Port outpaces incumbent Cornelius in assessor race

CHELAN COUNTY — The race for Chelan County assessor began to take shape Tuesday evening after the first primary election results were released.

Incumbent Wes Cornelius received 7,029 votes (46.53%), while challenger Britini Port received 8,050 votes (53.28%).

Cornelius was appointed assessor in 2023 after serving as the office's chief deputy and is seeking election to a full term. His campaign has emphasized experience in appraisal, modernization of the office and taxpayer service.

Port, a real estate broker and accredited appraiser, is challenging Cornelius on a platform centered on assessment equity, transparency and modernization of appraisal practices.

“This is exactly what I expected, that it would be about 44–56 in the primary, and then a 50–50 general election. It's been a rough year for assessors across the state,” Cornelius told Ward Media.

Port’s campaign did not have a phone number listed, and a query via email went unanswered immediately.

Washington will continue counting ballots received by Election Day throughout the week before certifying the election.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media