New Thurston County Commissioner Rachel Grant sworn-in Tuesday as Gary Edwards retires
A judge swore in Rachel Grant as the new Thurston County Commissioner for District 2 on Tuesday, replacing long-time incumbent Gary Edwards.
Grant, who was elected using the last name Dreon, took her oath of office in a packed Board of County Commissioners meeting room at The Atrium in Olympia.
“I feel really honored and supported by so many,” Grant told The Olympian. “I’m really excited to get to work and be a part of making things better for people in Thurston County. I know I have big shoes to fill with Gary (Edwards) retiring, so I just hope to do him proud, our district proud and Lacey.”
Incumbents Wayne Fournier and Carolina Mejia also renewed their oaths of office after winning re-election in November. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Chris Lanese led the swearing-in ceremony and invited each of them to stand with their families and partners as they took their oaths.
The jovial mood at the ceremony contrasted with some of the more contentious meetings the board has had in recent months. For her part, Grant said she wanted to prioritize a good working relationship with her fellow board members.
“The main priority for me would be that we work together as a team, as commissioners, to really be able to get things done,” Grant said.
Additionally, Grant said she wants to evaluate how the county spends its money on behavioral health – a key area of interest for her.
“Most of all, I’m going to come and learn and listen, meet with constituents and just be available as much as I can,” Grant said.
Why did Grant change her name?
The county announced Grant changed her last name in a Monday news release. She adopted the new name after marrying her partner, Jeff, in a private ceremony.
“Jeff and I are grateful to begin this next chapter together, and I look forward to serving Thurston County as Rachel Grant,” she said. “I want to ensure that voters are aware of this name change as I step into office, and I remain fully committed to representing our community with integrity and care.”
Grant also announced that her 21-year-old son, Cooper, has recently and unexpectedly been diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.
“This has been a bittersweet time for our family — celebrating a major milestone while navigating a challenging diagnosis,” Grant said. “We’re facing it all with strength, hope, and the incredible support of those around us.”
On Wednesday, Grant said she shared her son’s diagnosis so the public could understand why she may not be available sometimes.
“I really wanted everyone to know that there’s a possibility that I may not be in person at all of the meetings as my son’s immune system is compromised,” Grant said.
She said her family will be taking care of Cooper on rotation from Seattle.
Fournier, Mejia react to being sworn-in
Commissioner Fournier told The Olympian said it felt good to be sworn in again. His first term as the District 4 representative began just a year ago.
“I’m honored to get elected again,” Fournier said. “I’m happy to represent Thurston County. The last year, I’ve learned a lot and I’m just looking to move forward into the new year.”
Fournier’s shortened term was a product of a staggered election schedule for the new District 4 and 5 seats, both of which were created in 2022 to expand the board from three to five members after the county population surpassed 300,000. He’s now expected to serve a full four-year term.
Looking ahead, Fournier said he wants to focus on fiscal sustainability and capital facilities.
“Those two issues, I think, are the biggest issues we face,” Fournier said.
Mejia ran unopposed for re-election to the District 1 seat.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity for an additional four years to represent the constituents of Thurston County,” Mejia told The Olympian after the ceremony. “I’m very excited.”
For her next term, Mejia said she wants to see through the creation of a U.S. Department of Agriculture meat processing plant in Tenino.
She also hopes to secure more federal funding for county projects.
Edwards speaks about his legacy
On Monday, Edwards told The Olympian he felt he’s had a “good, successful run,” but added that he didn’t do all the work alone.
“I had a lot of supporters,” Edwards said. “I had my wife. We’ve been married for 55 years and we’re just now starting to get along good. And, you know, the community in total and the staff of the county.”
“You wouldn’t get anything done if you didn’t have good staff that are trying to accomplish good things,” he said.
Edwards has served two terms as a county commissioner for District 2, which includes the City of Yelm where he lives.
Prior to serving on the commission, Gary served in the U.S. Army and worked in law enforcement for nearly four decades, about half of which were spent as Thurston County Sheriff.
Reflecting on all his years of service, Edwards said he hopes his voice helped reduce the implementation of more stringent restrictions and regulations.
“I tried to inject some common sense into the dealings of the county,” Edwards said.
Edwards, an independent, would often find himself in the minority when debating with Democratic seatmates.
“I’m not saying I won a lot of battles, but I think I had an impact on a lot of things,” Edwards said. “Many of those had to do with regulatory developments and allowing individuals to do more with their property and still not harm the environment.”
Edwards comments on Grant
Edwards initially backed JW Foster, an independent and former Yelm mayor, to take his seat. Foster lost to Grant, a Democrat, in the election, so now all five county commissioners identify as Democrats.
Still, Edwards shared high praise for Grant while pointing to her lived experience and accomplishments.
“I think Rachel is going to do a great job,” Edwards said. “I think she’s an example of the success that we’ve had in Thurston County.”
Grant has described herself as a proud 2004 graduate of Thurston County Drug Court.
She now has master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College and a resume with state and local leadership roles, according to her website.
Additionally, she has served on the Thurston County Treatment Sales Tax Advisory Committee.
“I just think she’s going to fit right in with doing positive things that the county is involved with,” Edwards said.
