County

Thurston County Sheriff

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement outside city police departments and, in most counties, the jail.

Candidates Compare by issue

Derek Sanders

Prefers Independent Party

Thurston County Sheriff

The gist

Supports de-escalation training and public communication
Supports regional law enforcement partnerships
Pledges to lead from the field rather than a desk

More about Derek

View sources (1)

Supports de-escalation training and public communication
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
“the Sheriff’s Office is a statewide leader in public communication, training standards, and proven de-escalation tactics”
Supports regional law enforcement partnerships
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
“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
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
“Thurston County deserves an elected sheriff who leads from the front lines, builds strong partnerships”

Kevin Burton-Crow

Prefers Democratic Party

Special victims detective, Thurston County Sheriff's Office

The gist

Proposes outside accreditation of the sheriff's office
Pledges to publish office policies and annual budgets
Supports training deputies in victim-centered approaches and harm reduction

More about Kevin

View sources (1)

Proposes outside accreditation of the sheriff's office
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
“That starts with seeking outside accreditation: independent reviewers making sure the office follows state law and meets professional standards.”
Pledges to publish office policies and annual budgets
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
“It means publishing our policies so people can see exactly how we operate.”
Supports training deputies in victim-centered approaches and harm reduction
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
“It means training deputies in victim-centered approaches and harm reduction.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.