Willoughby narrowly leads Burnett in 12th District primary

NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON — The race for Washington's 12th Legislative District State Representative Position 1 seat remained close Tuesday evening after the first primary election results were released.

In Chelan County, incumbent Brian Burnett received 8,179 votes (52.79%), while challenger Stacy Willoughby received 7,299 votes (47.11%). Because only two candidates filed for the office, both are expected to advance to November's general election regardless of Tuesday's outcome. The primary will determine which candidate enters the fall campaign with momentum.

The district spans Chelan County along with portions of Snohomish and King counties. In Snohomish County, Burnett held a slim edge with 3,181 votes (50.22%) to Willoughby's 3,148 (49.70%). In King County, however, Willoughby led Burnett 3,027 votes (59.36%) to 2,068 (40.56%).

Statewide, Willoughby held a narrow lead over Burnett, receiving 13,474 votes (50.04%) to Burnett's 13,428 (49.87%), a difference of just 46 votes.

Burnett, a Republican and former Chelan County sheriff, was first elected to the Legislature in 2024.

Willoughby, a Democrat and the president of nonprofit Chelan Valley Hope, is making her first run for the Legislature.

Burnett returned a phone call to Ward Media, telling us “Voter turnout is always a huge issue. Comparing the numbers to when I ran in 2024, the numbers for Chelan and Snohomish counties don't seem to be quite what they were as far as turnout. The work starts tomorrow, when we analyze the data and see where we are. I hope to get a chance to represent the 12th District again.”

Willoughby reached out to Ward Media just after 10 p.m. “I’m cautiously optimistic about these early results. State Representatives only have a 2-year term, so they can be responsive to what the people need. I’m looking forward to talking to and hearing from the voters even more as we head into this next phase of the election,” she said.

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