黑料福利社

Yakima County Sheriff Bob Udell announced his candidacy for Yakima County commissioner Wednesday.

He is seeking the Position 1 seat, which now is held by Commissioner Amanda McKinney. McKinney is running for U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse's District 4 seat.聽

"With Commissioner McKinney running for higher office, I have an opportunity," Udell said.聽

Though he announced his retirement from the Sheriff's Office in November following a 36-year career, he said that he is not done with public service. He said multiple people encouraged him to run for McKinney's seat, following her announcement.聽聽

Udell is running as a Republican. District 1 covers the northern part of Yakima County, including the northwest portion of the city of Yakima.

Udell said that his experience working with the county on public safety and overseeing the sheriff's office budget prepared him for the role as commissioner. He pointed to the regional crime lab and SWAT team as county-wide collaborative efforts he has been involved in, as well as聽pushing for a two-tenths-of-1% sales tax to finance a new radio system that will improve communications for first responders.聽

"The county should be the ultimate partner with every聽town in this county," he said.聽

His top priorities for the county, after public safety, are water management and resolving budget issues, he said.聽

Funding the county jail is one of the biggest challenges the county is tasked with, he said. He said he would resolve budget issues through prioritization and efficiencies. He also said he believes the county should have a county administrator.聽

He was born in Yakima County and is a fifth-generation resident.聽

Udell will finish his term as sheriff at the end of 2026. He endorsed Lt. Jake Church as his successor as sheriff.聽

Udell has served as a deputy, off-road vehicle patrol deputy, major crimes detective, patrol sergeant, DARE anti-drug program officer, chief civil and chief criminal deputy before being elected in 2018.

"You know me, you can trust me," he said. "I will always try to make the right choice for the county."聽