Early primary election results show 33% turnout in Asotin County; sheriff’s race separated by 75 votes
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ASOTIN – Preliminary returns from Tuesday’s primary election in Washington show only a 33% voter turnout in Asotin County, with 4,985 ballots cast out of 15,048 registered voters.
Michael Baumgartner was the clear leader among Asotin County voters for the 5th Congressional District seat, getting 54% of the vote to lead Carmela Conroy with 18% and Nate Powell at 13%. The county’s results are similar to the rest of the district, where Baumgartner holds a sizable lead over Conroy and Powell.
Asotin County voters have Joe Schmick ahead of Karina Wallace with 64% of the vote for 9th Legislative District state representative, nearly an identical to the entire district vote totals.
The sheriff’s race looks to be a close. Blake Richards garnered 2,405 votes, only 75 ahead of Monte Renzelman.
So far, voters are turning down a six-year levy for Asotin County Rural Emergency Medical Service District No. 2, with 54% voting against it.
These results are preliminary. Ballots postmarked by Election Day may still arrive and be counted in the coming days.
