Crime is focus in race for Washington's 8th District
Crime is a top issue in one of the most competitive congressional elections this year — the race for Washington’s 8th District.
Incumbent Democrat Kim Schrier recently co-sponsored a bill that provides $60 million in annual funding for smaller police departments. The funding is aimed at helping departments with hiring and buying equipment like body cameras.
Despite objections from some of her progressive colleagues, the Democrat's bill passed with bipartisan support last week.
“I am an independent rep for the 8th district. My vote reflects what is good for my district," Schrier told KUOW. "And you'll have to ask other members why they chose not to vote for such a commonsense, bipartisan, very necessary bill.”
Schrier's opponent, Republican Matt Larkin, has made crime his top issue in the race for the 8th District. His campaign slogan is: “Make crime illegal again.” While commenting to KUOW, Larkin indicated he’d likely support Schrier’s crime bill.
“I would want to know all the details, but if that means more funding for federal law enforcement, I'm all in for that,” Larkin said.
The battle for Washington's 8th is one of the most competitive and could determine which major party controls Congress.
Washington’s vote by mail election begins Oct. 21.
Read KUOW's ongoing election coverage here.
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David Hyde
Reporter
David’s people-focused politics coverage tracks local and national races. At KUOW, David has also reported for our Hearken Team answering listener questions,and covered a variety of other topics ranging from vaccine hesitancy to climate change.
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