Clark County Sheriff Criticizes New Washington Law Allowing Removal of Elected Sheriffs

Sheriff John Horch argues the decertification process undermines voter authority and could lead to more appointed sheriffs.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:41pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty county sheriff's office at night, with warm diagonal moonlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and uncertainty about the future of the elected sheriff role.The new law allowing the state to remove elected sheriffs raises questions about the future of local control and voter authority over law enforcement.Seattle Today

Clark County Sheriff John Horch has expressed concerns about a new Washington state law that gives a state commission the authority to remove an elected sheriff through a decertification process. Horch argues this process skips the electorate and is an 'overreach' that could lead to more appointed sheriffs in the state, undermining the will of voters. He believes the law should apply to all elected officials, not just sheriffs.

Why it matters

This new law is seen by some as a potential threat to the traditional elected sheriff model in Washington, which gives voters direct control over who holds the office. Horch and other sheriffs worry it could lead to more appointed positions that are less accountable to the public.

The details

The new 'sheriffs qualifications' law signed by the governor requires sheriffs to have at least 5 years of law enforcement experience and grants the state's Criminal Justice Training Commission the authority to decertify and remove a sheriff from office. Horch agrees with the added qualifications but argues the decertification process is problematic, as it allows an unelected state entity to override the will of voters. He notes no other elected officials in Washington face this type of removal process.

  • The new law was signed by the governor on April 2, 2026.
  • Horch wrote an email to his staff last month indicating he would join a lawsuit challenging the law immediately after it was enacted.

The players

John Horch

The sheriff of Clark County, Washington, who has criticized the new state law allowing for the removal of elected sheriffs through a decertification process.

Washington State Sheriff's Association

The association representing sheriffs in Washington state, which Horch says has never been against added qualifications for the position.

Washington Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association

Another law enforcement association that Horch says has not opposed increased qualifications for sheriffs.

Criminal Justice Training Commission

The state-appointed commission that the new law grants the authority to decertify and remove elected sheriffs from office.

King County

The county that includes Seattle and appoints its sheriff through a governing body rather than electing the position, which Horch says is not a true elected sheriff.

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What they’re saying

“We're the only elected officials that have this decertification and this non-electoral process where the people aren't involved. It is a state entity deciding, 'You can no longer be sheriff and you are removed.' And that's not the process. There are ways to recall elected officials.”

— John Horch, Clark County Sheriff

“If there is misconduct, a sheriff should get recalled. Absolutely. This is not about sheriffs getting to do whatever they want when they want. This is about the elective process.”

— John Horch, Clark County Sheriff

“Why isn't this the same for anybody, an auditor, a judge, a prosecutor, legislators? Put the standard out there for everybody, that you can get decertified and can't hold your office if you do not meet these things. Nope, it's only for sheriffs.”

— John Horch, Clark County Sheriff

What’s next

Horch has indicated he will join a lawsuit challenging the new law immediately after it is enacted.

The takeaway

This new law raises concerns about the potential erosion of the elected sheriff model in Washington, with critics arguing it undermines voter authority and could lead to more appointed law enforcement positions that are less accountable to the public.