Al (Albert) Merkel
A candidate for Senator, Legislative District 4 (Spokane Valley) in the 2024 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6
Party: Republican
Age: 38
City: Spokane Valley, WA
Education: Graduated from University High School in 2004. Graduated from Whitworth University in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, political science and economics.
Political experience: Unsuccessfully ran for Spokane Valley City Council in 2017 and 2019. Was elected to the city council in 2023, beating longtime Valley Councilman Arne Woodard. Serves as a Republican precinct committee officer.
Work experience: Co-owns Dee's Dog Grooming with his wife. Works as an emergency substitute teacher for the Central Valley School District. Was chief financial officer, and briefly, chief executive officer of Sequoia Detox Centers. Has worked for several companies and agencies as a contract specialist, including the Centene Corporation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Chemonics International, Premier Management Corporation and Louis Burger.
Family: Married to Stephanie Merkel. Has one child.
Campaign Fundraising: Has raised a cumulative $1,171 as of July 12, comprised of $470 in small cash gifts and $701 of in-kind donations to himself.
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Miguel Valencia (D) | 9,146 | 22.13% |
| Leonard Christian (R) | 8,876 | 21.48% |
| Mike Kelly (R) | 8,673 | 20.99% |
| Pamela Haley (R) | 5,306 | 12.84% |
| Al (Albert) Merkel (R) | 4,948 | 11.97% |
| Paige Scott (D) | 4,378 | 10.59% |
Related Coverage
Valley councilman represents himself in appeal of investigation findings
Spokane Valley Councilman Al Merkel had his hands full Thursday, as he elected to represent himself in his appeal of an independent investigation that found he likely violated city policies and public records law.
Spokane Valley City Council elects not to provide Councilman Al Merkel legal representation in terse meeting he refused to leave
The city of Spokane Valley will not cover the costs of Councilman Al Merkel’s defense in his appeal of the investigation that found he likely violated public records law.
Spokane Valley Councilman Al Merkel found ‘likely in violation’ of Public Records Act
An investigation into Spokane Valley Councilman Al Merkel’s social media platform has concluded that he is “likely in violation of the Washington State Public Records Act.”
Three prominent Spokane County legislative races still too close to call after second tally
It’s still unclear who Spokane and Spokane Valley voters will choose this November to represent them in the Washington State Legislature.
Democrats Valencia, Cummings lead crowded field in Spokane Valley legislative races
Voters have narrowed the crowded field of candidates vying for the three state Legislature positions representing Spokane Valley, but two races are still too close to call.
Controversy, surprise endorsement shakes up race to replace state Sen. Mike Padden
Candidates, cash and controversy are abundant in the race for a state Senate seat in eastern Spokane County.
Valley councilman, state Senate candidate Al Merkel under investigation again for alleged misuse of social media
Al Merkel under investigation again
Private investigator accuses Spokane Valley Councilman of problematic work history during public meeting
A private investigator accused Spokane Valley City Councilman Al Merkel at a public meeting Tuesday of a problematic work history and harassment during his time with a past employer.
Getting There: Sprague Avenue project clears final hurdle despite objections
Sprague Avenue will look a little different this fall – to the benefit of the region’s water supply, but at the angst of some local commuters.
Spokane Valley Councilman Al Merkel believes his Latino heritage may be factor in reception at city hall
Spokane Valley City Councilman Al Merkel responded to the recently completed investigation into his conduct with city staff at a council meeting Tuesday, questioning whether elements of the investigation’s findings and the measures put in place during and after the probe may have been racial discrimination.