Dightman files to run against Kilmer in Congressional District 6

Many countywide incumbents running unopposed so far

A couple of more candidates have filed for office early on during the auditor’s filing period, notably Republican Douglas Dightman, a Republican from Shelton, challenging U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Democrat, in Congressional District 6.

County clerk

Janice Louthan of Montesano has filed to run for the Grays Harbor County Clerk position. Louthan currently is chief deputy clerk. The position has a four-year term. Louthan did not express a preference for a party. County Clerk Cheryl Brown is retiring at the end of the year after 23 years in the clerk’s office, the past 17 as county clerk. Louthan so far is running unopposed.

County treasurer

Ken Albert of Montesano has filed for re-election to the county treasurer position as a Democrat. Albert won the appointment as treasurer in November 2016. As of Tuesday afternoon a challenger had not yet filed to run against him.

County auditor

Grays Harbor County Auditor Chris Thomas of Montesano filed on Monday. Thomas, a Democrat, was appointed to the position in 2017 when longtime Auditor Vern Spatz retired. Joe MacLean of Elma, a Republican, attended a meeting of the Grays Harbor County Democrats to ask for their consideration for the position. He was not recommended for the position and has now filed to challenge Thomas for the office.

Local courts

Former District Court Judge David Mistachkin of Aberdeen has filed for two years of an unexpired term for a Superior Court Judge position. Mistachkin was a District Court judge until Kyle Imler of Hoquiam won election to the position in 2016.

Mistachkin had applied for an appointment to the same position in September 2017 after Judge Mark McCauley retired. Judge Ray Kahler won the appointment and filed his candidacy for the position Tuesday morning.

Imler has filed for re-election to his District Court position. As of Tuesday afternoon he is running unopposed.

Other filings

Grays Harbor County Commissioner Vickie Raines of Cosmopolis has filed for re-election, stating no party preference. The position has a four-year term. Nobody else had filed for that office as of Tuesday afternoon.

Grays Harbor County Prosecutor Katie Svoboda, a Democrat from Montesano has filed for re-election. The position has a four-year term. As of Tuesday afternoon she is running unopposed.

Grays Harbor County Sheriff Rick Scott of Elma has filed for re-election, stating no party preference. Sheriff also is a four-year term. No competitor has filed for that office yet.

Arie Callaghan of Elma has filed for PUD commissioner, a non-partisan office that comes with a six-year term. As of Tuesday afternoon he is running unopposed.

Local state-level positions

Incumbent District 19 position 2 state Rep. Brian Blake, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Joel McEntire. Meanwhile, incumbent District 19 position 1 state Rep. James Walsh, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Erin M. Frasier. Walsh and Blake both are of Aberdeen.

Incumbent District 24 position 1 state Rep. Mike Chapman, a Democrat, is being challenged by Jodi Wilke, a Republican. Incumbent District 24 position 2 state Rep. Stephen Tharinger, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican James F. McEntire.