Edwards takes slight lead in District 2 race

In the race for Thurston County Commissioner District 2, incumbent Gary Edwards has taken a slight lead over challenger Michael Steadman.

Edwards initially trailed Steadman by about five percentage points when the first round of election results were released on Election Day. He’s been closing in on the slight gap ever since.

Now, Edwards, an Independent, leads by 594 votes in a race where 144,617 votes have been counted thus far and 78 percent of Thurston County ballots accounted for.

The next round of results will be reported 6 p.m. today. Election results are certified Nov. 24.

Steadman, a Lacey city council member, wrote in the Thurston County voter guide that he’s run a campaign focusing on innovative public policy, inclusivity and infrastructure. 

Edwards has served one term as commissioner, and previously served 20 years as Thurston County Sheriff.

His campaign has focused on “less partisan politics and more common sense to address the complex issues facing our community, businesses and family.”

“I want to continue progress towards reducing regulatory roadblocks for small businesses and home builders and improved access to county services for the public,” he wrote.

In the county’s other contested race, Democrat Carolina Mejia leads with 58.5 percent over Republican C. Davis’ 41.14 percent.