Incumbent, familiar candidates advance to general election in two Spokane Valley City Council races

Initial results in the only two Spokane Valley City Council races on the primary ballot this year indicate more than a few familiar faces will advance to the general election this November.

Facing challenges from two political newcomers in her first re-election bid to Position 7, incumbent City Councilwoman Laura Padden secured her advancement to the general election, receiving 52% of the initial ballot tally. Joining her on the November ballot will be salvage yard manager Brad Hohn, 64, who received 35% as of Tuesday evening. They defeated Joseph Ghodsee, a 26-year-old Gonzaga University student, with 11.9% of the vote.

Padden said she was grateful Valley voters are backing her for another term, as indicated by the primary results. She said she hopes to continue advocating for the issues she’s championed since joining the council in 2021, including public safety, affordable housing and economic development.

“I was really happy with the results, and I thank all of the people of the Valley who put their trust in me to continue to do the job for them and represent them,” Padden said. “It’s now on to looking forward to the general; you can never just rest on your laurels.”


https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/aug/05/incumbent-familiar-candidates-advance-to-general-e/