Former Thurston County sheriff files to run for Legislature

Mitchell Roland, The Chronicle, Centralia, Wash.
·2 min read

May 13—John Snaza, the former sheriff of Thurston County, will vie for a seat in the Washington state Legislature.

Snaza, a Republican, was among four candidates who filed with the secretary of state's office to represent the 2nd Legislative District during filing week. The district stretches from Yelm to Mount Rainier National Park.

"I've spent my career protecting and serving the people of Thurston County," Snaza said in a news release announcing his campaign. "I want (to) continue that service on a broader scale, advocating for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our community."

Democrats Michael Holloman and Yanah G. Cook and Republican Matt Marshall have also filed to run for the seat.

The four will not face an incumbent, as Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, will not seek reelection. Wilcox, the former Republican House leader, announced plans to retire from the Legislature after 14 years. According to Snaza, Wilcox has endorsed his campaign.

Rep. Andrew Barkis, who has represented the second district since 2016, is unopposed in his reelection campaign.

First elected as sheriff in 2010, Snaza was reelected in 2014 and 2018 before losing in 2022 to current Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders. Snaza is the twin brother of Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza.

Building on his career in law enforcement, Snaza said public safety, fiscal responsibility and addressing the increase in drug overdoses and deaths will be a priority.

To combat drug use, Snaza said his approach would focus "on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, while also holding drug traffickers and distributors accountable for their actions."

"I'm not a politician — I'm a public servant," Snaza said in the announcement. "I will always prioritize the needs of the people over politics, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work on behalf of the residents of the second district."

The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. A top-two primary will be held on Aug. 6 to decide which two candidates advance to the general election in each race with three or more candidates.