SPOKANE, WASH. — Theres less than two weeks before Washington voters cast their ballots in the August primaries.
It’s a crowded race to represent Washington’s fifth legislative district.
The list of candidates racing for a seat are as follows:
Michael Baumgartner (R)Carmela Conroy (D)Kevin Fagan (D)Richard Freudenberg (D)Bajun Mavalwalla (D)Michael McGarr (D)David Womack (D)Kyle Usrey (I)Nate Powell (I)Andrew Bartleson (I)Matthew Hayes (I)Ann Marie Danimus (I)
We reached out to each candidate for comment, and as of this report we have only heard from two.
Andrew Bartleson is running as an independent and he says independent representation is essential for the district, and he plans to move away from party politics.
“Right now we need an individual that’s going to step up and represent the people, not the party first,” Bartleson said. “You’re representing the fifth district. You’re not representing the democrat or republican party across the country.”
Six Democrats are also running including Carmela Conroy, who ran against Baumgartner in 2024.
She’s emphasizing her roots in her campaign, showing off her Eastern Washington origins.
“I was born and raised in Eastern Washington by people born and raised in Eastern Washington. I was raised in a blue collar family, I’m a third generation union member and I am running for office because the people of Eastern Washington are not being served by our incumbent congressmember,” Conroy said.
Washington uses a top-two primary system, meaning the two candidates receiving the most votes—regardless of party affiliation—will advance to the November general election.
The Spokane County Elections Office has installed ballot drop boxes throughout the county. For voting locations and instructions, go to their website.
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