WA GOP Leader Criticizes 'Anti-Sheriff' Bill

Proposed legislation would grant state commission power to decertify elected officials

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Washington State Senate Republican leader John Braun is sharply criticizing a Senate-passed 'anti-sheriff' bill that would grant a governor-appointed commission the power to decertify elected officials. The proposal mandates sheriff candidates pass background checks and have five years of law enforcement experience, and empowers the Criminal Justice Training Commission to decertify officials they deem unfit.

Why it matters

This legislation is seen as an effort by the Democratic majority to exert more state-level control over local law enforcement leadership, which Braun and other Republicans argue undermines the will of voters and existing constitutional processes for oversight and accountability.

The details

The bill would require local jurisdictions to remove any decertified official from office, expanding the commission's role in overseeing the qualifications of elected sheriffs. Braun argues this measure undermines local voters, contending that existing constitutional recall and election processes already provide sufficient oversight for law enforcement leaders.

  • The proposal passed the Senate along strict party lines without a single Republican vote.
  • The bill now advances to the state House for consideration.

The players

John Braun

Washington State Senate Republican leader representing Lewis County.

Criminal Justice Training Commission

A state-level commission that would be granted the power to decertify elected officials under the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“There's no reason for the Democratic majority to overstep the people and think that they get to decide who your Sheriff is in your county.”

— John Braun, Washington State Senate Republican leader (elkhornmediagroup.com)

What’s next

If enacted, legal experts suggest the law would likely face immediate challenges in court.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing partisan tensions over the balance of power between state and local control of law enforcement leadership, with Republicans arguing it undermines voter sovereignty and Democrats seeking greater state-level oversight.