Okanogan County Swears In Interim Sheriff Jodie Barcus

Barcus takes over for outgoing Sheriff Paul Budrow, who is leaving for a new role in Twisp.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:33pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a sheriff's badge against a stark, black background, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of authority and investigation.The swearing-in of a new interim sheriff highlights the importance of stable law enforcement leadership during a transitional period.Okanogan Today

Jodie Barcus was sworn in this week as the interim sheriff of Okanogan County, Washington. Barcus, who currently serves as the Chief Criminal Deputy, is taking over for outgoing Sheriff Paul Budrow, who is leaving to become the Police Chief for the city of Twisp. Barcus is a 16-year law enforcement veteran who began her career with the Colville Tribal Police Department in 2009 and has spent the past nine years with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

The transition of leadership in the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office comes at a critical time, as the department prepares for the November general election to select the next permanent sheriff. Barcus is running for the position and faces a challenger, Deputy Gisberth Gonzalez, in the race.

The details

At a special ceremony presided over by Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Kathryn Burke, Jodie Barcus was sworn in as the interim sheriff on Monday, April 6. In a social media post, the Sheriff's Office said Barcus expressed readiness to serve the citizens of Okanogan County through her temporary role.

  • Barcus was sworn in as interim sheriff on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Outgoing Sheriff Paul Budrow is leaving to become the Police Chief for the city of Twisp.

The players

Jodie Barcus

The new interim sheriff of Okanogan County, Washington. Barcus currently serves as the Chief Criminal Deputy and is a 16-year law enforcement veteran who began her career with the Colville Tribal Police Department in 2009.

Paul Budrow

The outgoing sheriff of Okanogan County, Washington, who is leaving to take the position of Police Chief for the city of Twisp.

Gisberth Gonzalez

A deputy with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office who is running against Barcus in the November general election for the permanent sheriff position.

Kathryn Burke

The Okanogan County Superior Court judge who presided over the swearing-in ceremony for Interim Sheriff Jodie Barcus.

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What’s next

Barcus is running in the November 2026 general election to become the next permanent sheriff of Okanogan County. The election will determine if she retains the position or if her challenger, Deputy Gisberth Gonzalez, wins the race.

The takeaway

The transition of leadership in the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office comes at a critical time, as the department prepares for the November general election to select the next permanent sheriff. Barcus' temporary appointment and her candidacy in the election will be closely watched by the local community.