Wapato Mayor Jesse Farias and Toppenish agricultural businessman Kevin Bouchey will face each other in November to determine who will replace Yakima County Commissioner Ron Gamache, who didn’t make it past the primary.
Bouchey came away from the primary election with slightly more than 40 percent of the vote, and Farias with just over 28 percent.

Farias said following the announcement of the election results that he expected to do well.

“I was confident I was going to be in the top two,” Farias said.

He said he would take a short respite before resuming his campaign.

“I’m going to take a break and catch my breath,” said Farias.

When he resumes active campaigning, Farias plans to do “a lot of phone calling,” and “a mailer or two.”

Farias expressed appreciation for the voter turnout, which was at 8,312 total Aug. 19, according to figures from the county auditor’s office.

“I’m glad people came out and voted, and I’m glad they voted for me,” said Farias.

Bouchey also expressed satisfaction with his performance so far in the campaign.

“We did have a convincing (primary) win,” he said.

Bouchey said he had hoped to garner about 33-40 percent of the votes.

“We’re very pleased we received the upper end,” Bouchey said.

He also said he plans to take a break from campaigning until after the Labor Day weekend, then begin more print and radio advertising, and place campaign signs in more areas throughout the county.

He said he has also already reserved booth space in the Sun Dome during this year’s Central Washington State Fair in Yakima.

“It’s the best way to meet people from all over the county,” said Bouchey.

The general election will be held on Nov. 4.  The deadline for voter registration to participate is Oct. 4.