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Okanogan County Republican Party Central Committee selected Undersheriff Dave Yarnell, Okanogan County Chief Criminal Deputy Jodie Barcus, and retired Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Blake as candidates to fill Sheriff Paul Budrow’s term, Okanogan County Republican Party Chairman Stacy Storm announced in a press release Sunday evening.
The county commissioners have until June 5 to choose one of these candidates to serve as interim sheriff. If they do not, the decision will go to the governor.
Blake was elected vice chair of the Okanogan County Republicans in 2024. While Barcus announced her candidacy in February, Blake and Yarnell told attendees at a Lincoln Day Dinner in Omak Saturday night that they will not run for sheriff.
The following is the full text of the press release the Central Committee sent Sunday night.
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For Immediate Release
March 22, 2026
Due to the resignation of Okanogan County Sheriff Paul Budrow, effective April 6, 2026, the Okanogan County Republican Party Central Committee, as charged by the Washington State Constitution and directed by RCW 36.16.115, sought applicants for the interim position of Okanogan County Sheriff. Six candidates submitted application packets. On Sunday, March 22 the Okanogan County Republican Central Committee met and interviewed five of the applicants for the purpose of choosing three nominees for interim Okanogan County Sheriff to submit to the Okanogan County Commissioners. It was a pleasure to hear from so many capable, well qualified applicants.
The OCRP Central Committee voted to forward the following three ranked nominees to the County Commissioners:
- Dave Yarnell
- Jodie Barcus
- Michael Blake
The County Commissioners will have 60 days from April 6 to choose an individual from the list of nominees above to fill the interim Sheriff position. If the Commissioners fail to make a selection from the three nominated individuals by June 5, Governor Bob Ferguson will select the interim Sheriff from the list above.
We appreciate the efforts of all the candidates who participated in the process. Each candidate brought valuable skills, insights and experiences to the process. We also would like to thank the dedicated Precinct Committee Officers who evaluated the candidates and submitted their votes.
Thank You,
Stacy Storm
OCRP Chairman
