WALLACE — The political landscape of Shoshone County saw a little bit of everything during Tuesday’s primary election. 

Voter turnout reached 52%, one of the highest primary participation rates in recent years for Shoshone County — and the second-highest voter turnout in the state. 

Many key positions in Shoshone County were either decided in the primary or featured candidates running unopposed. 

The Shoshone County Republican Central Committee will likely see a significant change in leadership following several precinct committee races that went against the group’s incumbents. 

Voters will also have a few months to get to know candidates in three contested county races ahead of the general election. 

Recently appointed sheriff Shawn Wehr retained his seat in a three-way Republican primary race, defeating Pinehurst Police Chief John Richter and Chris Rice. 

Wehr secured 1,466 votes (57.88%), ahead of Richter (25.07%) and Rice (17.05%). Wehr faces no opposition in November. 

In a statement Wednesday, Wehr expressed his gratitude to voters while reaffirming his desire to get back to work rebuilding the Sheriff’s Office after one of the more tumultuous years in memory. 

“This county means a great deal to me and my family, and I am honored to continue serving this community as your sheriff,” Wehr said. “Now that the election is over, the focus remains on continuing to move the Sheriff’s Office forward in a positive direction. We will continue emphasizing professionalism, accountability, training, leadership, fiscal responsibility, and consistent service to every community within Shoshone County — including our rural areas. We will continue working to build an organization that the people of this county can trust and be proud of.” 

In the Republican primary for the District 1 commissioner race, Dameon Groves received 1,044 votes (44.73%), followed by Ryan Frick with 38.99% and David Norman Hildebrand with 16.28%. Groves will be unopposed in November. 

The margin between Groves and SCRCC-backed Frick was among the closer races in Shoshone County. During his campaign, Groves emphasized his law enforcement experience and his goal of helping the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office find balance amid ongoing budget concerns, while also expanding services throughout the county. 

“The results of the primary election show that our message really resonated with the community,” Groves said. “People in Shoshone County want a local government that prioritizes safety and manages their hard-earned tax dollars with common sense. My primary focus is ensuring our law enforcement has the proper funding and resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe, while maintaining a county budget that is transparent and efficient. I am honored by the trust the voters have placed in me, and I am ready to get to work for the Silver Valley.” 

Several precincts had contested races in the Republican primary, but only one of the SCRCC’s endorsed candidates, Phil Hart, was able to retain his seat. 

Results included: 

Kellogg: Phil Hart (44.21%) defeated Bryan Cheney and Darius Dustin 

Kingston: John Richter (62.78%) defeated Melanie Carter and Forrest Mize 

Pinehurst: Scott Stovern (61.11%) defeated Linda Vergler 

Wallace: Mike Dexter (71.03%) defeated Matt Beehner 

Mullan (R): Heather Garitone (73.21%) defeated Jerry Moody 

Osburn: Isaac McGillivray (66.57%) defeated Margie Dorchuck 

On the Democratic side in Mullan, Daniel White won with 79.59%, defeating Julian Fountain Wheeler. 

In the upcoming general election, Katie Murray, a Democrat and longtime employee of the county assessor’s office, will face Robert Savage, a Republican. Former commissioner Jay Huber, a Democrat, is seeking to reclaim the District 2 seat against Republican Tami Atkins — this race also features Sabrina Hyndman (I), who is running a registered write-in campaign. Incumbent Coroner Rick Smith, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Julie Hernandez. 

Shoshone County Clerk Lori Osterberg (R) was unopposed, as was Treasurer Karey Eddy (D). Neither faces opposition in November.

    Groves