The candidates have filed, and the races are on!

Filing for the 2020 elections closed last Friday, May 15, clarifying the races to come. A three-way competition is on for the Walla Walla County Commission District 1 seat. Currently held by two-term incumbent Jim Johnson of Waitsburg, he will not be seeking re-election after his successful battle with cancer.

The District 1 seat encompasses the central and southern voting districts in the city of Walla Walla and the south-central part of the county up to the Oregon state line.

Three Republicans have filed, including local business owner Jenny Mayberry (Hot Mama's Espresso), Walla Walla realtor Roger Esparza, and Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office employee Tom Cooper. There are no Democratic challengers.

The Walla Walla County Commissioners District 2 race leaves Todd Kimball, the incumbent, unopposed.

The Washington State House of Representatives, 16th Legislative District will see a change, as current 16th District Rep. Bill Jenkin, R-Prosser is not running for reelection for the Position 1 seat. He is a candidate for the Washington Senate seat currently held by Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla, who is not seeking another term. Jenkins will be facing Danielle Garbe Reser, D-Walla Walla, the former executive director of the Sherwood Trust, who is also a decorated Foreign Service Officer with a 14-year career for the State Department. Waitsburg resident Perry Dozier, a Republican, a farmer and former Walla Walla County Commissioner, is the third candidate for that seat.

Walla Walla nurse Frances Chvatal has filed as a Democrat for the Position 1 seat currently held by Jenkin. She will face longtime Walla Walla farmer and businessman Republican Mark Klicker.

First-time candidate Carly Coburn, D-Pasco, will challenge Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla for the 16th Legislative District Position 2 seat.

U.S. District 4 Congressional Rep. incumbent Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima will battle against five challengers: Libertarian Ryan Cooper of Pasco, Tracy "Justice" Wright, R-Grand Coulee, Douglas McKinley, D-Richland, independent candidate Evan Jones of Richland and Sarena Sloot, R-Kennewick.

Incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers faces four challengers for the 5th Congressional District seat she has held for 15 years. She will run against Spokane Democrat Dave Wilson, Spokane Valley Republican Stephen Major, Brendan O'Regan, an independent candidate who filed with a Seattle address, and Democrat Chris Armitage of Spokane Valley.