New Thurston County Commissioner Rachel Grant sworn-in Tuesday as Gary Edwards retires

Rachel Grant was sworn in as Thurston County Commissioner for District 2 on December 17, 2024, succeeding the retiring Gary Edwards. In her inaugural remarks, Grant expressed heartfelt appreciation for the community's support and her enthusiasm for serving the county. She emphasized her focus on behavioral health funding and the necessity of teamwork among commissioners for effective governance. The ceremony was notably positive, contrasting with previous board meetings. Grant, who ran for office under her maiden name Dreon, announced her name change following her marriage to Jeff, highlighting her commitment to transparency.

She also shared her family's recent struggles, including her son's leukemia diagnosis, which may affect her availability for upcoming meetings. The event included the swearing-in of re-elected Commissioners Wayne Fournier and Carolina Mejia, with Edwards praising Grant's qualifications and potential contributions to the county's future.