MOSES LAKE — Republican Amanda McKinney and Democrat John Duresky emerged as the top two candidates in Washington's 4th Congressional District primary, according to results released Aug. 7 by the Washington Secretary of State, setting up a general election contest centered on water, agriculture, health care and economic issues in one of the state's most politically significant districts. 

As of Aug. 7, McKinney led the field with 36,405 votes, or 34.97%, while Duresky received 31,659 votes, or 30.41%. Republican Jerrod Sessler received 15,035 votes, or 14.44%, and Republican Matt Boehnke received 10,646 votes, or 10.23%. Independent Favian Valencia received 4,224 votes or 4.03%. Six other candidates each garnered about one percent or less of the vote. There were also 97 write-in votes.  

The primary election results are preliminary with ballots still being counted. The election will be certified Aug. 18. 

The top two primary system advances the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, to the November general election. 

McKinney, a Yakima County commissioner, attributed her strong showing to voters' confidence in her experience with local government and her familiarity with issues affecting Central Washington communities. 

"I think what resonated most is that I understand the issues deeply," McKinney said in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald. "Serving as a local elected as a county commissioner, I've seen exactly how the state and federal government either works or does not work well with local jurisdictions." 

She pointed to water management, public safety and energy development as key concerns throughout the district. 

"Water is something that I became a policy expert on when it comes to both state, local and federal investments into water delivery and storage," McKinney said. "I think folks understand that I understand the impact of the most critical issues that are facing us." 

As she shifts toward the general election campaign, McKinney said her message will remain largely unchanged, focusing on practical solutions and outreach to communities across the sprawling district. 

"It will simply be an opportunity for me to continue to reinforce that I am the most effective individual who will appear on your ballot in November to advocate for resources to come into our communities," she said. 

McKinney said recent wildfires, water infrastructure and energy production have been among the issues most frequently raised by voters. She expressed support for expanding nuclear energy and other power generation options to meet future demands. 

"We are the Ag and Energy District," she said. "I am looking forward to being the strongest advocate in Congress to show that the American West specifically can learn from what Central Washington District Four is doing to solve our issues." 

Duresky, a retired Air Force veteran making his first run for elected office, said voters responded to a campaign built on direct engagement and accessibility. 

"We are very grateful and humbled by this opportunity," Duresky said. "I did not expect to be a politician. This was something that I never imagined doing." 

He said one lesson from the primary campaign was that many residents feel disconnected from elected leaders. 

"People want to be heard," Duresky said. "They're not heard by their representatives. They're not taking the time to listen, and so that's the thing I've really been trying to do." 

Duresky said economic issues, health care access and support for agriculture will remain central themes in the general election campaign. He criticized federal tariffs and argued they have harmed farmers and consumers. 

"We've heard the stories about affordability," Duresky said. "We're going to keep on running on things that matter to everyone in this district." 

If elected, Duresky said his first priorities would include addressing trade policy and protecting rural health care systems. 

"Ending the tariffs straight away is one of the things we have to do, and stabilizing our export markets for our agricultural goods," he said.  

He also called for improvements to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, saying rural hospitals face significant challenges. 

"If we can't keep the rural hospitals open, then these rural communities are in real danger," Duresky said. 

Both candidates emphasized the importance of voter participation heading into November. 

McKinney said she hopes turnout will increase because voting allows citizens to influence the direction of their communities and government. 

"The best way to allow people to feel like they have an influence, which every American should, is to vote," she said. 

Duresky echoed that sentiment, describing voting as a civic responsibility. 

"I really believe, as a lifetime Air Force veteran, as a civil servant, that it is your civic duty to vote," he said. "It's what makes America America. You get a say." 

    Fourth Congressional Democratic Candidate John Duresky is in second place with 31,659 votes and 30.41 percent of the vote. Primary election results will be certified Aug. 18 where two of 11 candidates will participate in the general election.
  

    As of the Aug. 7 ballot counts, Fourth Congressional Republican Candidate Amanda McKinney is leading the primary race with 36,405 votes and 34.97 percent of the vote. Primary election results will be certified Aug. 18 where two candidates will move to the general election.