The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Captain’s Association (TCSOCA) formally endorsed challenger Kevin Burton-Crow for sheriff on Tuesday in a statement that heavily criticized incumbent Sheriff Derek Sanders.
This marks the first time TCSOCA, which represents command-level staff throughout the sheriff’s office, has opposed an incumbent, according to a news release from the association.
TCSOCA did endorse John Snaza’s reelection campaign in 2022. Sanders beat Snaza in that race 55.3% (64,826) to 44.2% (51,839) to secure his first term.
TCSOCA’s decision to back Burton-Crow is “rooted in a call for significant cultural reform,” TCSOCA stated in the March 10 news release.
"We believe the Thurston County Sheriff's Office needs to return to an agency that upholds standards, professionalism, and integrity," the statement reads. "Our staff and the citizens of this county deserve a leader, not a social media influencer; a manager, not a reality TV actor."
The statement signed by TCSOCA President Todd Thoma lambasted incumbent Sanders’ management style, alleging that he encourages “bullying and mob rule” and that he maintains sole control of the agency’s transparency and supervisory decisions. TCSOA also accuses Sanders of “nepotism” in promotions and special duty assignments.
“By endorsing Burton-Crow, the TCSOCA is advocating for a professional environment where supervisors are empowered to lead without fear of alienation and where the focus remains on public safety and organizational health,” Thoma wrote.
TCSOCA specifically calls for “A demand for a return to merit-based promotions rather than favoritism;” “Moving away from what members describe as retaliatory management and nepotism; and “Restoring public trust through honest communication and accountable leadership.”
“We believe our staff and the citizens of this county deserve better, and we believe that can only be accomplished by electing Kevin Burton-Crow as the next Thurston County Sheriff,” Thoma wrote.
When asked for comment on Tuesday, Sanders attributed the opinions in TCSOCA’s statement to three individuals within the association.
“I’m sorry that the three employees in our Captain Association feel that way about me, and I hope they know I don’t feel that way about them. If I did, I wouldn’t have worked tirelessly to get them 15-22% pay increases and industry leading retirement cash out benefits in recognition of their dedicated service to Thurston County residents. Nonetheless, they reserve their right to endorse the candidate of their choosing, as they endorsed my opponent in 2022 as well,” Sanders’ wrote in an email statement to the Thurston Chronicle.
“In 2022, the voters of Thurston County didn’t elect me to maintain the trajectory of our sheriff’s office — they voted for me because we recognized it needed to be rebuilt from the ground up. Change is hard, especially in an institution like policing that historically clings to the past. I knew when I took over that meaningful changes to our culture would result in resistance, and I will not bow to pressure and revert back to archaic policing and communication methods.”
Sanders added, “The Captains are free to critique my communication style through social media, but I don’t work for them. I work for you.”
Sanders has so far been endorsed by every mayor in Thurston County, as well as Thurston County Commissioners Carolina Mejia, Tye Menser and Wayne Fournier, according to his campaign.
The TCSCOA endorsement is the first publicized endorsement for Burton-Crow.
Burton-Crow is an Army veteran and current special victims detective with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. The office of the sheriff is non-partisan, Burton-Crow is running as a Democrat.
Sanders has claimed that a bill passed in the state Legislature last week changing sheriff eligibility requirements could disqualify his opponent, but Burton-Crow clarified Tuesday that he does meet the new requirements under the bill.
The provision Burton-Crow was thought not to meet was a requirement for five years minimum law enforcement experience. Burton-Crow said his five-year mark is March 16, 2026, months before filing week in May, meaning he does qualify under the new requirements.
