First vote tabulation shows Dye leading Goulet

Washington+State%E2%80%99s+9th+Legislative+District+Position+1+incumbent+Mary+Dye%2C+R-Pomeroy%2C+answers+questions+at+a+voters+forum+held+by+the+League+of+Women+Voters+of+Pullman+on+July+18+at+the+Neill+Public+Library.

ANA MARIA ALANIZ MENDOZA | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE

Washington State’s 9th Legislative District Position 1 incumbent Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, answers questions at a voters forum held by the League of Women Voters of Pullman on July 18 at the Neill Public Library.

MADYSEN MCLAIN, Evergreen roots editor

As of Tuesday night’s midterm ballot count, it appears incumbent Mary Dye (R) will maintain her grasp on the Position 1 seat to represent Washington’s 9th Legislative District in the state capital.

Her challenger Jennifer Goulet (D) has received 32.3 percent of the 33,519 votes counted in the first tabulation while Dye has garnered 67.7 percent. Dye currently leads by 11,843 votes overall.

In Whitman County, Goulet has garnered 41.9 percent of the vote while Dye has received 58.1 percent.

Dye said she wants her first step of action to be wrapping up issues she is working on in her current legislative position, including problems with the economy, agriculture and natural resources.

“I’ve seen so much enthusiasm this year even before the ballots dropped,” she said. “It gives me so much gratitude to be in public service.”

Dye started her re-election campaign when the legislative session ended last year. She said this race had a “nicer pace,” than her previous campaign.

“I had time to think about how to approach voters,” Dye said. “Right from the start, our message has been one of optimism.”

The Republican candidate said she likes to see Americans using their right to vote and is pleased with Whitman County citizens’ desire to participate in the democratic process.

Goulet said she plans on continuing her work with the Democratic Party, and in the future may serve as the state committeewoman. The current chairperson asked Goulet if she would consider running for the position should he steps down, she said.

Goulet will also continue running her small business and remain in her current job for Microsoft as an educator, she said. She said she will keep her position on the Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho Board of Directors.

“It’s been a fun journey,” Goulet said.

Correction: this article was edited to accurately reflect statements made by Jennifer Goulet.