Jefferson County voters handed both incumbent commissioners comfortable primary victories on May 19, while decisively rejecting a bond measure that would have funded a new library in Madras and a satellite branch in Culver.

Commissioner Races

In Commission Position 1, incumbent Mark Wunsch defeated challenger George Curtiss with approximately 58% of the vote — a 20-point margin that left little doubt about the outcome. Wunsch will not face a general election opponent, securing another term outright.

Position 2 was more competitive, with incumbent Kelly Simmelink — who has held the seat since 2017 — fending off a crowded field of three challengers. Simmelink captured roughly 55% of the vote. Ara Erdekian finished second with about 24%, followed by Greg Mead at 14% and Bill Atherton at around 7%.

County election officials reported moderate turnout, with approximately 38% of eligible voters returning ballots. Results remain unofficial pending signature resolution by June 9, with full certification expected June 25.

Library Bond Soundly Defeated

The news was sharply different for the Jefferson County Library District. A bond measure that would have funded a brand-new library in Madras and a smaller branch in Culver was rejected by 63% of voters — the second consecutive year that county voters have turned down library expansion funding. A previous, higher-cost measure also failed in May 2025.

District leaders had returned this cycle with a revised and reduced proposal, hoping a lower price tag would win broader support. It did not. Library officials had argued that the current Madras facility is undersized and aging. The failed bond stalls expansion plans indefinitely.

What Comes Next

With both commissioner races settled at the primary stage, Jefferson County voters will turn their attention to November. The only contested countywide race still alive is the Jefferson County Sheriff contest — a two-person race between incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock and former deputy Tyler Anderson that bypassed the primary entirely because only two candidates filed.