Key stories of local interest

+ FOX News: Sen. [Lindsay] Graham expresses disappointment about the midterms: ‘Definitely not a Republican wave’

+ KING-5 TV News: Gluesenkamp Perez leads Kent in initial results for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District – As of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night, Gluesenkamp Perez was ahead of Kent, with about 53% of the vote to Kent’s 47%.

+ KING-5 TV News: Patty Murray defeats Smiley in general election, retains US Senate seat

+ The Olympian: Incumbent 10th District U.S. Rep. Strickland leads opponent Swank after Tuesday vote count

+ FOX News: Conservatives point finger at Trump after GOP’s underwhelming election results: ‘He’s never been weaker’

Derek Sanders, Tye Menser leading in Thurston County’s early election results

From The Olympian:

If early election results hold, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and board of commissioners will see significant changes in the coming year.

Deputy Derek Sanders is leading incumbent Sheriff John Snaza in results released by the county Auditor Tuesday night. Meanwhile, voters appeared to be leaning in favor of re-electing Commissioner Tye Menser and expanding the board to from three to five members.

The latest update from the county Auditor’s Office indicated voter turnout was at about 35.5% of 195,610 registered voters. However, there were still many votes left to be counted.

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Thurston County Sheriff

Deputy Derek Sanders claimed about 54.7% (35,517 votes) while Sheriff John Snaza earned 44.9% (29,138 votes) in Tuesday’s tally. This makes Snaza the only Thurston County incumbent to trail his challenger.

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Thurston County Commissioner District 3

Democrat Tye Menser led the race Tuesday night with 57.6% (39,089 votes) while Republican Vivian Eason earned 42.3% (28,661 votes).

If his lead holds, Menser would win a second term on the Board of County Commissioners, effectively maintaining a Democratic majority on the board. He currently serves alongside Democrat Carolina Mejia and Independent Gary Edwards.

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Countywide measures

Votes in favor of expanding the County Commission and the Port of Olympia Commission appeared to be leading in early returns Tuesday night.

In Tuesday night’s tallies, about 54.8% (36,469) voted to approve Thurston County Proposition No. 1 and 45.2% (30,115) voted against it. As for Port of Olympia Proposition No. 1, about 50.5% (33,329) voted in favor of it and 49.5% (32,683) voted against it.

If the measures pass, then each commission will move to increase their membership from three to five next year, effectively setting up the county for new elections.

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