Josh Brown, who was a virtual political unknown in local politics one year ago, scored an upset victory Tuesday night to become Kitsap County’s newest–and youngest–county commissioner.

Brown’s apparent victory reflected a Democratic sweep of local legislative offices.

Initial vote counts showed that Brown, 25, received 28,065 (58.09 percent) to 20,154 (41.72 percent) for Republican Jack Hamilton.

“I’m humbled and honored,” Brown said. “A lot of people rallied around me, and it showed a great amount of support for moderates. I look forward to working together to provide service to the community.”

“I am surprised at the outcome,” Hamilton said. “It’s pretty overwhelming. It’s obvious that the Democrats did a lot better at getting out the vote than we did. It’s clear that democracy has worked one more time and Kitsap County has a new commissioner.”

Even as about 30,000 votes are yet to be counted, Hamilton said he did not anticipate a significant change in the result. Still, he did not plan to make a congratulatory call to Brown last night.

“In fairness to my supporters I will wait before conceding,” he said.

South Kitsap Commissioner Jan Angel, who actively campaigned for Hamilton and is now in the minority on the county commission, said that she was disappointed that the voters “chose to entrust county government to a 25-year-old who has no experience.”

Angel said Brown’s apparent victory was attributable to support from Rep. Norm Dicks.

“There was some confusion as to whether the candidate was Norm Dicks or Josh Brown,” Angel said. “I can’t remember Norm Dicks ever getting involved in a county commissioner’s race.”

Angel acknowledged she was now in the minority but said it would not change how she did her job.

“I will vote the same way no matter who is in the next chair,” she said.

While Brown won’t take office until January he will start the job right away, meeting Wednesday with the incumbent county commissioners to interview candidates to lead the Department of Community Development.

Democrats also cleaned up in the 26th District, where Rep. Derek Kilmer earned a promotion, seizing the 26th District Senate seat vacated by Bob Oke. Despite a 62 percent-38 percent margin, Kilmer did not claim victory on Tuesday night, saying he was “thrilled but cautious.”

The win gives Kilmer a chance to continue his work helping small businesses, improving transportation and helping military and veteran families.

In the 26th District House race, Position 1 incumbent Patricia Lantz fended off challenger Beckie Krantz . And in Position 2, former Navy ship captain Larry Seaquist defeated Ron Boehme.

All numbers are preliminary. Complete Kitsap County numbers are available at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections/2006.htm

Jeff Donaldson contributed to this report.