Incumbents did well in Southwest Washington legislative races Tuesday, but other races remained close as first results were released Tuesday.
17th District
One of the close races is in the 17th District, which after redistricting now includes Skamania County. In the Position 1 race, Republican Kevin Waters of Stevenson held a lead over Terri Niles of Clark County, 50.87 percent to 49.02 percent, with 41,623 votes tallied thus far.
The winner will succeed Republican state Rep. Vicki Kraft, who served two terms.
“I want to thank all my supporters who helped me with this truly people-powered campaign,” Niles said.
For the other seat, incumbent Republican Rep. Paul Harris is leading 52.52 percent to Democrat Joe Kear’s 47.37 percent, out of 41,584 votes cast.
“I’m happy with the lead that I have. Mr. Kear ran a good campaign,” Harris said. “I think I will win this race.”
18th District
There were no incumbents in the two 18th District House races.
Democrat John Zingale is leading the race to fill Position 1 with 50.73 percent of the vote as Republican Stephanie McClintock trails with 49.27 percent out of 37,765 votes cast. The position will be vacated in January by Republican Rep. Brandon Vick, who served five terms.
“It is too close to call, but we are seeing better results than in the primary,” Zingale said. “We will continue to see throughout the night and the week as the results from our fair and safe election continue to come in.”
Republican Greg Cheney is leading the race to fill Position 2 with 51.60 percent of the vote as Democrat Duncan Camacho trails with 48.40 percent out of 37,828 votes cast. The position will be vacated in January by Republican Rep. Larry Hoff, who served two terms.
Cheney was not available for comment.
49th District
Incumbent Democrat Rep. Sharon Wylie had a commanding lead for 49th Legislative District Position 1 with 64.28 percent over Republican Park Llafet, with 29,109 votes cast.
“This is not the end, this is the beginning,” Wylie said in a speech at an election watch party at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such determination, such talent.”
Incumbent Democrat Rep. Monica Stonier appears to have won re-election to Position 2, with 63.32 percent of the vote. Republican Jeremy Baker trailed with 36.68 percent out of 29,248 votes cast.
“I feel like the voters in Clark County are paying attention to the legislators and elected officials that have delivered for them or not,” Stonier said.
In the 20th Legislative District, which includes a swath of north Clark County, incumbent Republican Peter Abbarno ran unopposed for Position 1 and incumbent Republican Ed Orcutt ran unopposed for Position 2.
