MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg are separated by just six votes in the initial results of the 2026 primary election, setting up what appears to be a closely watched race heading into November. 

According to the Washington Secretary of State's election results posted Tuesday night, Gregg led the three-person field with 2,818 votes, 36.23 percent of the votes.  Kriete received 2,812 votes, 36.15 percent of the votes. Candidate Josh Sainsbury garnered 2,088 votes, or 26.84 percent. 

The initial results reflected a voter turnout of 16 percent, with 8,371 ballots cast among 52,957 registered voters in Grant County. Election results remain unofficial until certification on Aug. 18. 

While neither candidate declared victory, both expressed optimism about advancing to the general election as additional ballots are counted in the coming days. 

"I was very happy to see that we're going to end up moving into November," Kriete said. "I knew it was going to be a close race between all three of us, but when I saw six votes, I was like, 'Oh my gosh, that's close.'" 

Kriete, who is seeking a second term as sheriff, said his campaign will continue to focus on the accomplishments of the sheriff's office during his first term, particularly efforts to reduce crime and address substance abuse issues. 

"My primary goal as sheriff in Grant County is to make Grant County the safest place to live, work and raise a family," Kriete said. "We're going to keep sharing information with the community about the great things their sheriff's office is doing." 

Among the accomplishments he highlighted were the creation of a crime reduction team, partnerships with recovery and mental health services, planning for the county's new jail facility and efforts to reduce recidivism among inmates returning to the community. 

Kriete said the campaign moving forward will emphasize what he described as measurable results achieved during his tenure. 

"These aren't promises. These aren't things that I want to do or hope to do," he said. "These are things that are happening." 

Gregg said he was excited to see the early results and grateful for the support shown by voters. 

"As you build up to election night, you're anxious to see what the numbers are," Gregg said. "It was a lot of excitement seeing where the numbers were, but there's still a lot of work to do." 

Gregg said the close results suggest voters are carefully evaluating the direction of the sheriff's office. 

"I would lean to say that change is being sought, not just by employees but by the community," Gregg said. "It's hard to gauge exactly, but I think people can get behind leadership, accountability and transparency." 

Those themes have been central to Gregg's campaign and will remain a focus heading into the general election, he said. 

"I've pushed leadership, accountability and transparency from day one," Gregg said. "I think people can get behind that." 

Gregg also said he would like to see greater visibility from the sheriff's office within communities throughout the county. 

"You can't lead from behind a desk," he said. "You have to support your people. You have to get out and be involved." 

Both candidates pointed to public safety as a major issue facing the county, though they emphasized different approaches. 

Kriete focused on continuing efforts to reduce crime while expanding partnerships that help individuals successfully reenter the community after incarceration. 

Gregg emphasized accountability for criminal offenders and ensuring residents feel safe. 

"It's holding criminals accountable for the crimes that they commit," Gregg said. "I think that's the most pressing thing, getting the community to feel safe." 

The initial election results also showed relatively low voter participation. With turnout at 16 percent, both candidates encouraged residents to take part in future elections. 

"Sometimes people may have the impression that their vote isn't going to matter," Kriete said. "That's where your votes matter the most, in local races." 

Gregg echoed the sentiment. 

"If you have someone that you want to support, then you need to get out and vote," he said. "Your voice isn't heard unless you vote." 

Sainsbury did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the initial election results. 

Additional ballot counts are expected to be released throughout the week as Grant County Elections processes ballots received before Election Day. If current standings hold, Gregg and Kriete will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, where voters will decide who will serve as Grant County sheriff for the next four years. 

    The initial primary results show candidate Darrik Gregg, leading by six votes in the Grant County sheriff race. Gregg pulled around 2,818 votes, 36.23 percent of the votes, according to initial results. Ballots are still being counted, and the results will not be certified until Aug. 18.