PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Early results show a close competition between Keith Swank and challenger Patti Jackson to be Pierce County's next sheriff, replacing current Sheriff Ed Troyer.
Here's a look at where the race between Swank and Jackson stand as of Tuesday night’s initial results drop.
Ballot returns will update daily until all the votes are counted and results are certified later in November, meaning Swank's lead could shrink or widen.
Swank served over 30 years with the Seattle Police Department in various roles, including working as a captain who oversaw units like the SWAT team. Swank said his priorities are addressing the morale of the agency, dealing with violent juvenile crime, and addressing quality of life issues like graffiti and drug use.
Jackson has been with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for 35 years, working primarily in corrections and has been the chief of patrol since January. Jackson previously told KING 5 that her top three priorities are rebuilding public trust, being tough on crime, and bringing the right people into the department.
Troyer is not seeking reelection. He has been with the department since 1985 and was first elected as sheriff in 2020. He was challenged by candidate Cyndie Fajardo, who lost in the 2020 general election to Troyer and lost in the primary election this year to Swank and Jackson.
Swank said if he were elected by voters to become sheriff, he would have Fajardo serve as his undersheriff.
If elected, Jackson would be the first female sheriff in Pierce County.