ELECTIONS 2025: Candidate withdraws from Whidbey hospital board race
Jessie Stensland reports on Island County elections for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
A retired Navy physician has withdrawn her candidacy for a seat on the board that governs WhidbeyHealth, the island’s public hospital district.
In an email, Oak Harbor resident Dr. Juliann Althoff explained that her name will still appear on the November ballot, but she is no longer seeking election to the seat.
Althoff is a public health and preventive medicine physician who retired from the Navy in March 2025 after nearly 30 years of service. Her last position was director of Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor.
Her decision leaves Dr. Mark Borden, a Coupeville resident, as the only candidate for Position 6. [sic]
Ed. Note: Althoff and Borden are candidates for Whidbey Island Public Hospital District Commissioner, Position 4; there is no Position 6.
They Said It
“I have made the difficult decision to terminate my campaign at this time to focus on family following my recent retirement from the Navy,” she wrote. “I wish WhidbeyHealth all the best and look forward to supporting our community in future capacities.”
On the Ballot in November 2025
| WHIDBEY ISLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT |
|---|
| Commissioner, Position 3 James Canby Christina LeClaire Incumbent Ron Wallin did not file for another term. |
| Commissioner, Position 4 Mark E. Borden Juliann Althoff NOTE: Althoff has withdrawn, but too late to be removed from the ballot. Write-in: Linda Gipson Incumbent Greg Richardson did not file for another term. |
| Commissioner, Position 5 Dennis Rochier Kirk Gasper Incumbent Kate Rose passed away on April 24, 2025. James Canby was appointed to serve until the results of the November election are certified. |
