On The Issues

Washington has become a haven for crime, drugs, homelessness, human trafficking, and other serious problems. In fact, the latest Washington State crime report detailed how murders and armed robberies are up, car jackings are up, and domestic violence continues to rise.

Yet somehow, government’s response has been to claim one of the worst distinctions in America: the lowest number of law enforcement officers per thousand residents in the nation. I’ve spent my entire career protecting people, standing up for people, and putting my life on the line for people.

As a detective and then as Sheriff, I was fortunate to lead an outstanding investigative team that worked tirelessly to capture and apprehend the “Green River Killer” – the second most notorious serial killer in U.S. history.

In Congress, I helped champion the bipartisan “Blue Alert” bill that was signed into law to create a national alert system to make officers aware of threats against them as quickly as possible. I also co-sponsored the “Thin Blue Line Act” to crack down on cop killers by making the murder or attempted murder of a police officer an “aggravating” factor in death penalty determinations.

As Governor, I will use my experience on the street and in the trenches to change this lawlessness and make you and your family feel safe again.

We currently compete with California for having the highest gas prices in the nation. Health insurance and property taxes are through the roof. And the cost of food, driven by inflation, is putting a squeeze on people who simply can’t afford it.

This is punishing families, hurting small businesses, and forcing countless numbers of citizens to leave our state. All the people are asking for is just a little relief and reprieve.

Unfortunately, many in Olympia continue to push policies that punish people at the pump, crush consumers at the store, and burden families with bills they simply can’t pay. As Governor, we will work together to change all this and make our state an affordable place to work and live.

Creating jobs and growing the economy is a must for our State to thrive and prosper.

That requires policies that lower your taxes, reduce regulations, and that help small businesses grow and create good-paying jobs. That also requires something else: law and order.

The spike in crime, vandalism and homelessness have made it difficult – and in some cases nearly impossible – for businesses to survive much less succeed.

It doesn’t have to be this way. For generations, it wasn’t this way.

The bottom line is crystal clear: either elected officials are okay allowing this to happen or have chosen to look the other way.

I never will.

To preserve the hopes and dreams of our children we must first ensure their safety and educational opportunities.

Washington’s public schools have lost over 60,000 students since the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an epidemic of its own. We must do everything in our power to make sure we never revert to a one-size-fits-all round of lockdowns, closures, and mandates.

You can preserve public health without destroying freedom.

In terms of our schools, which are there to give our children the tools they need to succeed in life, we must reverse the exodus of children not returning.

Beyond giving teachers all the tools they need to effectively do their jobs, we must redouble our efforts to make every school in the state safe and secure.

As Governor, my efforts will be focused on restoring the voices of all loving and caring parents to ensure your children receive the high-quality education they deserve, and you expect.

Government is there to serve, and listen to, the people. Yet our state government today only seems interested in serving themselves and listening to no one but themselves. I’m running to make state government what it should be – open, responsive, and inclusive – where the power is wielded by you, the citizens.

Do this, and we will replace delay and foot-dragging with action and results. We must stop pitting one group against another, one region against another, one generation against another. It’s literally tearing our society apart.

The way I see it, leadership means you’re willing to make the tough decisions so many others shy away from. That listening to others isn’t just a sign of respect but a prescription for success.

That when you pledge to represent everyone, you really mean it.