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Grand County’s commissioner seats remain red, according to unofficial results
Sky High News
A total of 18,800 votes were cast in this year’s races for Grand County Board of County Commissioners so far, according to the latest unofficial election results as of Wednesday, Nov. 6. The results show Republican candidates Ed Raegner and Merrit Linke in the lead, ahead of Democrats Meara McQuain and Shanna Ganne.
Sky-Hi News has called both races, with Raegner representing District 1 and Linke representing District 2.
Grand County Board of County Commissioners unofficial results
District 1
- Ed Raegner (R): 5,472 votes
- Meara McQuain (D): 4,007 votes
District 2
- Merrit Linke* (R): 5,378 votes
- Shanna Ganne (D): 4,023 votes
(* signifies that the candidate is an incumbent.)
As District 1 county commissioner, Raegner aims to strike a balance between Grand County’s tourist economy while making it an affordable and attractive place to live. Raegner has served on the East Grand School District Board of Education since 2016 and has served as president since 2019. Additionally, he is a local business owner.
Raegner provided the following statement to Sky-Hi News: “This win belongs to everyone who believed, volunteered, contributed, and voted. Together, we’ve shown what’s possible, and I am honored to serve this incredible community as we move forward with purpose and unity. I especially want to thank my family Amy and Lillie my extended family John and Romina Krueger. I also need to thank Ashley Howell, Jessica Smolleck, David Buckley and Rebecca Guthrie for all the hours of support. I also want to thank Meara being willing to go through this process and be willing to serve is the ultimate expression of civic duty. To all who supported and those who didn’t support me, I will work for all of you to be the best commissioner I can be.”
Linke has served as a county commissioner in District 2 since being elected in 2012. His family has been ranching in Grand County for five generations. Linke did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.
Ganne stated that she was thankful for everyone who volunteered and believed in her.
“I am honored to represent and lead my community continuing as the Executive Director of the Grand County Historical Association, preserving and protecting our community’s history and culture,” Ganne stated. “Thank you to my opponent, Merritt Linke, for campaigning with dignity and decorum and thank you for your service to Grand County. Thank you to the Grand County Clerk’s Office for running a fair and equal election.”
McQuain thanked her supporters, volunteers and voters.
“While the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, I’m immensely grateful for the support and dedication of everyone who joined our campaign for a sustainable, livable Grand County,” McQuain said. “This journey has strengthened my commitment to our community, and I look forward to finding new ways to contribute to the positive change we all envision.”