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Date: June 15, 2026
CORRECTION: The email address is corrected to chair@kitsapdemocrats.org. The deadline is extended to Saturday, June 20, 5 p.m.
(Port Orchard, WA) - Earlier this week, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners initiated the constitutionally required process for appointment of an interim Sheriff. The Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee has notified the Board that applications are being accepted until Saturday, June 20 at 5 p.m. and can be requested by emailing Chair@kitsapdemocrats.org.
The Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee is expected to then submit a list of three qualified candidates to the Board to make an appointment decision. The appointed Sheriff will serve out the remainder of the unexpired term through December 2026 created with the resignation of Sheriff John Gese on June 26, 2026.
The Board is hopeful there will be a robust pool of qualified candidates and encourages interested applicants to reach out to the Democratic Party.
Chair Oran Root commented, “Ensuring the highest standards of public safety is paramount for the Board of Commissioners; our community remains safe. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated county deputies for their professionalism and to our neighboring public safety agencies for their continued partnership. We are committed to a smooth and stable transition within the law that supports both the well-being of our community and the dedicated men and women of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. This appointment is our top priority. We will continue to conduct this process with the utmost integrity, expediency, diligence, and care.”
The Washington State Constitution requires the Board of County Commissioners to appoint replacements for vacancies in any partisan county elected office within 60 days from the date of vacancy. The appointee must be a member of the same political party as the elected officer who previously held the seat.
The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a series of interviews open to the public. The interview times and location will be announced once confirmation is received of a successful applicant pool.
Voters will choose the next sheriff in the November general election.
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Contact Information: Kimberly Pleger, Communications & Community Engagement Manager, Board of County Commissioners Office, 360.277.6032
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