Matthew Van Pelt
Candidate for Island County Commissioner, District 3
Background
- Occupation
- Small business owner; Navy veteran
- Campaign website
- electvanpelt.com
An Oak Harbor construction company owner who owns three Island County small businesses and served 23 years in the U.S. Navy. A Scoutmaster and project captain for Hearts and Hammers; has not held elected office.
Documented positions
Public safety
Supports practical solutions for strained emergency and medical services.
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I recognize the growing strain on local medical services, emergency response resources, and public safety.”
Housing
Pledges to address rising housing costs with sensible growth.
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“working to address rising housing costs and support sensible growth that protects our natural resources and quality of life”
Economy & jobs
Supports downtown revitalization and tourism to limit tax increases.
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“Creating welcoming business districts and stronger local economies helps generate jobs, encourage tourism, and reduce pressure for continued tax increases.”
Government & transparency
Proposes investing in training to retain county staff.
ReportElection 2026: Three vying for Island County commissioner District 3 seatCandidate questionnaire · Stanwood Camano News · goskagit.com
“The cost to retrain new staff outweighs the cost to retain qualified staff”
Pledges regular in-person and virtual town hall meetings.
ReportElection 2026: Three vying for Island County commissioner District 3 seatCandidate questionnaire · Stanwood Camano News · goskagit.com
“holding regular town hall meetings in person and virtually”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Matthew Van Pelt on them.
- Taxes & budgetNo documented position found.
- Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.
- Environment & parksNo documented position found.
All sources (5)
- Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election: Island County
Election filing · Washington Secretary of State · voter.votewa.gov
- Sample Ballot, November 3, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Island County Auditor · islandcountywa.gov
- Three candidates emerge for county commissioner seat
News coverage · Whidbey News-Times · whidbeynewstimes.com
- Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
- Election 2026: Three vying for Island County commissioner District 3 seat
Candidate questionnaire · Stanwood Camano News · goskagit.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.