Steve Tharinger.
There will also be a primary for a seat on the Clallam PUD board. Phyllis Bernard, who was just appointed to fill the seat, will face Kenneth Reandeau and Ken Simpson both of Port Angeles.
Three candidates filed for a Clallam County Commission seat. Incumbent Independent Randy Johnson will face Democrats Kate Dexter of Port Angeles and Anders Tron-Haukebo of Sequim.
Multiple candidates for statewide offices will also appear on the August primary ballot.
In Washington primaries, the top two vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election.