Hemstad for Port

01/12/2026

I thought we'd picked up all the campaign signs in the days right after the election. Was surprised to see another roadside sign today. Shoot me a message if you know of any other stray signs that we missed. It is a big County and we had multiple volunteers putting signs out. We like the sign design, but definitely better for those to be in storage now the campaign is over!

11/08/2025

I called Krag Unsoeld tonight and congratulated him on winning our race for Port Commissioner. At the start of the campaign I committed to running a respectful, issues-focused campaign. In an era when campaigns are too often highly negative and personally destructive, I’m glad that our campaign aimed high rather than low.

While the vote tally is not what we hoped for, I am incredibly proud of all the people who helped on our Hemstad for Port campaign. Our campaign put forth big ideas on how to improve the Port’s performance in challenging times, we also focused on two themes throughout the campaign – competence and unity.

On competence, we emphasized being ready to be an effective Port Commissioner. This included my extensive experience in public policy and running governments along with a deep background in areas that the Port works in – international trade/business and economic development.

On unity, we live in a very divisive time that is overly partisan. Our campaign built what many observers said was the broadest set of endorsements they’d ever seen in Thurston County. This included all five current Port Commissioners, plus the five candidates that ran against them; every Mayor in Thurston County; unions; environmental organizations and business groups. We pretty much swept the endorsements from non-party-affiliated organizations – and even though we were running as an independent for this non-partisan post, we attracted support from good-government focused Democratic and Republican local/state/federal office holders.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, endorsed, donated and participated in this election. Our democracy is stronger because of your involvement.

The Port can and should be a key economic engine for Thurston County. My best wishes to the future Port Commission for success in meeting its immense potential.

— Anthony Hemstad

11/05/2025

While vote counting continues, voting/campaigning is over. We'll be working to take down campaign signs in the coming days, but it is a big County and, with lots of volunteers, we don't know where every sign ended up. Please feel free to take down any Anthony Hemstad for Port, Bob Iyall for Port Commissioner - District 2 and Joel Hansen for Port of Olympia signs you see in the coming days (or let us know locations if you see any strays still up next week).

11/05/2025

Initial vote count tonight is disappointing. We are down 1.29%. Very low turnout so far, under 20%. Things aren't over though yet; this is likely only about half the total vote count that will eventually come in. Vote counts in next couple days will be key.

I've been in this position before. The only other time I ran for office -- way back in 2007 in King County -- I ran for Hospital Commissioner. On election night we were down by about 5.5% and had thought we'd likely lost. As vote counts came in over the coming days though we got closer each day - and pulled ahead about two weeks after election day. It was so close it needed a recount (under .5% difference) and Dan Evans dubbed me, "Landslide Hemstad" after that win.

So, this isn't over yet. More tomorrow. Thanks again for all your support over the last few months! Anthony Hemstad for Port

11/04/2025

Commissioners need to be good stewards of public funds. I deeply appreciate real leaders in that field - including State Treasurer Michael Pellicciotti (pictured at groundbreaking event earlier today), Thurston County Treasurer Jeff Gadman & previous Thurston County Treasurer (and Assistant State Treasurer) Shawn Myers endorsing Anthony Hemstad for Port.

I'm the only candidate in this race that has actually managed large organizations, put together complex budgets & led local governments.

Please vote by 8pm Tuesday November 4th!

11/03/2025

Election wraps up tomorrow. Ballots must be in dropboxes by 8pm on Tuesday November 4th. Turnout remains very low - so do get your ballot in if it is still on your kitchen table.

Had a great crew out sign-waving yesterday for Bob, Joel & I. One more group heading out this afternoon.

Remember to vote!

11/03/2025

Cleaning up Budd Inlet will be a challenge & a priority. We need to find ways to do so in a cost-effective & environmentally friendly way. Something like the Billion Oyster Project could be part of the solution. Please vote Anthony Hemstad for Port of Olympia by November 4th.

11/01/2025

Thanks to everyone who has come out to all of the public meetings and followed on social media during the campaign. It’s time to cast your vote!

10/30/2025

Please return your ballots by November 4th for Hemstad for Port!

Leadership for a Port in a Storm: Anthony Hemstad is running for Port Commission in Thurston County, WA. Join us to make the Port of Olympia a port that works more for its community.

10/29/2025

Lacey City Councilor & entrepreneur Nic Dunning truly leads by example. He is tireless & volunteers with many causes in Lacey & beyond (pictured here at a recent North Thurston Education Foundation event). He has been a public servant for much of his life, serving in the Marines earlier in his career.

He's also leading by example with his endorsements and we're thrilled Nic is backing Anthony Hemstad for Port.

Looking forward to working with Nic as we try & improve the local economy and bring more family-wage jobs to Thurston County.

10/29/2025

Checking out the first electric plane to land at Boeing Field. This is the future of aviation - emissions free & very quiet. Low operating costs too.

Anthony Hemstad currently volunteers with the Port of Olympia on its Citizens Advisory Commission and chairs that group's Economic Development Committee. In recent months they've had several guest speakers on Advanced Air Mobility - including electric aviation. These aircraft are expected to be commercially approved and flying by 2028 and we'll work to get Olympia at the forefront on this revolutionary clean & quiet technology.

Thanks to the multitalented Joel Hansen for his camerawork!

Anthony Hemstad

10/27/2025

Hi, all -- with the atmospheric river and high winds of this past weekend, we've heard that lots of signs are blown down. It is a big County, so please direct message us if you know of a location where a sign needs to be repaired (or, if you can repair it yourself - even better). We have lost a lot of signs in recent weeks, but we want as many as possible to be up for these closing days. Thank you! Anthony Hemstad Bob Iyall for Port Commissioner - District 2 Joel Hansen for Port of Olympia