Jefferson County’s May 20 primary results have settled two commissioner races for the general election and set the stage for a closely watched November sheriff’s contest. Here’s where things stand heading toward the fall.

Commissioner Position 1: Wunsch Advances Strongly

Incumbent Commissioner Mark Wunsch won the Position 1 primary with approximately 59% of the vote, well ahead of challenger George Curtiss, who drew about 40%. Wunsch is the current chair of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners.

Curtiss, who grew up in Crooked River Ranch, made a competitive run but was unable to overcome the incumbent’s advantage. With no third candidate in the race, Wunsch won the seat outright in the primary and will not face opposition in November.

Commissioner Position 2: Simmelink Wins Four-Way Race

Incumbent Commissioner Kelly Simmelink, who has served since 2017, led a crowded four-person field in Position 2 with approximately 55% of the vote. Her challengers — Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead, and Bill Atherton — split the remaining vote. Simmelink also appears to have secured her position without a November runoff.

Sheriff Race: November Showdown Ahead

The most contentious race on the county ballot is heading into the November general election: incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock versus former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tyler Anderson.

Anderson’s candidacy has been marked by significant controversy. He was fired from the JCSO in 2025 following an investigation that included allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an informant and findings that he had been untruthful on multiple occasions. His termination papers characterized the conduct as dishonesty.

In May, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee voted to recommend that Anderson be stripped of his law enforcement certifications. Anderson appeared before the committee and disputed the process, saying key witnesses were never interviewed.

“None of the witnesses, my background investigators or members of the public that we’ve asked to be interviewed were interviewed,” Anderson told the committee.

The committee’s recommendation was to revoke his certifications. Anderson remains on the Brady List — a disclosure designation that alerts prosecutors to officers whose credibility may be impeached in court.

Can Anderson Still Run?

Under Oregon law, sheriff candidates must hold valid DPSST certification to serve. However, the decertification process involves an administrative appeal that could extend past the November election. Anderson remains on the ballot for the general election.

Pollock, who fired Anderson and is now seeking re-election to a second term as sheriff, has not publicly commented on the ongoing certification proceedings in recent weeks.

What’s Next

Jefferson County voters will return to the ballot box in November. Final certified results from the May primary were expected by mid-June. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The Madras Bulletin will continue to track all local races as the general election approaches.