Upthegrove leads in DNR commissioner race

OLYMPIA – The race for lands commissioner has seen some ups and downs over the last several months with Hillary Franz stepping aside to run for Congress and opening the primary for several challengers. After a primary recount, Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat, faced off against Republican Jamie Herrera Beutler.  

The winner of the race will take the head of the Washington Department of Natural Resources, responsible for conservation and firefighting in the state.

Initial results show Upthegrove with a strong lead in the race with 53.16% of the vote to Herrera Beutler’s 46.62%. 

Locally, results leaned Republican. In Grant County, Herrera Beutler received 11,894 votes to Upthegrove’s 4,912. Meanwhile, in Adams County, initial results show Herrera Beutler pulling in 2,215 votes to Upthegrove’s 563. 

Results are as of Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m.