Spokane County Commissioner, District 1
About this race: Republican incumbent Todd Mielke, a former legislator, is facing a tough re-election bid against Democratic challenger Dr. Kim Thorburn, a former Spokane County health officer whose controversial firing after repeated clashes with the county health board sparked mild community uproar. Although she has downplayed the significance, Thorburn is running to replace Mielke, who was serving as chairman of the Spokane Regional Health Board when it fired Thorburn after she had served nine years as chief health officer. In the Primary election, which limited votes to their district, Mielke prevailed with 20,708 votes compared to Thorburn's 17,928. But for the November general election, all county residents will be allowed to cast ballots in the race.
Constituency: Represents northern third of Spokane city and county, roughly from Spokane River to Pend Oreille County line, and from Idaho border to Stevens County line.
Salary: $93,000 per year
Candidates running for this office
- Todd Mielke (R)
- Kim Thorburn (D)
