Commissioner, District No. 5
This seat represents District No. 5, not the whole district above. We can’t match an address to an area this small, so this race may not be on your ballot.
What does this office do?
- Setting your property tax rate
- Funding county roads, parks, and public health services
- Setting land use and building rules outside city limits
Affects: Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health, Government Efficiency,
Candidates:
Democratic · Incumbent
Emily Clouse is the District 5 Thurston County Commissioner, serving her first term through 2026. A U.S. Army veteran, she founded CARE, a nonprofit supporting justice-impacted youth and families, and previously worked for Washington DSHS.
Records: Environment and Public Health 1 for, Government Spending Reduction 1 against, Public Safety and Crime Control 1 for,
Democratic
Michelle Gipson is a North Thurston Public Schools Board Director seeking Thurston County Commission District 5. Her campaign emphasizes collaborative public service and work on housing, healthcare access, public safety, and environmental protection.
Moderate Democrat
Nicolas Martinez-Dunning is a Lacey City Councilmember seeking Thurston County Commission District 5. He is a disabled combat veteran and small-business owner who describes his campaign as moderate and focused on community unity.
Records: Government Spending Reduction 8 against, Public Infrastructure 3 for, Environment and Public Health 2 for,
Sources: voter.votewa.gov2