by Stacy Wiedmaier
Landmark reporter
With the Republican primary now behind them, Platte County candidates are reflecting on the results as they shift their focus to November. For some, the next race will bring a Democratic challenger, while for others, the primary victory has determined the winner.
In the race for presiding commissioner, Jason Maki defeated Gena Ross with 70% of the vote.
Incumbent Chris Wright will keep his seat as the recorder of deeds after defeating newcomer Nick Palmer with nearly 60% of the vote. With no Democrat on the November ballot, Wright is expected to cruise to winning another four year term.
Incumbent Jera Pruitt lost her re-election bid for county clerk. Mary Calvillo will advance to the general election after receiving more votes than Pruitt and Russell “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz.
Calvillo received 40.57% of the vote in the closest local race on the ballot, with Pruitt getting 31.04% and Wojtkiewicz earning 28.39%.
Pruitt said although she was not re-elected, she has no regrets about standing up for her values and principles during the campaign.
“I focused on experience, professionalism and a commitment to serving every citizen with integrity,” she said. “I remain proud of the campaign we ran and the conversations we had about the future of the clerk’s office. I will never waver to threats or requests for favors. The law is the law and I will follow it.”
She said that while this chapter is ending, she is committed to finishing her term strong and treating the citizens of Platte County with respect.
The candidates thanked supporters, discussed their experiences on the campaign trail and outlined what they plan to do between now and November.
Maki said that he genuinely appreciated the conversations he shared with his opponent and the mutual respect shown throughout the race. He thanked Ross for her kind congratulations during a phone call he received. Over the next 90 days, he said he plans to knock on as many doors and have as many one-on-one conversations as he possibly can.
“This race is about taxpayers versus insiders,” he said. “It’s about protecting families and small businesses from a political class that would leverage their power and position to push Platte County toward the kind of policies we’ve watched hollow out cities like Portland and Minneapolis — policies that hand our tax dollars to private interests instead of funding the county’s actual mission: infrastructure and public safety.”
When asked to reflect on his successful campaign, Wright said he was deeply grateful for the trust the voters of Platte County have placed in him. He thanked them for their confidence, encouragement and belief in his vision for the office.
“Our democratic process is strongest when citizens make their voices heard and I appreciate every person who took the time to vote,” he said.
“As I prepare to serve another term, I’m committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, transparency and respect. Whether you voted for me or not, I will work every day to earn your trust and ensure the recorder’s office serves our community efficiently and effectively.”
Platte County Republican Central Committee member Calvillo said she was thrilled to earn the nomination for county clerk. If elected, this will be her first time serving in public office.
“I have enjoyed campaigning very much, and without question, knocking on doors and getting to know the residents of Platte County was my favorite part,” Calvillo said. “Hearing their concerns and ideas for how I can serve them has been the most rewarding part of this entire process. I also loved getting familiar with parts of Platte County I don’t often visit — it gave me a deeper appreciation for the community as a whole. It is such a special place and we need to keep it that way.”
Maki will challenge Democrat Mary McKenna and Dale Brouk, an independent, in the Nov. 3 general election. Calvillo will face Democratic candidate Hans Peter.
OTHER RESULTS
FOR 6TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN, REPUBLICAN: Chris Stigall carried Platte County with 47.73% of the vote to 34.62 for Nathan Willett, 8% for Jim Ingram, 6% for Nathanael Schultz and 4% for Cody J. Oshel. District-wide, Stigall won with 44% to 34% for Willett.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN, DEMOCRAT: Josh Smead carried Platte County with 48% to 31% for Matt Levine and 21% for Scot Pondelick. District-wide, Smead won with 48% to 30% for Levine and 22% for Pondelick.
FOR 34th DISTRICT STATE SENATE, REPUBLICAN: Mike Jones carried 56.48% in Platte County to 35.89% for Sean Pouche and 7.63% for Ryan Gerster. The district also covers Buchanan County. District-wide, Jones finished with 62% to 28% for Pouche and 9% for Gerster. Jones advances to the general.
FOR 34TH DISTRICT STATE SENATE, DEMOCRAT: Shereka Barnes carried 78% to 22% for Pam May. District-wide, Barnes finished with 70% to 30% for May. Barnes advances to the general vs. Jones.
AMENDMENT 1: Yes 86.01%, No 13.99%. Statewide Yes 82%, No 18%.
AMENDMENT 2: Yes 79%, No 21%. Statewide: Yes 77% No 23%.
AMENDMENT 4: No 80%, Yes 20%. Statewide: No 80%, Yes 20%.
AMENDMENT 5: No 80%, Yes 20%. Statewide: No 83%, Yes 17%.
ALL PLATTE COUNTY
RESULTS
To find all results from everything on the Platte County ballot go to the Platte County Board of Elections website at: https://www.plattecountymovotes.gov/results.
