CM Merkel’s Coalition for Common Sense loses candidate to ongoing health issues

(The Center Square) – Spokane Valley City Councilmember Ben Wick will go on to serve a fourth term after his challenger, Daryl Williams, withdrew from the race on Thursday, citing ongoing health issues.

Williams was a part of the recently formed Common Sense Coalition, along with Catherine Nelson, Brad Hohn and Councilmember Al Merkel. The group announced its alliance on July 15 ahead of the August primary election, as Williams, Nelson and Hohn all pushed to unseat three incumbents on the council.

Merkel is the only sitting council member in the coalition, and often finds himself at odds with the rest of the dais. While he maintains somewhat of a working relationship with Wick, Merkel has undergone an independent investigation and faced reprimands from the rest of the council with Wick’s support.

“After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw my candidacy for Spokane Valley City Council,” Williams wrote in a statement. “This choice comes due to ongoing health challenges that require my full attention and care. As a result, I do not feel that I could give the people of Spokane Valley the full attention and energy they deserve from their councilmember.”

Williams said it was an honor to participate in the race and reaffirmed his commitment to the Valley before wishing his peers in the coalition good luck as they continue toward the November election.

Washington state runs a “top-two" primary system, meaning the two candidates who receive the most votes in the August election advance to the November ballot. Wick and Williams were the only people in the race for Position 4, so both automatically advanced last month, with Wick now taking the win.

Unless a write-in candidate manages to beat him, Wick’s next term will run through December 2029.

The Center Square contacted Wick for a statement, but did not receive a response before publishing.

“Daryl’s courage to put the people of Spokane Valley above his own ambitions speaks volumes about his character,” Merkel wrote in a statement. “Daryl has demonstrated what real leadership looks like: honesty, humility, and a commitment to doing what’s best for Spokane Valley.”

Merkel commended Williams for stepping away from the race, comparing it to former President Joe Biden and Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley, who held onto office despite their own health issues.

Haley stepped away from the council in June for weeks due to a health issue, but has since returned.

Merkel emphasized that Williams will continue to contribute to the coalition as his health allows, and thanked him for his support. Nelson faces Haley in the election this November, with Hohn up against Councilmember Laura Padden. Merkel’s current term started in 2024 and runs until the end of 2027.

“I believe strongly that Spokane Valley needs change before it is too late. That is why I continue to endorse the Coalition for Common Sense,” Williams wrote on Thursday. “Catherine Nelson, Brad Hohn, and Al Merkel, a group committed to reducing taxes, stopping waste, and fully funding public safety.”