Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Election 2026

Smith, Strand battle for Chelan County Commissioner seat

Shon D. Smith 50.7%, Clint Strand 49.2%

Smith, Strand locked in tight commissioner race. Unofficial results; counting continues.
Smith, Strand locked in tight commissioner race. Unofficial results; counting continues.
NCW News graphic
Posted

CHELAN COUNTY — Initial results show incumbent Shon Smith carrying a razor-thin lead over Clint Strand for the Chelan County Commissioner District 2 seat in the Nov. 3 General Election.

As of 8:33 p.m. Tuesday, Smith received 12,667 votes (50.71%) compared to Strand’s 12,299 votes (49.24%). The candidates were separated by 1.47 percentage points.

The candidates were also neck and neck in the Aug. 4 primary, with initial results separated them by a mere 10 votes. By the time the total counts were certified, Smith led by 120 votes—less than a 2% margin.

“I’ve been in this position before and I’m hopeful that I will be re-elected. It’s too soon to say who the voters have chosen, but I will always respect their decision, no matter the outcome,” Smith said in a statement to Ward Media. 

Smith thanked the voters for their support and acknowledgement of his work as commissioner over the past four years.

Smith is a business owner and current county commissioner. He was elected to the board in 2022, becoming chair in 2025. Strand is a Leavenworth City Council member and Executive Director of Wenatchee Valley College Foundation.

“First, I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to advocate for balance, smart budgets, and a county that works for everyone. The race is too close to call and we’ll have a better idea of where we stand after tomorrow’s updated vote count,” Strand told Ward Media.

Ballots are still being tallied. The next updated count is expected 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media

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