Jefferson County's May 19 primary election delivered decisive wins for both incumbent county commissioners on the ballot, while a separate bond measure to fund a new public library went down to a resounding defeat.

Commissioner Position 1: Wunsch Holds On

In the race for Jefferson County Commissioner Position 1, incumbent Mark Wunsch secured his seat with approximately 58.6% of the vote — roughly 3,600 votes — against challenger George Curtiss, who received about 40.5% (2,493 votes). A small number of write-in votes made up the remainder.

Wunsch, who has represented the district for several terms, will not face a general election opponent, as the nonpartisan seat is decided in the primary when a candidate clears the majority threshold.

Commissioner Position 2: Simmelink Survives Four-Way Field

The Position 2 race was more crowded, with incumbent Kelly Simmelink — who has served as commissioner since 2017 — facing three challengers: Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead, and Bill Atherton.

Simmelink captured approximately 53.9% of the vote (3,357 votes), well above the majority needed to win outright in the primary. Erdekian came in second with about 23.5% (1,477 votes), followed by Mead with 962 votes and Atherton with 432 votes.

With Simmelink clearing 50%, no general election runoff will occur for that seat.

Library Bond Measure Defeated

The most closely watched measure on the ballot — a general obligation bond that would have funded construction of a new Jefferson County Library in Madras and a smaller branch facility in Culver — was soundly rejected.

With final unofficial results showing 63% of voters casting "no" ballots versus 34% in favor (1,827 yes, 3,512 no), the bond failed to come close to the 50% threshold needed for approval. The measure had been years in the making, with library officials arguing the current Madras branch is cramped, outdated, and unable to meet the needs of a growing county.

Library advocates expressed disappointment but indicated they would continue exploring options. The defeat puts large-scale expansion plans on hold indefinitely.

Two Other Measures Pass

Voters in the Sisters-Camp Sherman area approved two smaller measures. The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District's levy to fund fire, EMS, and wildfire preparedness staffing passed 105-55. The Camp Sherman Road District 18 tax levy renewal also passed 130-32.

Turnout and What's Next

County election officials reported moderate primary turnout of approximately 38% of eligible voters returning ballots.

Jefferson County's ballot tally machine is scheduled for public certification today, Wednesday, June 10, at the Jefferson County Annex conference room in Madras. Official results must be certified by the Oregon Secretary of State by June 25, 2026.