Adams County ballot features competitive federal, state and local races
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months 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
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.