ASOTIN COUNTY, WA — Longtime law enforcement officer Monte Renzelman has officially announced his candidacy for Asotin County Sheriff, citing more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and a focus on public safety, accountability, and community trust.
Renzelman said he officially filed to run for sheriff on May 4.
“After more than 30 years in law enforcement, this community isn’t just where I’ve worked, it’s home,” Renzelman said in a campaign announcement. “I’ve spent my career here, and I’ve built relationships across this county that have shaped how I understand this job and the responsibility that comes with it.”
In a campaign video accompanying the announcement, Renzelman also discussed his involvement with the Asotin County Jail project, saying he has served on the jail committee “from the very beginning” and helped bring the facility and related jobs to the county.
Renzelman said he supports expanding rehabilitation and reentry efforts within the jail, including substance abuse treatment, educational opportunities, and job skills training programs. He also said he is exploring programs such as IGNITE, which focuses on inmate rehabilitation and reducing repeat offenses.
“If someone leaves jail better prepared than when they entered, our entire community is safer,” Renzelman said in the video.
Additional priorities outlined by Renzelman include adding a narcotics-detection canine inside the jail to help prevent drugs from entering the facility and reestablishing inmate work crews for community cleanup projects, including work along the Upper River Corridor.
He also emphasized the importance of release planning and coordination with local agencies to connect individuals leaving jail with support services.
Renzelman acknowledged concerns from residents living near the jail facility and said transparency and communication would remain important if elected.
“Public safety isn’t just about locking doors,” Renzelman said. “It’s about reducing repeat crime and protecting our community long-term.”
