Two law enforcement leaders to vie for Franklin County Sheriff - results from August 4 Primary Election-

August 13, 2026

By: Katherine Trowbridge

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Monty Huber leads over Chris Lee in the Primary, they both took the lead in the race for Franklin County's next Sheriff, moving them onto the General Election

The results of the August 4 Primary Election are coming in with preliminary numbers showing two local law enforcement leaders set to face off for Franklin County Sheriff in the November General Election. Current Undersheriff Monty Huber took the lead in the primary with 47.16% of the vote with Connell Police Chief Chris Lee trailing close behind at 30.89%. Kohl St. Peter came in at 21.58%.

In other local races, incumbent Clint Didier took the lead (57.36%) over Joel Prantle (40.17%) for Franklin County Commissioner District 3. Franklin County Assessor John A Rosenau (44.88%) was overtaken by opponent Chris Hollingsworth (53.91%).

Candidates with no opponents - Coroner Curtis McGary (98.56%), Prosecuting Attorney Shawn Sant (98.22%), Treasurer Josie Koelzer (98.47%), Auditor Matt Beaton (97.56%), Clerk Ruby Ochoa (98.32%).

While local candidates impact voters’ lives more closely, it may seem like all eyes are on the “mid-term” elections at both the state and national levels.

U.S. Congressional District 4, where a number of candidates sought to fill the vacancy left by Congressman Dan Newhouse, saw a close finish. Democrat Jon Duresky leads (31.51%) while Republican Amanda McKinney (30.65%) follows closely behind. Also of note, Matt Boehnke (15.56%) and Jarod Sessler (12.81%). Duresky and McKinney will face off in the General Election.

U.S. Congressional District 5 - incumbent Michael Baumgartner stood up to a sea of candidates, clearly taking the lead with 78.75%. Carmela Conroy (D) was next in line with a mere 7.90%.

In the State Senate race- Legislative District 8: incumbent Nikki Torres led 55.61% with Gabe Galbraith at 42.72%.

State Representative District 8: Position 1 - Stephanie Barnard (97.65%). Position 2 - April Connors (97.50%). Both ran unopposed.

State Representative District 14: Position 1 - Chelsea Dimas (D) 60.65% and Gloria Mendoza (R) 34.57% will be moving on to the General Election. Position 2 - Deb Manjarrez (R) 33.21% trails Ezequiel Morfin (D) 40.81%. The two will face off in the General Election.

State Representative District 16: Position 1 - incumbent Mark Klicker (R) leads 66.80% over Kyle Palmer (D) 33.18%. Position 2 - Skyler Rude (R) leads 64.74% over Derek Sarley (D) 35.21%.

Another one many are watching is that of the Washington Supreme Court with several topics of interest to come before the justices. A number of candidates vied for each position with the top two moving onto the November General Election. We have listed the top three.

Supreme Court Position 1 - Scott Edwards leads 41.06%, Colleen Melody 31.74%, Laura Christensen Colberg 27.08%.

Supreme Court Position 3 - David Stevens 51.99%, Jamie Michelle Hawk 25.78%, Mike Diaz 22.10%.

Supreme Court Position 5 - Dave Larson 47.10%, Sharonda Amamilo 19.96%, Theo Angelis 17%, Greg Miller 15.85%.

Supreme Court Position 7 - Debra L. Stephens 41.71%, Todd A Bloom 37.49%, Karim Merchant 11.34%.

About 26% of Franklin County’s registered voters participated in the August Primary. The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3.