Jefferson County's two incumbent commissioners fended off challengers with comfortable margins in Tuesday's May 19 primary election, while the race for county sheriff — already one of the most controversial in recent memory — now moves toward a November general election.

Commissioner Position 1: Wunsch Holds On

Incumbent Mark Wunsch won the Position 1 race with 58.6% of the vote — roughly 3,508 ballots — compared to challenger George Curtiss, who drew 40.5% (2,428 votes). A small number of write-in votes accounted for the remainder.

The result cements Wunsch's continued service on the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and means no runoff will be required. Wunsch and Curtiss were the only two candidates whose names appeared on the ballot; Tony Chard, who had filed earlier, did not appear in tallies reported by Central Oregon Daily.

Commissioner Position 2: Simmelink Turns Back Three Challengers

Kelly Simmelink, who has served on the board since 2017, secured her position heading into November with 53.9% of the vote — approximately 3,282 ballots. Her three challengers split the remaining votes: Ara Erdekian finished second with 23.5% (1,434 votes), Greg Mead took third with 15.3% (930 votes), and fellow incumbent-leaning challenger Bill Atherton trailed with 6.9% (418 votes).

The clear margin spares the race from any uncertainty heading into the general election.

Sheriff Race: Pollock vs. Anderson in November

Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock and challenger Tyler Anderson will face each other again in the November general election. Both ran in their respective party primaries and advance to the fall contest.

The race has taken on unusual weight in recent days following a May 21 ruling by Oregon's DPSST Police Policy Committee recommending that Anderson's law enforcement certifications be revoked for life — a development that, if upheld, could legally bar him from serving as sheriff under Oregon law. Anderson has vowed to appeal.

Voter Turnout

County turnout was moderate, estimated at around 38% of registered voters. Results remained unofficial as of Friday, with the Jefferson County Clerk collecting postmarked mail-in ballots through May 22. Final certified results are expected by June 25, 2026.

For the latest unofficial vote counts, visit the Jefferson County Clerk's election results page at jeffco.net.