Al (Albert) Merkel
A candidate for Senator, Legislative District 4 (Spokane Valley) in the 2024 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6
Party: Republican
Age: 40
City: Spokane Valley, WA
Education: Graduated from University High School in 2004. Graduated from Whitworth University in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, political science and economics.
Political experience: Unsuccessfully ran for Spokane Valley City Council in 2017 and 2019. Was elected to the city council in 2023, beating longtime Valley Councilman Arne Woodard. Serves as a Republican precinct committee officer.
Work experience: Co-owns Dee's Dog Grooming with his wife. Works as an emergency substitute teacher for the Central Valley School District. Was chief financial officer, and briefly, chief executive officer of Sequoia Detox Centers. Has worked for several companies and agencies as a contract specialist, including the Centene Corporation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Chemonics International, Premier Management Corporation and Louis Burger.
Family: Married to Stephanie Merkel. Has one child.
Campaign Fundraising: Has raised a cumulative $1,171 as of July 12, comprised of $470 in small cash gifts and $701 of in-kind donations to himself.
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Miguel Valencia (D) | 9,146 | 22.13% |
| Leonard Christian (R) | 8,876 | 21.48% |
| Mike Kelly (R) | 8,673 | 20.99% |
| Pamela Haley (R) | 5,306 | 12.84% |
| Al (Albert) Merkel (R) | 4,948 | 11.97% |
| Paige Scott (D) | 4,378 | 10.59% |
Related Coverage
Spokane Valley City Councilman Al Merkel warned to stay out of Spokane Valley City Hall except for meetings during investigation into his behavior
Spokane Valley City Councilman Al Merkel has been warned to stay out of Spokane Valley City Hall as a result of an investigation opened into his behavior toward city staff.
Spokane Valley Councilman Al Merkel’s neighbors have an issue with his car collection
Before Spokane Valley City Councilman Al Merkel started ruffling feathers on the city council, he was irritating his neighbors.
Spokane Valley City Council members get into heated argument as they adjust to new social media restrictions
A discussion on Spokane Valley’s new social media policy that was hurriedly passed at the end of December turned heated Tuesday when two council members exchanged verbal jabs, leading Mayor Pam Haley to shut down council member questions.
Woodard thumped by Merkel in Spokane Valley City Council race; Hattenburg holds large lead over Chase
Arne Woodard, the longest serving city councilman in Spokane Valley’s brief history, lost to Al Merkel by 30 percentage points.
City Council candidates debate Spokane Valley issues at S-R event
City Council candidates Thursday night debated major Spokane Valley issues at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center.
Northwest Passages hosting Spokane Valley City Council candidate forum
From staff reports
Spokane Valley’s longest-serving council member faces a familiar opponent
Arne Woodard, 70, hopes to beat out 37-year-old Al Merkel and secure a fourth and final term in office.