Somers Announces Bid To Run For Third Term As Snohomish County Executive

Dave Somers today announced he will seek a third (and final) term as Snohomish County Executive. Here’s the release sent out this afternoon.

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has announced that he will seek reelection in 2023. Somers, a Democrat, has held the position since 2016 and will be term-limited after this third full term in office.

“It is an honor to serve as Executive of our growing, diverse, and dynamic county,” said Somers, who previously served on the County Council representing rural communities in eastern Snohomish County. “I have worked hard in this office to focus on basics like a strong economy, public safety, and protecting our unique quality of life. I look forward to the opportunity to continue making a positive difference for our families, small businesses, and communities large and small.”

Somers is especially proud of the work he has done over the past four years to guide the County’s economy through the pandemic, relying on a foundation of diversification that began early in his term. In particular, Somers points to the expansion of the aerospace sector, opening of Paine Failed to commercial air travel, and expansion of small business, green manufacturing, and technology jobs through investments in broadband, transportation infrastructure, and job training programs.

“We have worked in partnership with business, unions, and workforce development experts to build a resilient and diverse economic base in our region,” said Somers. “Moving forward, we can continue making critical progress to help people looking for new careers, assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, and make sure we maintain our identity as a leader in aerospace manufacturing and technology.”

Committed to safe, supportive communities, Somers has expanded the number of judges to expedite trials and improve outcomes for victims of crime, and worked to improve pay for sheriff’s deputies and invest in the training and accountability needed to ensure effective law enforcement, including use of body worn cameras.

“By better training and supporting law enforcement, while addressing long standing issues that erode community trust, we are building a culture of true public safety in Snohomish County,” said Somers. “We are making real progress in addressing priorities, from property crimes to the opioid epidemic, while never losing sight of our need to tackle the root causes– like helping vulnerable youth, getting people into treatment and care, and providing support for those at risk. We must keep working to make progress in building safe and stable communities.”
With too many residents facing high housing costs, and a homelessness crisis that touches every community in our region, Somers touts his work to promote affordable housing, expanded outreach and behavioral health services, and other programs that restore lives and stability.

“The interconnected issues of mental health, addiction, and homelessness must be addressed through expanded housing and services” said Somers. “I’ve joined with other regional leaders to demand greater help from the state, while working locally to facilitate investments in affordable housing for working people, seniors, and low income families. We can and must provide more housing options for all residents, and supportive housing for those who need it.”

Trained as a fisheries biologist and forester, Somers has long been a champion for the air, water, and open space in Snohomish County, as well as salmon recovery and protection of Puget Sound. Through streamlining the County’s parks, land use, and environmental services, he has pushed a number of clean energy programs, habitat restoration efforts, and climate policies that he views as critical in his next term.

“We cannot lose sight of the real threats of climate change and the need for ambitious, coordinated action to protect our health, forests, water, and future,” said Somers. “We have worked hard to transition to a greener county fleet, promote clean technology jobs, protect habitat and farmland, and improve water quality. I’m committed to doing everything I can to build on this record for the next generation of residents.”

Somers is a longtime resident of the Monroe area, where he lives with his wife Elaine and their many pets.