No Republicans filed yet for Island County offices ahead of filing week

Who ends up on Island County ballots could still change quickly, but one detail already stands out: no Republican had filed or publicly signaled an intention to run for county-level offices. That leaves voters facing a field that already includes 11 candidates for Island County offices filed with the Public Disclosure Commission, among them five independents and several Democrats, while assessor Kelly Mauck listed his party as none.

The clock now matters. Washington’s official candidate filing week for the 2026 general election cycle runs Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, and the online filing portal closes at 5 p.m. Friday. Island County says in-person filing is also available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day during filing week at the Elections Office. After that comes the withdrawal deadline on Monday, May 11, followed by certification of the candidate list to counties by the Secretary of State on Tuesday, May 12.

The sheriff’s race is the clearest example of how the field is taking shape. Rick Felici, first elected sheriff eight years ago, is running for reelection as an independent after previously running as a Republican. Oak Harbor Police Chief Tavier Wasser, a South Whidbey High School alumnus, has filed as a sheriff candidate and said he is supported by the Democratic Party. Brigan Cooper, a Camano Island resident, also filed as an independent. The contest already carries unusually broad appeal across Oak Harbor, South Whidbey and Camano Island, and it could expand further once filing week opens.

Other races could shift as well. Maria Hazelo, the juvenile services office manager, is running for Island County clerk as an independent, while Tim Hazelo filed as a Republican candidate for state representative. That could put a married couple on the primary ballot, an unusual development in county history unless precinct committee officer races are counted. With Janet St. Clair not seeking reelection and several county offices still unsettled, the roster may change before filing closes.

Island County has seen this kind of late movement before. In May 2024, filing week produced surprise additions and seven candidates for two Island County commissioner seats, a reminder that early lists rarely hold their shape all the way through Friday afternoon. The current lineup points to a ballot that may look less partisan than voters are used to seeing in Island County, and the final field will not be set until filing week ends and the withdrawal deadline passes.