Derek Sanders
Candidate for Thurston County Sheriff
Background
- Occupation
- Thurston County Sheriff
- Campaign website
- sandersforsheriff.org
Thurston County Sheriff, elected in 2022, with 12 years in law enforcement as a Lacey Police Department community service officer, Thurston County deputy sheriff and sheriff. Recipient of the Medal of Valor and two Life Saving Awards.
Documented positions
Public safety
Supports de-escalation training and public communication
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“the Sheriff’s Office is a statewide leader in public communication, training standards, and proven de-escalation tactics”
Supports regional law enforcement partnerships
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“The strong regional partnerships we have built help ensure we are ready for whatever challenges arise.”
Pledges to lead from the field rather than a desk
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“Thurston County deserves an elected sheriff who leads from the front lines, builds strong partnerships”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Derek Sanders on them.
- Government & transparencyNo documented position found.
All sources (4)
- Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election: Thurston County
Election filing · Washington Secretary of State · voter.votewa.gov
- Sample Ballot, November 3, 2026 General Election, Thurston County
Election filing · Thurston County Auditor · thurstoncountywa.gov
- Official Local Voters' Pamphlet, November 3, 2026 General Election, Thurston County
Election filing · Thurston County Auditor · thurstoncountywa.gov
- Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.