Cris Patnode wins Gilliam County Judge election

Cris Patnode has emerged victorious in the Primary Election for Gilliam County Judge and will be the county's next executive officer, capturing more than 61% of the vote.

The Primary Election was held on May 21 and garnered 57% participation from registered voters.

Patnode defeated Commissioner Leah Watkins and Condon Mayor Jim Hassing. By eclipsing 51% of the vote, Patnode won the election outright, with no need to hold a general election in the fall.

In all three precincts, Patnode cruised to victory. In Arlington, Patnode received 75% of the vote. In Condon's West Precinct – she captured 50%, and 55.59% in Condon's East Precinct.

Joining Patnode on the court will be Grant Wilkins, who won the Gilliam Co. Commissioner #2 race with 68% of the vote over incumbent Pat Shannon. By capturing more than 51% of the vote, Wilkins wins the election outright in the primary and there will be no need for a general election for commissioner in the fall.

Grant Wilkins owns Big River Pizza in Arlington, and has served on several boards in the north end of the county.

Patnode, who was raised outside of Condon and now lives in Arlington, has served as the Gilliam Co. Justice of the Peace for 24 years.

The Gilliam County Court is currently without a judge and commissioner, after Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell and Commissioner Pat Shannon were recalled and removed from office. The county is awaiting for Governor Tina Kotek to name the interim judge and commissioner - and it is likely that Patnode will be chosen to fill that role.

In response to questions about her goals, Patnode says that she is excited to "create a unified vision for the prosperity county-wide."

Patnode says that her priorities as judge will be "healing county-wide, with a goal of working together for the good of Gilliam County, including talking with and listening to those we serve."

Having two-way and direct communication with staff and elected officials across all county departments is a key priority. "If it is necessary to enlist a trained communication professional to help us move forward, I am open to doing so," Patnode said.

While Patnode will officially start her term in January, it is increasingly likely that she will begin work as County Judge in the coming weeks.

Last week, Governor Tina Kotek reached out to Patnode to see if she'd be interested in becoming the interim County Judge. The Gilliam County election will be certified by June 12 and the Governor will seek to make an appointment quickly.