Election Night - early results are in for Franklin County

November 4, 2025

By: Katherine Trowbridge

The General Election results are beginning to come in and early results indicate single candidates did face some write-ins but overall they are taking their respective seats. 

Our readers may be most interested In the contested races, especially that of Mayor for the Cities of Connell and Kahlotus. As well as Connell City Council Candidates. Those results are listed below. 

As people were allowed to register and vote up until 8pm tonight, votes will likely fluctuate over the next few days. 

Initial voter turn out shows a mere 16.94% turnout for this critical local election. However this number could increase with election night ballots still left to account for. 

City of Kahlotus Mayoral Race: 

Current Mayor Michael Robitaille leads with 58.33% of the vote to challenger Maria Cruzen’s 41.67%.

Connell Mayoral Race:

Shelly Harper is in the lead with 54.4% of the vote to Patricia (Pat) Barrera’s 44.81%

Connell City Council:

Council Position 2 - Terri Cerna leads with 60.84% of the vote to Patrice Hebel’s 38.78%.

Council Position 3 - is a close race with Michelle (Shelly) Welch with a slight lead over Francisco (Frankie) Meraz. Welch holds 50.76% of the vote while Meraz is at 48.86%.

Council Position 4 - In early results challenger Duey Dixon holds a slight lead over  incumbent Joe Escalera, who seeks to retain his seat. Dixon holds 51.92% to Escalera’s 48.08%.

Franklin County Fire District 1 is watching their Proposition 1 closely tonight. The vote is close but early results are looking favorable -  with 52.1% in approval of the levy lid lift to the 49.7% who are rejecting it. 

The General Election is set to be certified on November 25.