SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Heading into the November General Elections, current Snohomish County Councilman and Washington State Representative, Sam Low is seeking reelection to continue serving his constituents in District 5.
Low’s priorities are the same as they’ve always been; public safety, transportation, and not raising taxes.
“Public safety is the number one issue. If people don’t feel safe in their neighborhoods, if they don’t feel safe in their homes, nothing else really matters,” said Low. “People need to be able to feel safe in their neighborhoods.”
Low put these words to the test back in 2020 when he, despite the rising defund the police movement, defended law enforcement agencies.
Second on the list is transportation. As Chair of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission as well as the Chair of the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, Low has a long track record of working on transportation-related issues across Snohomish County and the State of Washington at large.
Most recently Low sponsored four transportation-related bills as Washington State Representative, HB1823 (which would modify transportation improvement board provisions), HB1008 (improving local roads), and HB1098 (dealing with funding county road projects) and HB1822 (which would establish a driver work zone and first responder safety course requirement).
If elected to continue serving Snohomish County residents as Council member, Low plans to continue working on pivotal transportation projects throughout the county including Highway 522, the $144 million Snohomish River Bridge project, Highway 2 safety improvements, and the 100-year-old Granit Falls Bridge.
As for tax increases, Democrats proposed a 4% property tax increase (initially 8%) back in November, 2024 – Low staunchly opposed that tax hike, as well most tax increase proposals as the County level.
“People are getting taxed out of their homes, seniors are being taxed out of their homes, and the county has to figure out better ways to keep expenses under control other than always going to the taxpayer to raise property taxes,” said Low.
With Snohomish County facing at least a $23.6 million deficit for the 2025-2026 biennium, Low remains confident he will stand by his no tax increase commitment stating that the county has “over expended” itself in four different departments.
“We need to make sure those department heads are held accountable for their budget because the budget is not a guide, the budget is the dollars they have to work with,” said Low. “But to go ahead and spend like there is no budget, that’s unacceptable. We’re working with those departments, and we are going to reel those departments back in – it’s not the wild, wild, west – because it’s not fair to the taxpayers, for these departments to go over budget, it’s not fair for our senior who are struggling to get by to stay in their homes.”
Low added that the county set aside a rainy-day fund, during his time on council, to absorb times when revenues aren’t as high and the county is not in financial dire. Still, if departments continue to overspend, he said he will not stand for it.
Low prides himself on his ability to work across the aisle, working with both Republicans and Democrats to move legislation and policies forward.
As State Representative he’s had nine bills become law, many of which are bipartisan including his recently adopted farmer’s bill (HB1261, which adds protections for family farms). This bill was co-sponsored by Representative April Berg (LD44).
Low also worked closely with Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D-LD44) on a driving safety bill, who previously ran against him for County Council in 2021. Not only does this exemplify Low’s ability to work across the aisle, but it also exhibits his ability to set political differences aside and do what’s best for his community.
“Everyone knows I don’t play partisan politics; I try and represent everyone in my district and that’s what I’m known for – working for everyone the best I can,” said Low. “It doesn’t matter what your party is, whether you have a party or not, if you need some help, I work 24/7 for my constituents.”
If elected, Low plans to maintain transparency and public discourse with his voters. He’s already expanded his reach on social media to open new pathways to the public and has been a huge supporter of the county’s public channel where members of the public can tune in on cable television to keep up to date with county council meetings.
When Low is not serving as Snohomish Council Councilman and State Representative, he enjoys local sports and getting involved in his community through his volunteerism at the Lake Stevens Food Bank, the Granite Falls Boys & Girls Club, 4H, and Lake Stevens Rotary, as well as spend time with his wife, five children (and two grandchildren), two dogs, and two horses.
“Community service and family have always been a huge driving force in my live,” said Low. “Service to others has always been a driving force behind me to push me forward. People are struggling, whether they’re struggling physically, whether they’re struggling financially, or whether they’re struggling with their government. I like to see people helped who are in situations where they need it. That’s what motivates me. That’s what I do what I do.”
Low’s gravitation toward public service dates back to early age, when he was State Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club. Throughout his tenure as a politician Low has a proven track record at the volunteer level, county level, and state level.
One of his most joyous moments, seeing this work come to light lately, is driving by the Lake Stevens Food Bank and seeing the funds he helped fight for go to good use, helping those struggling with food insecurity.
If elected this November he hopes to continue this good work for his constituents, fighting for public safety, transportation improvements, and fiscal responsibility.
“I don’t know what the next four years hold but I’m looking forward to having more opportunities to find ways to help my community and make it a better place,” said Low.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
