Jefferson County voters will get official confirmation of their May 20 primary choices when the Oregon Secretary of State certifies statewide results on June 25, 2026. Based on unofficial tallies reported since election night, the outcomes in Jefferson County's most-watched races are coming into focus — and in some cases, have already been shaped by events beyond the ballot itself.
Sheriff: Pollock Holds, Anderson Disqualified from Law Enforcement
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock won his re-election bid against challenger Tyler Anderson, a former JCSO deputy who ran against the man who fired him. Pollock secured a strong majority in initial vote counts reported election night.
The race was clouded well before voters cast ballots. In early May, it was revealed that Anderson had been placed on the Brady List — a database of law enforcement officers found to have credibility issues — and faced a state credential review. On May 21, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee recommended that Anderson's law enforcement certifications be permanently revoked for misconduct and dishonesty allegations.
Anderson's termination papers from the JCSO, obtained by Oregon Public Broadcasting, alleged he had been "untruthful" on multiple occasions. He remains ineligible to serve as a law enforcement officer in Oregon.
Commissioner Position 1: Wunsch Leads with 20-Point Margin
Incumbent Mark Wunsch appears to have comfortably retained his seat in Commissioner Position 1, holding a 20-point lead over challenger George Curtiss as of final unofficial counts, with approximately 58.6% of the vote. A third candidate, Tony Chard, also appeared on the ballot.
Commissioner Position 2: Simmelink Leads Four-Way Field
Incumbent Kelly Simmelink, who has served as commissioner since 2017, led a crowded four-candidate field with roughly 55% of the vote. Challenger Ara Erdekian was second with about 23.6%, followed by Greg Mead and Bill Atherton.
Library Measure: Rejected 53–47
Voters also weighed in on a $20 million library expansion measure, rejecting it 53% to 47% with a 27% voter turnout across 4,699 ballots counted. Only three of the county's 17 precincts — Agency Plains, Warm Springs, and West Madras — supported the measure.
What Happens June 25
Oregon law requires a post-election audit in all counties following primary, general, and special elections. The last day to resolve signature challenges was June 9, and the last day to receive valid postmarked ballots by mail was May 26. Certification on June 25 will make the results official.
Winners in nonpartisan county races such as sheriff and commissioner advance directly to the November general election, where — absent a major write-in campaign — the primary winners will formally take office.