Island County Commissioner John Dean said he will not make an endorsement in the four-way race for the District 1 position of Island County commissioner.

Dean, a Democrat, said he was uncomfortable choosing a candidate.

“I’ve worked so hard to build bridges with both parties,” he said.

“I hate to bring politics into it. I’m avoiding it,” Dean said. “I don’t want to make any enemies.”

Dean’s endorsement could have been crucial.

There are four candidates in the race — Republican incumbent Phil Bakke, Curt Gordon, Democrat Helen Price Johnson and Republican Reece Rose — and the two who get the most votes in the August primary will advance to the election in November.

With two seats up for grabs this year, control of the three-member board of commissioners is at stake. Both Republicans, Bakke and Commissioners Mac McDowell, are seeking reelection. Dean was elected to the board in 2006.

Oak Harbor Democrat Angie Homola is challenging McDowell for his District 2 seat on the board.