Primary Election Results – Local Races Decided Early

Primary Election results are final after the Churchill County Clerk has finished counting the early votes, the Election Day votes cast on June 11, and the last allowable mail-in ballots. Out of 17,195 registered voters in Churchill County, a total of 5,100 votes were cast for a dismal 29.66% turnout. 

According to the Churchill County Clerk, 3,543 Republicans voted out of 8,541 registered, and 863 Democrats of 2,048 registered voted. No Democrat candidates were running in the County Commission races, so Democrats and registered non-partisans voted in the congressional and non-partisan races including the Board of Regents, State Board of Education, Justice of the Peace, School Board, and the mayor race. 

The total number of votes cast in the mayoral race was 1,391. Only voters living within the City of Fallon's limits voted for mayor. 

The County Commissioners will canvass the votes to validate and finalize the results on June 20 at their regular meeting. The new commissioners will be sworn in and take office in January at the first meeting of the new year.

Matt Hyde won County Commission District 1 with 2,254 votes, over Julie Guerrero-Goetsch, who received 1,137 votes. 

Hyde credits his community commitment to his handy win. “I always have shown my commitment to this community since I’ve become an adult, from coaching youth sports to serving ten years on the school board. It’s all about the community for me. I took advice, and I knocked doors, people really seem to like that. It’s humbling to get this kind of support. I’m grateful for the people who believe in me to be an honest person and a hard-working servant of the constituents. I will continue to be that.” 

County Commission District 3 saw Eric Blakey garner 1,412 votes to Rusty Jardine’s 1,164. 

Blakey issued a statement thanking the community for their support and encouragement. “I am looking forward to serving all citizens of Churchill County during my term as County Commissioner District 3. Thank you to the other candidates vying for the seat, as it shows the strength of our community and willingness to provide selfless leadership to our county. Communication avenues will always be open to discuss issues or concerns with all citizens. Hopefully, they will be more complimentary than conflicting. As we move forward into the future, effective government leadership will be achieved by treating all citizens fair, consistent, honest, and equal.”

The three-way Justice of the Peace race ended with Judge Ben Trotter winning his bid for re-election with 3,101 votes to Brenda Ingram’s 1,265 and Stuart Richardson’s 648. 

Trotter said he visited 7,618 homes beginning on February 6. He is committed to this method of campaigning, which has seen him through each of his elections, first for Sheriff and then for judge, and has given him 61% of the vote in this race.

He said he believes in keeping a clean campaign “and always stay[ing] above board in my comments, and the response was very positive.” He is in discussions about the possibility of establishing a veteran’s court and looking forward to what comes next. “Change comes our way at the court whether we like it or not.” He is also appreciative of the community. “I have been humbled every time I get these results. It’s exhausting the way I do it. I consider it a job interview with my bosses, and it’s very humbling when they approve of your work.” 

Mayor Ken Tedford was re-elected with 1,066 votes to Jacob Robertson’s 247 and Luai Ababneh, who received 78 votes. City elections across the state have been traditionally held in the off-years during June, but the Nevada Legislature recently moved municipal elections to coincide with the regular election cycle.

Tedford believes in serving the city with the eyes of a businessman with the concept that local businesses are the beating heart of the community. “I am very grateful to the citizens, and I am humbled by their overwhelming support. I will continue, with great energy, my efforts towards serving the people first and foremost, and look forward to a great four years together.”

Only three candidates filed for the three open seats on the School Board: Wendy Bullock, who was recently appointed to fill a vacant seat, and incumbents Gregg Malkovich and Kathryn Whitaker, who were both re-elected, receiving 3,004, 2,717, and 2,793 votes, respectively. 

Congressional candidates will join the Presidential candidates on November 5 for the general elections, during which the last remaining local race for Mosquito Abatement will also be decided.