GOP Chair Jim Walsh Questions Ballot Counting, Cites “Fear-Mongering” in Election Results
Washington State Republican Party Chair and State Rep. Jim Walsh joined The Morning Ride to unpack the latest election results and ongoing ballot counting in King County. Walsh said many incumbents held their seats, but noted the Seattle mayor’s race between Bruce Harrell and Katie Wilson remains “too close to call,” with concern that late-counted ballots could again tilt left, as seen in past Seattle elections.
Walsh questioned why King County’s “ballots left to count” numbers often grow in the days after Election Day and called for tighter ballot deadlines—saying ballots should be received, not just postmarked, by 8 p.m. on Election Night. He also urged continuous overnight counting instead of “bankers’ hours” tabulation.
On turnout, Walsh said participation was “disturbingly low,” particularly among voters who oppose tax hikes but “leave the rest of their ballot blank,” allowing pro-tax candidates to win local seats.
He added that “fear-mongering” over the federal government shutdown and SNAP benefits likely influenced some voters in Seattle races. Despite setbacks in urban areas, Walsh pointed to conservative wins in Snohomish and Clark Counties, and more than 50 conservative school board victories statewide as signs of progress.
As for the bright side, Walsh noted Olympia voters rejected a proposed “Workers’ Bill of Rights” that would have sharply raised the city’s minimum wage—calling it one of the election’s few silver linings.
Listen to the full interview below:
