The Ballot Brief
Washington
Candidate profile

John F. Nowels

Republican · Washington · 2026 · Incumbent

On the ballot

Spokane County SheriffWashington · 2026Spokane County sample ballot
Top priorities
  • Sustaining recruitment after closing a vacancy gap of more than 40 positions
  • Operating the Real Time Crime Center
  • Community oriented policing that reduces crime and addresses homelessness

Per the campaign site.

Biography

The sitting Spokane County Sheriff, listed in that role on the sheriff's office command staff directory, with more than 28 years in the agency as patrol deputy, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, regional drug task force commander and undersheriff, per his state voters' guide statement. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, holds a master's in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma, and served as president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs for the 2025 to 2026 term, per the same statement.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
How we source this

Profile facts follow official election office filings and the sources cited in each biography. Roster last verified September 29, 2026. Official sources are the final word on who appears on your ballot.

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