Thurston County early returns show Sheriff Sanders and Commissioner Clouse leading
The gist
Incumbent Sheriff Derek Sanders led with 68.7% and Commissioner Emily Clouse with 53.34% in early Thurston County returns.
Many ballots remain uncounted, so the margins could still shift before certification.
How it unfolded
- Aug 4, 2026In the primary, Martinez-Dunning led Clouse 38.36% to 34.68%, and Sanders led Burton-Crow 70.69% to 28.99%; both races advanced to the Nov. 3 general election.
- Aug 19, 2026The Thurston County Canvassing Board certified the Aug. 4 primary results.
- Sep 3, 2026Sanders' primary lead widened to about 71%, described as apparently the largest margin ever in a Thurston County sheriff primary.