OLYMPIA — Democrat Adam Bernbaum led Republican Matthew Roberson in the race for former state Rep. Mike Chapman’s seat in the 24th Legislative District after the first round of votes were counted Tuesday.
Bernbaum, 32, received 56.3 percent (37,568 votes) to Roberson’s 43.6 percent (29,055 votes) in the district, which encompasses Clallam, Jefferson and most of Grays Harbor counties.
In Clallam County, Bernbaum won 53 percent of the vote (17,942 votes) while Roberson, 38, garnered 47 percent (15,910 votes).
In Jefferson County, Bernbaum led 74 percent (11,860 votes) to Roberson’s 26 percent (4,167 votes).
In Grays Harbor County, Roberson led 53.5 percent (8,978 votes) to 46.3 percent over Bernbaum (7,766 votes).
Bernbaum said he was not yet ready to claim victory, waiting for more votes to be counted.
“The early returns look promising, but I’m waiting a couple more days,” Bernbaum said.
Roberson also refrained from making a statement.
“We’re going to be holding our breath and see where the margin goes,” Roberson said.
Roberson said he was optimistic, particularly because in Grays Harbor County, where he currently leads, there were still 10,000 ballots yet to be counted as of Wednesday afternoon.
Matthew Roberson.
