Our next Commissioner of Public Lands: Peter Goldmark!

The Associated Press is projecting that Peter Goldmark has won what we considered to be the top downballot race this cycle:

Democrat Peter Goldmark has unseated Republican Doug Sutherland in the race for Washington state lands commissioner.

After more than two days of vote-counting, the Okanogan rancher and molecular biologist built an insurmountable lead against the two-term incumbent, 51.1 percent to 48.9 percent.

Sutherland declined to concede, saying, "There's a lot of counties where we have pretty strong support that have to be counted."

We agree that there are many ballots left to be counted, but it's hard to see how Sutherland could win at this point. It would take a massive shift to erase Goldmark's lead (and that is why the AP called it "insurmountable").



Here's the text of Goldmark's victory statement:

I am so grateful to the people of Washington for their support in restoring public trust to the management of our public lands. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this important role, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

As I have said throughout this campaign, I am fundamentally committed to protecting the job base in our forests, expanding opportunities for renewable energy investment, and securing public access and recreational opportunity.

My goal is sustainable management of public resources, transparency in management, and reliance on science and law in decision making.

With those principles, I believe we can leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Congratulations to Peter for the strong campaign he ran. We look forward to seeing him inaugurated as Lands Commissioner in a few weeks.