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) | 9,133 | 22.13% |
| Leonard Christian (R) | 8,866 | 21.49% |
| Mike Kelly (R) | 8,657 | 20.98% |
| Pamela Haley (R) | 5,295 | 12.83% |
| Al (Albert) Merkel (R) | 4,939 | 11.97% |
| Paige Scott (D) | 4,371 | 10.59% |
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