Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Voters will have choice of 73 candidates filing for 45 open offices
COLFAX – Incumbent Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent will face a challenger in the upcoming election.
John-Mark Mahnkey of Pullman filed early last week for the Commissioner District No. 3 seat. Incumbent Largent filed to run 42 minutes before the Friday, May 20, deadline.
Election officials said 45 open offices are on the Aug. 2 primary election ballot in Whitman County, with the Top 2 candidates in each race advancing to the Nov. 1 general election..
There are 73 candidates running, but the most important local contested race is for commissioner.
"Early on when I announced, I assumed there would be a challenger. I expected someone to step up to the plate," Mahnkey said Tuesday, May 24. "But I wasn't expecting Michael to run again. Michael has had four years and obviously wants to retire."
Mahnkey announced his candidacy earlier this spring; He ran against Largent four years ago for the same seat, but lost.
The fifth-generation Whitman County local is a radio host for Pullman Radio and is looking forward to the chance to serve his community.
"I am running because families in Whitman County are struggling to afford a decent life. It's the issues we need to be discussing and that is what I am running for," he said. "I am running for the issues to resolve them," he said.
Largent was unable to be reached for comment by press deadline.
Mahnkey believes Whitman County is in need of a commissioner who will tackle those issues.
"I hope Largent is open to discussing the issues in the public forum. Our community really needs a commissioner that will address and tackle these issues," he said.
In other local races, the following individuals are running uncontested:
Wraylee Flodin - Assessor
Sandy Jamison - Auditor
Jill Whelchel - Clerk
Annie Pillers - Coroner
Denis Tracy - Prosecuting Attorney
Brett Myers - Sheriff
Chris Nelson - Treasurer
John Hart - District Court Judge Position 1
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
Reader Comments(0)