June 14th, 2025

May 20 Special District Election

election Results

It's official: Five candidates endorsed
​by Linn County Dems score victories

Kris McLaughlin

June 13 update:
   The May 20 Special District Election concluded Thursday, June 12,  with certification of the election by Oregon county election officers, including those in Linn and Benton counties. The final results confirmed what was known soon after the election: Five of the six candidates endorsed by the Linn County Democrats won their races and the Albany public safety local option tax, also receiving the Linn Dems' endorsement, passed.
  Here's a recap:
 • Kris McLaughlin never trailed in a close race against Tim Washko, winning the Greater Albany Public Schools Board At-Large Position 2 seat.
   McLaughlin, a retired Calapooia Middle School teacher, defeated Washko by 98 votes — 4,866 (38.41 percent) to 4,768 (37.64) percent). Marcy Hermens finished distant third with 2,996 votes (23.65 percent).
  In a Facebook post June 13, thank everyone who helped on her campaign and looked ahead.
  "Now the work begins," she said. "It is my intention to do all I can to contribute to the smooth, effective operation of the board and create a more positive tone between district administration, school staff members, and the community. I encourage you to participate in this by keeping in touch with what the schools are doing — attending events, getting to games, enjoying concerts, attending meetings — and talking up the positive things you see. If you have children in school and you really like what is going on in the school or classroom, tell people about it. "
  • GAPS Zone 2: Stephanie Lunceford won her race against Jenna Gould.
  • GAPS Zone 1: Kristopher Schendel finished a strong second in the three-way race. Incumbent Brad Wilson won reelection, and Deanna Varner finished third.
  • Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Zone 1: Bill Hays won a three-way race.
  • Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Zone 3: Michael Thomson, unopposed, cruised to victory.
  • Linn-Benton Community College Zone 5: Brad Longman defeated John Saran.
  • Albany Ambulance, Fire and Police Local Option Tax passed by a 77 to 22 percent margin.
***
  The Linn Dems didn't make endorsements for Lebanon school board or Lebanon Aquatics District Board, but Linn County Neighborhood Leaders canvassed for three candidates who defeated opponents backed by the Linn County Conservative Alliance. Winning those races were: Lorlee Engler, Lebanon Community School District Board, Zone 2; Nichole Piland, Lebanon Community School District Board, Zone 5; and Julie Miller, Lebanon Aquatics District, Position 4;
   The Linn-Benton Community College Zone 2-3 (A) race was the closest one of all, with challenger Rachel Biscoe defeating incumbent Stacie Wass-Schoenborn by 26 votes out of a total of 9,022 votes cast.

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Video remarks at the election night watch party

Clockwise from top left: GAPS Board candidates Stephanie Lunceford, who won her race, and Kris McLaughlin, who was leading hers and went on to win; Linn County Democrat Susan Leonard, who concluded the evening with an inspirational speech; Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Board winners Bill Hays and Michael Thomson; and Benton County Dems Chair Gabe Shepherd,  speaking on behalf of GAPS Board candidate Kristopher Schendel;