Derek Sanders, Thurston County's 24th sheriff, is running as an independent for a second term in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Kevin Burton-Crow, a Democrat.
Sanders said on his campaign website that he is running as a nonpartisan independent because he believes impartiality is central to effective law enforcement. According to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, Sanders ran in 2022 on a platform of improving employee morale, greater office transparency and introducing technology-based solutions.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Thurston County Sheriff
- Party: Independent
- Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
- Current role: Thurston County Sheriff (took office January 2023)
- Prior law enforcement experience: Deputy at the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (through 2022); community service officer at the Lacey City Police Department (2016)
- Awards: Medal of Valor and two Lifesaving awards during his tenure as a deputy, according to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Experience and public service
Sanders won election in 2022 after serving six years as a Thurston County deputy, according to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. Before joining the sheriff's office, he worked as a community service officer at the Lacey City Police Department.
Sanders said on his campaign website that when he took office in January 2023, the sheriff's office was the second-worst staffed in the state, with 33 working patrol deputies and eight detectives. Over three years, Sanders said, staffing increased to 55 working patrol deputies and 18 detectives.
On the issues
Community engagement and policing: Sanders said on his campaign website that he has spent hundreds of hours engaging with residents and supporting local organizations across Thurston County. He said effective policing requires knowing the community and building trust through presence and partnership.
Staffing and recruitment: Sanders said in his BallotReady questionnaire response that he plans to bolster staffing levels by supporting competitive pay, providing training and maintaining a work environment that challenges employees to improve through career advancement.
Accountability and training: Sanders said his office requires mandatory supervisor review of body-worn camera footage following use-of-force incidents. He said he supports maintaining high standards through ongoing training and enhanced supervision.
Use of resources: Sanders said he favors data-informed strategies to reduce crime, focusing resources where they have the greatest effect. He said he plans to invest in employees, facilities, equipment and long-term infrastructure while being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.
Collaboration: Sanders said he will continue working with local governments, labor partners and community organizations to strengthen public safety countywide.
Endorsements
Sanders lists the following endorsements on his campaign website:
Elected officials: Lt. Gov. Denny Heck; U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez; state Sen. Jessica Bateman (22nd Legislative District); state Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (27th Legislative District); Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim; Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne; Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder; Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff
Labor and public safety organizations: AFSCME Council 2; Olympia Police Guild; Lacey Police Guild; Tumwater Police Guild; Pierce County Deputy Sheriff's Independent Guild; Tumwater Firefighters IAFF Local 2409; IAM Local 695; Retired Public Employees Council
Other organizations: Thurston County Realtors; Nisqually Indian Tribe; Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
