Cowlitz Primaries Show Promise for Decent, Community Focused Candidates
Wayne Nichols and Dean Takko on the campaign trail.
The primary election results are in, and while city council races in Cowlitz County are technically “nonpartisan,” the path forward is clear: November’s general election will determine whether Longview continues under the grip of a hard-right majority, or shifts toward a more community-focused, solutions-driven council.
We have three candidates — Wayne Nichols, Oliver Black, and Mike Claxton — who can bring that shift. If all three win, along with current councilmember Ruth Kendle, we’ll have four of seven seats in the hands of leaders committed to good governance and real problem-solving. That would flip the council majority for the first time in years.
Wayne Nichols – Position 3
Wayne has spent nearly his whole life in Longview and brings decades of experience as a firefighter, EMT, labor leader, and CASA volunteer. In the primary, Wayne led with 46.44% of the vote against incumbent Spencer Boudreau’s 38.49%, with Democrat Marianne Chambers earning 14.77%. Marianne has now encouraged her supporters to back Wayne — putting him in a strong position to win in November.
Learn more about Wayne Nichols »
Oliver Black – Position 1
A teacher at a local Christian school, Oliver is dedicated to fostering respectful dialogue and pragmatic problem-solving on the council. In the primary, Oliver advanced over fellow Democrat Josh Carter. With Carter’s endorsement and the support of the broader Democratic community, Oliver is well-positioned to challenge Chris Bryant, who currently enjoys strong backing from the local conservative base.
Learn more about Oliver Black »
Mike Claxton – Position 2
Mike brings a strong Democratic voice to the race, finishing first in his primary with 37% of the vote in a three-way contest. His general election opponent, Nic Aguirre, is aligned with the far-right majority, while the third primary candidate, PJ Peterson, is a respected community figure whose supporters are not necessarily aligned with MAGA politics. Mike’s race is competitive and will need strong turnout to secure the seat.
Learn more about Mike Claxton »
Kelso City Council – Position 1
The Kelso race between Jackie Collins and Kim Lefebvre is Republican vs. Republican, so while we won’t have a Democrat on the ballot this year, we’ll be watching closely and planning ahead for the next cycle.
Why This Election Matters
Our current conservative majority has treated city government like a platform for political posturing instead of a tool to improve lives. From mocking the homelessness crisis to undermining local services, they’ve shown little interest in real solutions. This election is our chance to put leaders in place who will work for the common good — not just play to a political base.
How You Can Help
Every vote, every volunteer hour, and every dollar matters in these local races. You can support Wayne, Oliver, and Mike by:
Donating or volunteering directly through their campaign websites.
Donating or volunteering through the Cowlitz County Democrats, where we coordinate resources and volunteers to maximize impact.
Volunteer with the Cowlitz County Democrats »
Donate to support local campaigns »
This “off-year” election has high stakes for the future of Longview. If Wayne, Oliver, and Mike win in November, we can turn the council into a body that reflects the values of fairness, responsibility, and community that our city deserves.
