State Representative, Pos. 2
Election Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Holy (R) | 33,085 | 55% |
| Dennis Dellwo (D) | 27,071 | 45% |
* Race percentages are calculated with data from the Secretary of State's Office, which omits write-in votes from its calculations when there are too few to affect the outcome. The Spokane County Auditor's Office may have slightly different percentages than are reflected here because its figures include any write-in votes.
About The Race
The announcement this spring that state Rep. John Ahern would retire helped persuade four candidates to run for his seat in the August primary. Democrat Dennis Dellwo led the field, but more people voted for a Republican candidate. With both eliminated Republicans backing Republican Jeff Holy, Dellwo’s road to return to the Legislature where he served in the 1980s and early 1990s won’t be easy. The 6th Legislative District surrounds central Spokane on the south, west and north and includes the West Plains and Cheney. It’s generally considered Republican-leaning but has elected Democrats in 2006 and 2008.
Legislators are paid $42,106 annually, plus healthcare benefits. House terms are two years.
The Candidates
Jeff Holy
- Party:
- Republican
- Age:
- 68
- City:
- Spokane, WA
Education: Graduated from Issaquah High School in 1973. Earned psychology bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in 1983. Earned law degree from Gonzaga University in 1989.
Political experience: Won current House seat in 2012. Ran for Spokane County Commission in 2010.
Work experience: Attorney. Served in the Spokane Police Department from 1984 until he left with the rank of detective in 2006 to practice law. Governor-appointed board member for one of the state’s retirement systems for public safety retirees (LEOFF 2) since 2005.
Military experience: U.S. Army, 1975-1978. Army National Guard 1981-1982.
Family: Married; two children.
Dennis Dellwo
- Party:
- Democrat
- Age:
- 78
- City:
- Spokane, WA
- Occupation:
- Attorney
Career: Attorney. Former legislator
Education: Graduated from Gonzaga Prep, 1963. Received bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University in 1967. Received law degree from Arizona State University in 1971.
Political experience: Elected to state House, representing Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District from 1983 until 1996. Lost 1995 race for Spokane County Superior Court judge. Resigned from Legislature in 1996 to accept appointment to Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Board. Current Spokane City Plan commissioner. Has served on the boards of several nonprofit agencies, including the United Way and Goodwill Industries. Served on former Spokane Mayor Mary Verner’s Sustainability Task Force.
Military experience: U.S. Army, 1971. U.S. Army Reserves, 1971-1979
Family: Married. Has three adult daughters and three adult step-daughters.
Complete Coverage
Democrats holding edge in Legislature
Democrats appear likely to hold on to both chambers of the Washington Legislature. Republicans had pushed to recapture the state Senate, where the Democrats currently have five more seats than Republicans. Control of the House has not been as much in dispute because Democrats have a wider margin, with 14 more seats than the GOP, and the party appeared to easily maintain a wide majority there.
Dellwo vs. Holy, Taxes
Former state Rep. Dennis Dellwo, a Democrat, and attorney Jeff Holy, a Republican, give their positions on the requirement for two-thirds votes to approve tax increases. The two are running for state House in Spokane County’s 6th Legislative District, which includes parts of the city of Spokane and most of the West Plains.
Dellwo vs. Holy, Abortion
Former state Rep. Dennis Dellwo, a Democrat, and attorney Jeff Holy, a Republican, give their stances on abortion policy. The two are running for state House in Spokane County’s 6th Legislative District, which includes parts of the city of Spokane, and most of the West Plains.
Dellwo vs. Holy, Energy
Former state Rep. Dennis Dellwo, a Democrat, and attorney Jeff Holy, a Republican, give their stance on a state law approved by voters that requires larger power companies to get 15 percent of their energy supplies from renewable sources, not including existing dam infrastructure, by 2020. The two are running for state House in Spokane County’s 6th Legislative District, which includes parts of the city of Spokane, and most of the West Plains.
Dellwo vs. Holy, Education: Are higher taxes needed?
Former state Rep. Dennis Dellwo, a Democrat, and attorney Jeff Holy, a Republican, discuss their opinions about education funding and taxes. The two are running for state House in Spokane County’s 6th Legislative District, which includes parts of the city of Spokane, and most of the West Plains.
Dellwo vs. Holy, Introduction
Former state Rep. Dennis Dellwo, a Democrat, and attorney Jeff Holy, a Republican, make their case why their the best to represent the 6th Legislative District, in the state House. The district includes parts of the city of Spokane, and most of the West Plains.
Dellwo vs. Holy, Freeway and Electric Bus
Former state Rep. Dennis Dellwo, a Democrat, and attorney Jeff Holy, a Republican, give their stance on the North Spokane Corridor and the proposed electric bus system. The two are running for state House in Spokane County’s 6th Legislative District, which includes parts of the city of Spokane, and most of the West Plains.
Dellwo, Holy battle for 6th District House seat
The 6th Legislative District, which has set campaign spending records in previous years, is unusually tame this time around. There’s just one contested race on the November ballot in the heavily competitive district. No one opted to challenge Republican state Rep. Kevin Parker, who holds the other House position, and the Senate seat won’t be on the ballot again until 2014.
Four seeking to replace Ahern in 6th District
The announcement earlier this year from state Rep. John Ahern that he wouldn’t seek a new term has opened the door for a competitive primary for his Spokane County seat. Ahern, a Republican, represents the 6th Legislative District, which surrounds central Spokane on the south, west and north. It has been a swing district in recent years, but Republicans swept the district’s positions in 2010.
Jeff Holy, Q&A on 15 topics
JEFF HOLY, Republican Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? Residency. I’ve lived here 30 years, having graduated Gonzaga Law, completed a career with Spokane P.D., raised my family and been involved in the community. I’m part of our community, people and issues. Resume. Local public service, community activity, education, existing legislative relationships, institutional memory, political involvement and public safety are all tools that no other candidates possess. Responsibility. I have big budget experience (Trustee for $6 Billion State Retirement System), I’m a small business owner who understands WA business climate and my work as an attorney teaches me to place other’s interests before my own.
Dennis Dellwo, Q&A on 15 topics
DENNIS DELLWO, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have been extensively involved in neighborhood and city affairs and have a clear understanding of our community and its concerns. I spent 13 years in the Washington State Legislature. While a legislator I held leadership positions, was chairman of important committees and architect of key legislation. I not only bring this experience to the 6th District, but I will be able to take the 6th and Spokane’s concerns to the table when legislation or budgets are considered. I will hit the ground running. I also spent 12 years as the attorney member of the Growth Management Hearing Board.
Into endorsements
None