Election 2012: Mullet Leading Toft in 5th District Senate Race

Update: for results as of Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m., please visit Patch at the link here.

Almost before the race for Washington's 5th District Senate seat began in May, controversy surrounded the contest. Political newcomer and fellow Republican Brad Toft had announced his bid to unseat Cheryl Pflug early, but she surprised most by withdrawing from the race on May 21, the last day to withdraw, leaving Toft the only challenger to Democrat and Issaquah City Councilman Mark Mullet.

With the seat wide open, the senate race in the 5th Legislative District has proven to be hotly contested. The final election results could determine the leadership and control of the upper house in the Legislature.

Mullet and Toft have run a vigorous race, overshadowing the contest between Republican Chad Magendanz and Democrat David Spring for the House Position 2 seat (Republican State Rep. Jay Rodne is running unopposed for re-election for Position 1), and making what Issaquah City Councilman Fred Butler referred to as one of the most expensive 5th District races ever. As of Nov. 6, Mullet had reported raising $315,000, and Toft had raised $295,000. More than $161,000 had been spent by independent groups opposing Toft, led by Working Families for the 5th; and $283,000 by independent groups opposing Mullet, led by Eastside Leadership Committee.

The newly redistricted 5th District, which essentially removes Sammamish from the equation, includes Issaquah east past Snoqualmie and North Bend, north past Fall City, and south to Maple Valley and Black Diamond.

The next round of results will be released by King County Elections tomorrow, Nov. 7, at 4:30 p.m.

Related Coverage:

Washington Election Results 2012