Incumbents lead the way in primary election’s early returns

Here are some early returns from Tuesday’s primary election that should be of particular interest to Auburn residents.

August 3, 2016 1:15 pm

Reporter staff

Here are some early returns from Tuesday’s primary election that should be of particular interest to Auburn residents. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the Nov. 8 general election.

In the primary for U.S. Senator, incumbent Patty Murray, D-Washington, got 53.41 percent (423,928 votes) of the total 793,790 votes cast in early returns, while her challenger, Chris Vance, R-Auburn, picked up 27.75 percent (220,301 votes) of votes cast, excluding write-ins.

In the primary for U.S. Congressional District 8, incumbent Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, took a commanding 57.53 percent (43.759 votes) of the total 74,320 votes cast to former newscaster Tony Ventrella, D-Newcastle, who picked up 17.34 percent (12,889 votes).

In the 47th Legislative District primary, Position 1 incumbent Rep. Mark Hargrove, R-Covington, moves on to the general, having taken 58.81 percent (7,650 votes) of the total 13,009 votes cast, excluding write-ins. His opponent will be Brooke Valentine, D-Black Diamond, who tallied 41.19 percent (5,359 votes).

In the primary for Legislative District 47, Position 2 incumbent Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, garnered 56.61 percent (7,393 votes) of the total 13,060 votes cast. His opponent will be Barry Knowles, R-Covington, who got 43.39 percent (5,667 votes).

In the 31st Legislative District primary to fill the open Position 2 seat formerly held by Rep. Chris Hurst, who did not run for re-election, Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, moves on to the Nov. 8 general election with 39.51 percent (5,570 votes) of the total 14.096 votes cast. His opponent will be Lane Walthers, Independent Democrat-Enumclaw, who took 37.13 percent (5, 234 votes), likely foreshadowing a very close contest.

In the primary for 31 Legislative District Pos. 1, incumbent Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, took a commanding 73.89 percent (9,781 votes) of the total 13,238 votes cast. His opponent will be John Frostad, Libertarian-Edgewood, who picked up 26.11 percent (3,457 votes).

The canvassing board certifies the results Aug. 16.