SEDRO-WOOLLEY – Today, State Senator Keith Wagoner (R-39th District) formally announced his candidacy for Skagit County Commissioner, Position 3.
Wagoner registered his campaign with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) in June 2025, shortly after Commissioner Lisa Janicki announced her retirement. A former Sedro-Woolley City Councilmember and Mayor, Wagoner currently serves as State Senator for the 39th Legislative District, which includes portions of Skagit and Snohomish counties.
“I believe, as Thomas Jefferson said, that ‘government closest to the people serves the people best,’” Wagoner stated. “Local government is where I can make the most direct impact for our communities. I have long been interested in serving as County Commissioner, but I had tremendous respect for Commissioner Janicki and the job she did, so I was never going to run against her. Now that she has chosen to retire, the situation is different.”
When asked what he wants voters to know about him, Senator Wagoner replied: “First and foremost, that I am one of you. I grew up in the Skagit Valley, worked the fields as an agricultural laborer, and I deeply understand our unique Skagit character—which we must protect. My experience and approach to working with people will help re-energize county government.
“We’ve taken some tough punches in recent years: extreme flooding in eastern Skagit County, budget shortfalls, and shrinking services. These are issues I’ve fought to address in Olympia. My legislative experience and bipartisan relationships will serve as a force multiplier for Skagit County. I’ve already delivered more taxpayer dollars back to eastern Skagit than any other state legislator in history—a fact achieved only by working across party lines.”
If elected, Wagoner intends to continue serving in the State Senate at least until the end of his current term. “I owe that to the voters who elected me,” he explained. “It is not uncommon in Washington for legislators to hold dual elected positions when the roles are compatible.”
Wagoner’s campaign website is wagonerforcc.com. He encourages Skagit County voters to learn more about his vision for strong, responsive local leadership.
Source: Friends of Keith Wagoner
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
