The Ballot Brief
Clark County, Washington

Clark County Sheriff

One candidate is tracked for Clark County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: John Horch. Candidate information follows official Clark County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Only one candidate filed, so this office prints on the November 3 ballot and is effectively decided.

What this office does

Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.

This race. Nonpartisan: candidates appear without party labels. Every voter in Clark County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, John Horch, is on the ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

Washington › Clark County › Clark County Sheriff

John Horch

Nonpartisan Incumbent

Biography

The 35th sheriff of Clark County, in the sheriff's office since 1989, per his official county biography. That biography lists earlier assignments as chief enforcement deputy, drug task force commander, major crimes investigator, search and rescue coordinator, internal affairs supervisor and bomb technician. He graduated from Hudson's Bay High School, holds a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and completed the FBI National Academy, per the same page.

Next on your ballotClark County Treasurer

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
Questions about this race

Who is running for Clark County Sheriff in 2026?

One candidate is tracked for Clark County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: John Horch. Candidate information follows official Clark County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Clark County Sheriff election in Washington?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Washington are on the Washington election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Clark County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Clark County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Washington election office, or see the full Clark County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Clark County ballot

24 tracked races in Clark County, Washington. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Clark County District Court, Department No. 1Clark County District Court, Department No. 2Clark County District Court, Department No. 3See all 24 Clark County races
Candidate profiles
John Horch, full profileOfficial Washington election office