Adams County ballot features competitive federal, state and local races
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 hours, 46 minutes AGO
RITZVILLE — Filing week has closed in Adams County, and voters will see a crowded and competitive ballot in the 2026 election cycle, with numerous contested races at the federal, state, and local levels.
At the federal level, both U.S. Congressional Districts 4 and 5 will be on the ballot.
Congressional District 4 has drawn significant interest, with 11 candidates filing after incumbent Dan Newhouse announced he will not seek re‑election.
Congressional District 5 has 13 candidates filed, including incumbent Michael Baumgartner. One candidate withdrew from the race earlier this week and is not reflected on official candidate graphics.
Several state legislative races will also appear on the ballot.
In Legislative District 9, Representative Position 1 is uncontested, with incumbent Mary Dye running unopposed. Representative Position 2 in District 9 will be contested between incumbent Joe Schmick and challenger Karina Wallace.
In Legislative District 13, incumbent Tom Dent is running unopposed for Representative Position 1. Representative Position 2 for District 13 is a four‑candidate race. The seat was previously held by Alex Ybarra, who is now running unopposed for District 13 State Senator. The state Senate seat was formerly held by Judy Warnick, who is not seeking re‑election.
At the county level there are only three contested races; the other three races are an unopposed candidate.
The Adams County Commissioner District 3 seat and Adams County Assessor races have two candidates. The Adams County Auditor position has three candidates competing.
All judicial races in Adams County are uncontested, with candidates running unopposed.
The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026. In races with more than two candidates, the primary will narrow the field to the top two candidates advancing to the general election. The general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Adams County ballot features competitive federal, state and local races
RITZVILLE — Filing week has closed in Adams County, and voters will see a crowded and competitive ballot in the 2026 election cycle, with numerous contested races at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, both U.S. Congressional Districts 4 and 5 will be on the ballot. Congressional District 4 has drawn significant interest, with 11 candidates filing after incumbent Dan Newhouse announced he will not seek re‑election. Congressional District 5 has 13 candidates filed, including incumbent Michael Baumgartner. One candidate withdrew from the race earlier this week and is not reflected on official candidate graphics.
Four cars damaged in Moses Lake collision
MOSES LAKE — An early-morning collision damaged four cars parked outside a residence and led to a DUI arrest in Moses Lake Tuesday, according to a release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Nelson Burley, 23, was booked into the Grant County jail on suspicion of DUI, first-degree malicious mischief and four counts of hit and run, unattended, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Burley was driving in the vicinity of North Clark Road and West Meridian Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, the release said. “Officers determined the causing vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Silverado, failed to negotiate the turn, losing control and striking two parked cars. One of the parked cars was pushed into another, when was then pushed into the garage, striking a fourth vehicle. The driver fled the scene on foot but was later returned by a family member,” the MLPD wrote in the release.
Several contested races on the primary ballot in Grant County
EPHRATA — Filing week for the August primary election closed Friday, leaving several contested races on the ballot across Grant County.