Schmick and Kohlmeier headed to general election in 9th District contest

ASOTIN — Longtime state Rep. Joe Schmick, a Colfax Republican, secured 66% of the votes here Tuesday in his bid to return to Olympia to represent southeastern Washington for the 9th Legislative District.

Schmick, who has served in the state House of Representatives since 2007, was up against Democrats Pam Kohlmeier, a physician and attorney, and Arianna Arends, a former educator and pastor, both of Spokane. Kohlmeier drew 28% of the vote, and Arends received 6%.

Based on the early primary election results, Schmick and Kohlmeier will move forward to the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in the primary election and for the voter support,” Schmick told the Tribune. “I still have some work to do. I would say that community safety, the economy and the overreach of the government are the topics I hear about the most when I talk to people.”

The Asotin County auditor’s office has counted 4,387 votes to date, which amounts to a 30% turnout. More ballots will be counted this week, including those that were postmarked Tuesday and arrive in today’s mail.

In Garfield County, Schmick tallied 85% of the votes, Kohlmeier drew 10%, and Arends received 4%. Voter turnout in Garfield County was at 40% as of Tuesday night.

Whitman County has counted 5,904 ballots, a 26% turnout. Schmick garnered 59% of the votes, Kohlmeier had 33% and Arends drew 8%, according to the Tuesday night results.

One additional 9th District race was on the primary ballot, and both candidates will move onto the Nov. 5 election.

Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, is being challenged by Democrat Patrick Miller, of Spokane. Dye received 85% of the votes, compared to 15% for Miller in Garfield County.

Asotin County’s unofficial results show Dye winning 69% of the votes cast and Miller receiving 31%.

Longtime Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, does not have any challengers this year. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and served for 12 years before being elected as a state senator in 2004.

The 9th District includes Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Franklin, Lincoln, Adams, Whitman and southern Spokane counties.

Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.