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 the top vote-getter among four candidates. Wilbur will face incumbent senator Joe Williams in the general election.

In the contest for Senate Seat 5, Wilbur received 110 votes. Williams placed second with 91 votes, edging Rodney John (89) and Abe McDonald (30).

No primary election was required for Senate Seat 3, which will be contested in the general election next month by incumbent Brian Porter and challenger David Johnston.

Paul was gracious afterward in conceding defeat.

“My life will go on,” said Paul, known for his upbeat demeanor. “I just want to congratulate all the candidates who will move on to the General Council. Best of luck to you. I loved working for SITC (Swinomish Indian Tribal Community) at its highest level.”

Edwards congratulated Paul for his service, one that spanned 15 years on the tribal panel.

“I would like to thank Kevin Paul for all the hard work he has done for the Swinomish Tribal Community over the years,” said Edwards, who also extended congratulations to James.

James likewise struck a conciliatory tone.

“Congratulations to the candidates who advance to the general election,” he said. “Thank you, Kevin, for a great campaign and years of service on the senate, and your work for our community is appreciated.”

Wilbur, too, expressed gratitude for the support he received and acknowledged Paul’s senate service.

“I would like to raise my hands to the Swinomish people for trusting me and allowing me to go on to the general election on Feb. 13,” Wilbur said.

“Your hard work and leadership,” he said to Paul, “is appreciated and not forgotten.”

Williams, a housing and energy independence advocate, will be seeking a second senate term in February. His election five years ago led to a wave of new candidates – J.J. Wilbur, Eric Day and Alana Quintasket – being elevated by Swinomish voters to the 11-member tribal senate.