CAMAS, WA – Today, John Nowels, the current Spokane County Sheriff, announced his endorsement of Leslie Lewallen for WA-03.
On announcing his endorsement, Sheriff Nowels said: “As the Spokane County Sheriff, my top priority has been to facilitate a return to community policing as a way to reduce crime and build a relationship of trust between law enforcement and the communities we are charged to serve and protect. I also know the importance of joining forces with regional and community leaders to effectively address the issues of crime, homelessness, mental health crises and substance use disorders plaguing our communities. As a Camas City Council Member, Leslie has been a passionate advocate for partnerships that can address the underlying issues that lead to drug usage and homelessness. She has also been a steadfast supporter of law enforcement – ensuring they have the resources necessary to effectively fulfill their mission to serve and protect. We need more elected officials who will work alongside our law enforcement and first responders to enact effective legislation to address the issues facing Washington State. I have no doubt that Leslie Lewallen will be that leader, which is why I am proud to endorse her today.”
Leslie Lewallen, on receiving this endorsement, said: “I am proud to accept this endorsement from Sheriff Nowels,” said Lewallen. “John and his family have firsthand experience with the ravaging effects of addiction and know better than most the importance of resources to treat the root causes instead of just the symptoms of a problem. As the next Congresswoman for WA-03, I look forward to working with John and other first responders throughout Washington to ensure the availability of adequate treatment options to address drug addiction and mental health disorders while also working to rebuild the relationship of trust that must exist between law enforcement and the communities they’ve sworn to protect!”
Sheriff Nowels graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1996 with a BA in Criminal Justice. In 2019, he earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. Sheriff Nowels also attended and graduated from the 265th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in September 2016. While at the FBI National Academy, he completed master’s level leadership courses from the University of Virginia. Sheriff Nowels began his law enforcement career in the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division in 1998. In his years with the sheriff’s office, he has served as a patrol deputy, and a Technical Collision Investigator, while also working with the Property Crimes Unit and the Investigative Support Unit where he investigated narcotics cases. Sheriff John Nowels has now been with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for over 26 years. He was elected Sheriff on November 8, 2022, and he began serving as Spokane County Sheriff on January 1, 2023.
The Lewallen campaign continues to receive endorsements from a dynamic group of supporters from every walk of life and background- demonstrating, yet again, that Leslie is the best candidate to represent the diverse voters of Southwest Washington. While Marie Gluesenkamp Perez actively votes against the interests of WA-03 constituents, Leslie Lewallen will fight to show voters that there is a better path forward.
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