Jefferson County's two incumbent county commissioners emerged from the May 19 primary with commanding leads, setting up what appear to be straightforward paths to November — but the results also show that meaningful portions of voters were ready for change.

Position 1: Wunsch Leads Curtiss by 18 Points

In the race for Commissioner Position 1, incumbent Mark Wunsch captured 58.6% of the vote (3,508 votes) against challenger George Curtiss, who received 40.5% (2,428 votes). Write-in candidates collected the remaining 0.9%.

Wunsch's margin is substantial, but Curtiss's 40% showing reflects a significant base of voters willing to back an alternative to the incumbent. In a county of Jefferson's size, that level of challenger support is notable.

Position 2: Simmelink Clears Field in Four-Way Race

Commissioner Position 2 featured a more crowded primary. Incumbent Kelly Simmelink — who has served on the board since 2017 — led with 53.9% (3,282 votes) in a four-candidate field.

The challengers split the remaining vote:

  • Ara Erdekian: 23.5% (1,434 votes)
  • Greg Mead: 15.3% (930 votes)
  • Bill Atherton: 6.9% (418 votes)

Simmelink's combined opposition drew nearly 46% of the vote — a figure that suggests some voter appetite for new leadership on the board, even if that sentiment was divided among three challengers.

What the Results Mean

Because Oregon uses a nonpartisan primary system for county races, the top finishers advance directly to the November general election. Both incumbents are now set to defend their seats in November.

Jefferson County commissioners oversee a wide range of county functions including public health, roads, land use, and the county budget. The board also plays a central role in managing the county's relationship with state agencies and federal programs — issues that matter deeply to communities like Warm Springs, Culver, and Crooked River Ranch.

The November general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Candidate filing for Madras City Council and Mayoral races is also now open for the same election.