Younger challengers win in primary for Swinomish Senate

Challengers bested incumbents in Swinomish Tribal Senate primary balloting last Saturday, continuing a trend that has emerged over recent election cycles on the reservation.

Candidates Greg Edwards and Bruce James advanced to the tribal community’s Feb. 13 general election, turning back a bid by incumbent Kevin Paul to retain his seat.

Edwards polled 142 votes in the contest for Senate Seat 4. James ran a strong second with 123 votes.

Paul, a nationally recognized master carver and La Conner Schools staff member, was the choice of 52 voters.

In another race, challenger Tandy “Wolf” Wilbur was...