On general election night, the initial round of results came pouring in.
According to the King Council Elections (KCE) website on Nov. 4 and beyond, here’s a look at where local voters stand on the Mercer Island and Legislative District 41 fronts:
BOND
Proposition 1, a $103,160,000 city bond to build a public safety and maintenance facility, thus far received 55.29% of yes votes (4,591) and 44.71% of no votes (3,712). To pass, the bond needs a 60% majority and minimum turnout of 40% of voters casting ballots in the last general election, according to the Washington State Constitution.
Benson Wong, who was one of the “for” writers on the KCE website, noted: “While the final votes are not in (so I want to remain hopeful), the early returns and the voting trend regarding Prop. 1 are unfortunately not encouraging. Should Prop. 1 not pass and this opportunity to address many of the Island’s infrastructure needs be missed, those needs will remain (if not be exacerbated). Therefore, the Island must be ready to address these needs in the very near future. In addition, I hope that efforts to lower the 60% approval threshold for such initiatives in Olympia will continue.”
Mike Cero, who wrote the “against” statement on the KCE website, said: “The community received a very civil campaign producing well-researched and thorough opinions and perspectives from both sides. The reality is this is the second time in less than eight months Islanders did not give 60% for a large and expensive bond. Islanders voted for the council to design a smaller and less expensive facility. And they voted for more creative financing by tapping fund balances and using existing revenue sources for a councilmanic bond.”
CITY COUNCIL
In the race for Mercer Island City Council Position No. 6, incumbent Lisa Anderl has 55.70% (4,395 votes) and Johana Beresky has 44.14% (3,483 votes).
“I want to thank the citizens of Mercer Island for electing me to another term. I want to thank my opponent, Johana, for running a professional and civil campaign. At the end of the day we are all still neighbors on this island and I hope we can all work together for the good of the community,” Anderl said.
For Position No. 7, Julie Hsieh has 57.37% (4,655 votes) and Adam Ragheb has 42.46% (3,445 votes).
“I am grateful to our community for the engagement throughout my campaign for city council, and for voting in this election. Votes are still being counted, but I am optimistic about the result. I have enjoyed meeting many Islanders and hearing ideas on how we can continue to build a thriving community together. I am grateful to all who invested their time and resources in my campaign. I look forward to continuing to engage with the community as a member of city council,” Hsieh said.
Added Ragheb: “I, along with many voters, am disappointed by the results, but I’m proud of our campaign and the way we elevated the real issues our city will face in the coming years. I congratulate my opponent and the other winning candidates on their victories and wish them success in serving our community. I remain committed to staying actively involved to ensure our residents understand the challenges ahead of us and that the city’s decisions reflect our shared values and preserve the quality of life that makes Mercer Island special.”
Incumbent Ted Weinberg and appointed councilmember Daniel Becker are running unopposed for positions No. 4 and 2, respectively. Weinberg has received 98.03% (5,516 votes) and Becker has received 98.28% (5,481 votes).
SCHOOL BOARD
In the lone contested Mercer Island School District board director race for Position No. 4, Stephanie Burnett has 68.11% (5,240 votes) and Robert O’Callahan has 31.64% (2,434 votes).
“I’m thrilled by the strong initial election results for School Board Position 4. This campaign has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who shared their stories with me during the campaign. I look forward to the opportunity to serve all Islanders, honoring every voice and working with determination to help guide our district into the future,” Burnett said.
O’Callahan noted: “Regardless of the outcome, I’m proud to have run, championing the priorities of Mercer Island parents and residents who demand transparency, child and community safety, and rigorous, proven academic standards that prepare students to thrive in a complex, evolving world. As a mentor, citizen, and parent, I remain committed to advancing these goals.”
Julian Bradley, who is running unopposed for Position No. 2, has 68.95% (5,098 votes). Brian Gaspar, a former candidate for Position No. 2 (who announced in August that he was no longer running for the position), remains on the ballot and received 30.54% (2,258 votes).
“I’ve truly enjoyed this campaign and the opportunity to connect with so many Mercer Island residents about the issues they care deeply about. Our community shares a strong belief in the power of public education and pride in the many wonderful things happening in our schools — even as we acknowledge the significant challenges ahead. I’m excited to get to work ensuring our schools are safe and fiscally responsible while providing an excellent education that meets each student’s needs,” Bradley said.
LD 41
Over in the LD 41 sphere for the state representative Position No. 1 seat, Janice Zahn (D) has 70.47% (26,449 votes) and John Whitney (R) has 29.41% (11,038 votes).
Zahn thanked the LD 41 voters for trusting her with their vote: “I am humbled by the support of our campaign to retain my seat. Grateful to all the people I’ve met at community events and talking with me. So fun to be part of the Mercer Island summer parade. It’s an honor to continue serving you in the state legislature. Please stay engaged, drop in to upcoming Chats with Janice and town halls — share what’s on your mind. Let’s continue to work together for a safe, thriving and sustainable community. I’m here to serve you.”
Whitney said the early election results were disappointing: “With all the energy that was put toward making a better Washington, I was surprised at the low voter turnout. We can only achieve what is possible in Washington, if we all participate in the election process. After knocking so many doors, it seems that a lot of people and businesses are being forced to leave Washington, and in the meantime they have just checked out of the voting process. Your votes matter! Change happens one vote at a time.”
Mercer Island has 19,012 registered voters.
Further results will be posted by 4:30 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 25. KCE will post the final results and certification documents by 4 p.m. on Nov. 25.
The Reporter reached out to all the above candidates for statements for this story.
Other results
• King County Executive: Girmay Zahilay leads with 53.25% of the vote vs. Claudia Balducci, who has 45.53%.
• Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201: This statewide measure is passing with 71.01% of the vote in King County and 57.23% statewide. With this measure, the Legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on allowing money in Washington’s long-term care fund to be invested. This amendment would allow the state fund dedicated to providing long-term care benefits for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to be invested as authorized by law.
• King County Prop. 1: Proposition No. 1, Medic One – Emergency Medical Services Replacement of Existing Levy is passing with 80.61% of the vote. For the county-wide Medic One emergency medical services system, the county seeks to replace an expiring levy by imposing regular property taxes of $0.25 or less per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for each of six consecutive years, with collection beginning in 2026, as provided in King County Ordinance No. 19950, to continue paying for Medic One emergency medical services. For a property with an assessed valuation of $844,000, the maximum rate would be approximately $211 in the first year. Qualifying seniors, veterans, and disabled persons would be eligible for exemption from the levy.
