Former senior prosecutor Martinez launches write-in campaign in Douglas County

EAST WENATCHEE — Callan Martinez, a former senior prosecuting attorney who handled the Chelan Hills Fire case, announced Oct. 8 that she is running a write-in campaign for Douglas County prosecuting attorney in the Nov. 3 general election.

Martinez said she filed as a candidate Sept. 21 and recently resigned from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to focus on her campaign. She had served as a senior prosecuting attorney for five years.

Her campaign comes after Sean Lewis resigned from the office effective Sept. 30, citing health concerns. Lewis remains the only candidate whose name is printed on the general election ballot, but he is urging voters to write in Martinez rather than vote for him. He does not intend to return to the office.

Votes for Lewis will count since his resignation came too late to be removed from the ballot. But electing him would lead to another vacancy and an appointment process to fill the office, rather than automatically making the runner-up the winner.

“I have seen Callan in action, and she doesn’t back down to defense attorneys. She understands the criminal justice system and has what it takes to lead a successful Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. I look forward to writing her name on my ballot this election,” Lewis said in a statement provided by the campaign.

Former Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Walter Gordon Edgar returned to the office Oct. 1 following an appointment by county commissioners. His appointment runs through the Nov. 24 election certification.

Martinez said her priorities would include prosecuting violent and repeat offenders, crimes against children and drug-related offenses that threaten community safety. She also pledged to work with law enforcement, victims and community partners to address factors contributing to repeat crime while handling cases fairly and upholding constitutional protections.

“I have spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor, and I know the responsibility that comes with this office,” Martinez said. “Douglas County deserves a Prosecuting Attorney who knows the job, understands the realities facing our communities, and is committed to keeping families safe while upholding the Constitution.”

Martinez’s campaign also announced endorsements from retired Chelan County Superior Court Judge Lesley Allan and former Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Haas.

“Callan Martinez has the experience to lead this office effectively and with integrity. I support her, and I urge our community members to write her name on the ballot this election,” Allan said in a statement.

Haas, whose experience includes serving as an elected prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, said he first encountered Martinez through his felony defense practice. They later worked together on cases involving abused and neglected children and vulnerable adults.

“Callan brings eight years of frontline experience, handling complex criminal matters with intelligence, tenacity, and sound judgment,” Haas said. “She approaches decisions with care, evaluates cases thoroughly, and understands the weight of the office.”

The campaign said one other person has filed as a write-in candidate for the position.

Douglas County ballots are scheduled to be mailed Oct. 13 for the Nov. 3 election.

More information about Martinez’s campaign is available at VoteCallanMartinez.com.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media