Republicans sweep county races

SANDPOINT — Tuesday’s election saw record turnout in Bonner County with Republican candidates prevailing all the way down the ticket.

Republican Ron Korn handily won the District 3 commissioner race with 19,368 votes, 69.84%. He bested independent challenger Glenn Lefebvre, who came away with 8,365 votes, 30.16%. 

In a Wednesday Facebook post, Korn said he was “blessed and humbled” by the vote count. He also thanked his wife, campaign team, and the community for supporting him in his campaign. 

Lefebvre also said he wanted to thank his supporters in an email to the Daily Bee. 

“I mostly want to thank my supporters. I am very proud of our grassroots campaign, and I couldn't have done it without them,” Lefebvre said. “The outcome reflects the very reason I ran, which is that I don't recognize the Bonner County community I grew up in. However, I won't give up hope for Bonner County.” 

In the District 1 commissioner race, Republican Brian Domke received 20,127 votes, 70.49%, beating Democratic challenger Steve Johnson who finished with 8,428 votes, 29.51%. 

Domke said he was humbled by the support he received from the people of Bonner County. 

“Thank you, Bonner County!” Domke said in a Wednesday Facebook post. “I am humbled by the overwhelming support I have received by the people of our county throughout this campaign. It will be my honor to serve our community as your elected representative.” 

In a message to the Daily Bee, Johnson congratulated Domke on his win and said he was pleased Domke had committed to representing everyone in Bonner County. Johnson expressed his appreciation for the support he received from his family, campaign team, and Bonner County citizens. 

“I know we will continue doing the necessary work to provide positive and significant choice in our future elections,” Johnson said to finish his message. “There’s more work to do.” 

In uncontested races, incumbent Sheriff Daryl Wheeler garnered 22,614 votes, incumbent Prosecutor Louis Marshall received 22,215 votes, and current County Assessor Dennis Engelhardt collected 22,553. 

Both Wheeler and Engelhardt expressed that they viewed the election results in their uncontested races as a vote of confidence from the county’s residents. 

“I am pleased with the level of participation in the process, and I hope it continues moving forward,” Engelhardt said. “I'm very happy with the votes in my uncontested race for Assessor, aside from putting the voice of approval on my appointment to the position in June of 2023, I take it as approval of the job my staff and I have done in our efforts toward making the Bonner County Assessor's Office the best run in Idaho.” 

Magistrate Tera A. Harden retained her seat on the bench with a final vote tally of 18,818 votes, 82.54%, in favor, and 3,980 votes, 17.46%, against her staying on the bench.