EPHRATA — Rob Jones won the Grant County Commissioner District 2 race with 8,707 votes Tuesday. His opponent David Henderson received 5,762 votes. Both candidates identified themselves as Republicans on the ballot. 

“These past four years have truly been a journey, filled with challenges and growth,” Jones wrote in a statement to the Columbia Basin Herald on Tuesday. “I’ve worked hard to make a positive difference in Grant County and I am proud of the steps we’ve taken to ensure transparency with the public and things like posting our commissioner meetings on YouTube for everyone to view. No matter what happens tonight, my commitment to serving the people of Grant County remains. I’m here to support our community and I am always available to listen. I am not an every-four-year community leader. I am involved through the county in many ways from business to volunteering.”  

As votes continue to be counted, the outcome might change until the county canvassing boards certify and send the results to the Secretary of State's Office on Nov. 26; the election will be officially certified by the Secretary of State on Dec. 5. The Grant County Auditor reports that about 150 votes are yet to be counted, and mail-in ballots will also be included in the tally. 

Initial Grant County results indicate Jones earned the local vote by 59.8% and Henderson received 38.95%.  

Jones also won the Aug. 6 primary with 2,875 votes and 61.05% of voters. Henderson followed with 1,717 votes and 36.69% of voters.  

Henderson did not respond to requests for comment prior to press time.