Tavier Wasser, In Context
You’ve seen the quotes, but here’s what he actually said.
A “fact check” website, emails, and a local blog have told Island County voters that Tavier Wasser is a far-right extremist who says whatever audiences want to hear. Their quotes come from short remarks he gave at a February 2026 Island County Republican Party meeting. We read his full remarks and every time, the words they left out change the meaning.
What They Got Wrong
"Constitutional Sheriff”
What they claimed: He identified with the far-right “constitutional sheriff” movement, which says sheriffs are above state and federal law.
What he said in the same meeting: “The sheriff should not be a political position. It should be an enforcer of the rules of the law that the people have voted on... It’s supposed to be the will of the people.”
The movement teaches that sheriffs can override the law. Tavier said the sheriff’s job is to follow it. He used the words in their plain meaning, and when he learned an extremist movement had claimed them, he rejected that movement in writing via his official statement:
“I reject any ideology claiming sheriffs can override state or federal law, pick and choose which laws to enforce, or operate outside democratic accountability.”
He made it even plainer in his written answers to the 10th Legislative District Democrats:
“In Washington, sheriffs do not have independent constitutional authority to reinterpret or override state or federal law... This framework ensures that constitutional policing is not a matter of personal or political ideology. It is a matter of lawful duty.”
At the July candidate forum, he publicly restated his opposition to the movement and apologized to anyone his words had affected.
ICE: Same Position, Different Treatment
What they claimed: Sheriff Felici will follow Washington law and refuse to help ICE, while Wasser would help ICE make arrests.
What the record shows:
Assisting ICE
• Sheriff Felici (Jan. 28, 2026): Local agencies can’t assist ICE under the Keep Washington Working Act.
• Tavier Wasser: Will comply fully with the Act and will not participate in civil immigration enforcement.
Interfering with federal agents
• Sheriff Felici: Officers can’t interfere, but they can witness.
• Tavier Wasser: Won’t interrupt a federal operation; will record and report any abuse.
After an ICE incident
• Sheriff Felici: Local law enforcement is left to clean up the mess.
• Tavier Wasser: Protect the surrounding community, connect affected families to resources, and keep supporting them afterward.
The website quoted Tavier saying ICE is “doing their job as far as I’m concerned.” It left out his very next sentence: “If there’s something outside of that, we’ll do our job.” He was talking about not physically interfering with federal agents, which Sheriff Felici had said ten days earlier that officers can’t do. On cooperation, Tavier’s commitment is clear:
“If elected, on day one I will issue a public statement affirming that the Island County Sheriff’s Office will comply fully with the Keep Washington Working Act and will not participate in civil immigration enforcement... My commitment is to uphold the law, protect constitutional rights, and ensure every resident and guest, regardless of immigration status, feels safe reporting crimes, seeking help, and accessing county services.”
Sources: Whidbey News-Times, Jan. 30, 2026 (https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/01/30/whidbey-island-officials-express-alarm-fear-over-ice-in-unprecedented-session/); Clinton Community Council forum, July 14, 2026, at 12:50 (https://youtu.be/q-RYdwQua6c?t=770); Tavier Wasser’s written answers to the 10th Legislative District Democrats Interview for endorsement.
“Feel-Good Stuff” What they claimed: He dismissed the county’s crime-prevention and treatment programs. What he said: Asked about staffing in a county without big-business tax revenue, he said mandatory needs should be funded before extras. He named no program. The context: Tavier works in juvenile deferral and assistance programs himself, the kind of second-chance work they imply he’d cut. “He Tells Each Audience What It Wants to Hear” At the same Republican meeting the attacks quote, Tavier told the room he served on President Obama’s Marine One unit, saying he mentioned it because some people would like it and some wouldn’t. Asked about protesters, he talked about de-escalation and helping groups get permits so they can exercise their First Amendment rights safely. That’s not a candidate telling the room what it wants to hear. Party Labels What they claimed: In October 2025, Tavier endorsed a “MAGA” candidate for the South Whidbey School Board. What happened: Wasser endorsed Gwendy Gabelein for Position 5. School board races in Washington are nonpartisan, and he endorsed her because of her work, not her party. The two had worked together on an opioid prevention committee. Gwendy is a South Whidbey parent who has worked as a private school teacher, a paraeducator in the district, and a substance use counselor, and she serves on several committees. Though she may be a Republican, nothing in her record shows she is the extremist the label suggests. Source: South Whidbey Record, Sept. 27, 2025 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/?p=109268) Washington has no party registration. A presidential primary declaration applies only to that single ballot. Like many Island County voters, Tavier has supported candidates from both parties. The website quotes one Democratic precinct committee officer saying Tavier is not a Democrat. The Democrats who formally evaluated him disagreed: Tavier is endorsed by the Island County Democrats and the 10th Legislative District Democrats. In his own words: “My Democratic values are focused on helping the helpless, providing for those who have stumbled, and lifting up those who have had a rough start.” The Double Standard The “fact check” attacks Tavier for choosing a Republican ballot in the 2024 presidential primary. Here’s what it doesn’t mention. Sheriff Felici ran for sheriff as a Republican in 2018. This year he’s running as an independent and is endorsed by the Island County Republican Party. There’s nothing wrong with either man having supporters across the spectrum. In a county like ours, a sheriff should. But you can’t fault one candidate for it and ignore it in the other. The website’s lead author, Langley City Council member and Democratic precinct committee officer Craig Cyr, made the same “not a real Democrat” argument to the Island County Democrats before their endorsement vote. Other party members criticized his letter, and the Island County Democrats endorsed Tavier anyway. Sources: South Whidbey Record, July 17, 2026 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/2026/07/17/democrats-endorse-wasser-for-sheriff/); South Whidbey Record, Sept. 18, 2026 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/2026/09/18/island-county-sheriff-race-heats-up-online/) Claims With Nothing Behind Them The blog says he called himself a “warrior archetype” and opposed a bill protecting gender-diverse youth. It offers no source for either claim. Its author declined offers to speak with Tavier or his supporters. Additionally, a quick google search will tell you that the warrior archetype represents courage, determination, and the drive to overcome challenges. It embodies the qualities of action, resilience, fighting against injustice, and a focus on achieving goals. Is that not what we would want in a Sheriff?
The Record They Didn’t Mention The “fact check” webpage says it examined leadership, but it never looked at the incumbent’s. Budget: At an April 15 budget workshop, county commissioners found that the Sheriff’s Office budget had left out at least $400,000 in overtime costs. Asked to explain the errors, Sheriff Felici said he didn’t know where the numbers came from, that he isn’t an accountant, and “it is what it is.” The error was later corrected, and one commissioner has argued the sheriff shouldn’t be blamed. But the Sheriff’s Office budget is the sheriff’s to prepare and stand behind. Commissioners later froze the county’s second animal control officer position, leaving one officer to cover both islands. Sources: South Whidbey Record, Sept. 18, 2026 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/2026/09/18/island-county-sheriff-race-heats-up-online/); Island County Commissioners budget workshop recording, April 15, 2026 Felici has missed chances to protect people: For years, a Sheriff’s Office sergeant faced repeated misconduct complaints. Under the previous sheriff, he had been fired over a harassment finding and reinstated by an arbitrator.
Sheriff Felici has cited labor law and limited evidence, and he has denied protecting anyone. But several people told investigators they felt the office was protecting the sergeant, and a former dispatcher said she never reported her own allegation because she believed nothing would happen. When people stop reporting, that’s a leadership problem. Tavier’s approach: a victim advocacy unit so victims have support from the very first contact, Master-level crisis negotiation experience, and a record as Langley’s chief writing the department’s first policy manual to make it accountable to the public. Sources: HeraldNet, March 16, 2024 (https://www.heraldnet.com/2024/03/16/whidbey-cop-accused-of-rape-quits-job-after-internal-inquiry/); [South Whidbey Record, July 5, 2022 — Adrian lawsuit]; [HeraldNet, Sept. 2022 — settlement]; [South Whidbey Record, Sept. 16, 2025 — charges dismissed] Who is Tavier Wasser He came home to protect the Island County that raised him. Tavier has called Island County home since 1998. He graduated from South Whidbey High School and attended Skagit Valley College’s Clinton campus before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Trusted with the President’s safety. Tavier was one of three Marines chosen from a class of 150 for Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the unit that provides presidential transport and support. He held a Top Secret security clearance and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, responsible for the readiness of the Marines under him. He served eight years and was honorably discharged. Seven years as an Island County deputy. He joined the Island County Sheriff’s Office in 2015. There he earned Master-level certification in crisis and hostage negotiation, trained as a SWAT operator, served as acting sergeant, and became a Field Training Officer for multiple agencies, helping train the next generation of officers. Since he was appointed Langley’s Chief of Police in 2022, he has: - written the department’s first-ever policy manual, making it more accountable to the public - brought in modern VR training - created access to mental health support - completed training through the FBI Leadership Institute and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Recognized by his community and his peers. In 2024, Island County residents named him Police Officer of the Year. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs appointed him Chair of its Public Trust Committee. Tested under fire. On New Year’s Day this year, he stepped into a violent domestic assault situation and was shot at. Experiences like that drive his push for better training and resources for deputies. What he’ll do as Sheriff: - Better-trained deputies, with more crisis negotiation, SWAT, and advanced training, so the county is ready for the rare day everything goes wrong. - Clear communication with the public, so residents of both islands get timely, reliable information during an emergency. - More mental health support, because some calls are a cry for help, not a crime. - A victim advocacy unit, so victims get support from the start instead of waiting until a case reaches the prosecutor. Endorsed by: Island County Democrats, 10th Legislative District Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, POWER Whidbey, Animal Advocates of Island County, and former Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson.
The website quoted Tavier saying ICE is “doing their job as far as I’m concerned.” It left out his very next sentence: “If there’s something outside of that, we’ll do our job.” He was talking about not physically interfering with federal agents, which Sheriff Felici had said ten days earlier that officers can’t do. On cooperation, Tavier’s commitment is clear:
“If elected, on day one I will issue a public statement affirming that the Island County Sheriff’s Office will comply fully with the Keep Washington Working Act and will not participate in civil immigration enforcement... My commitment is to uphold the law, protect constitutional rights, and ensure every resident and guest, regardless of immigration status, feels safe reporting crimes, seeking help, and accessing county services.”
Sources: Whidbey News-Times, Jan. 30, 2026 (https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/01/30/whidbey-island-officials-express-alarm-fear-over-ice-in-unprecedented-session/); Clinton Community Council forum, July 14, 2026, at 12:50 (https://youtu.be/q-RYdwQua6c?t=770); Tavier Wasser’s written answers to the 10th Legislative District Democrats Interview for endorsement.
“Feel-Good Stuff” What they claimed: He dismissed the county’s crime-prevention and treatment programs. What he said: Asked about staffing in a county without big-business tax revenue, he said mandatory needs should be funded before extras. He named no program. The context: Tavier works in juvenile deferral and assistance programs himself, the kind of second-chance work they imply he’d cut. “He Tells Each Audience What It Wants to Hear” At the same Republican meeting the attacks quote, Tavier told the room he served on President Obama’s Marine One unit, saying he mentioned it because some people would like it and some wouldn’t. Asked about protesters, he talked about de-escalation and helping groups get permits so they can exercise their First Amendment rights safely. That’s not a candidate telling the room what it wants to hear. Party Labels What they claimed: In October 2025, Tavier endorsed a “MAGA” candidate for the South Whidbey School Board. What happened: Wasser endorsed Gwendy Gabelein for Position 5. School board races in Washington are nonpartisan, and he endorsed her because of her work, not her party. The two had worked together on an opioid prevention committee. Gwendy is a South Whidbey parent who has worked as a private school teacher, a paraeducator in the district, and a substance use counselor, and she serves on several committees. Though she may be a Republican, nothing in her record shows she is the extremist the label suggests. Source: South Whidbey Record, Sept. 27, 2025 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/?p=109268) Washington has no party registration. A presidential primary declaration applies only to that single ballot. Like many Island County voters, Tavier has supported candidates from both parties. The website quotes one Democratic precinct committee officer saying Tavier is not a Democrat. The Democrats who formally evaluated him disagreed: Tavier is endorsed by the Island County Democrats and the 10th Legislative District Democrats. In his own words: “My Democratic values are focused on helping the helpless, providing for those who have stumbled, and lifting up those who have had a rough start.” The Double Standard The “fact check” attacks Tavier for choosing a Republican ballot in the 2024 presidential primary. Here’s what it doesn’t mention. Sheriff Felici ran for sheriff as a Republican in 2018. This year he’s running as an independent and is endorsed by the Island County Republican Party. There’s nothing wrong with either man having supporters across the spectrum. In a county like ours, a sheriff should. But you can’t fault one candidate for it and ignore it in the other. The website’s lead author, Langley City Council member and Democratic precinct committee officer Craig Cyr, made the same “not a real Democrat” argument to the Island County Democrats before their endorsement vote. Other party members criticized his letter, and the Island County Democrats endorsed Tavier anyway. Sources: South Whidbey Record, July 17, 2026 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/2026/07/17/democrats-endorse-wasser-for-sheriff/); South Whidbey Record, Sept. 18, 2026 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/2026/09/18/island-county-sheriff-race-heats-up-online/) Claims With Nothing Behind Them The blog says he called himself a “warrior archetype” and opposed a bill protecting gender-diverse youth. It offers no source for either claim. Its author declined offers to speak with Tavier or his supporters. Additionally, a quick google search will tell you that the warrior archetype represents courage, determination, and the drive to overcome challenges. It embodies the qualities of action, resilience, fighting against injustice, and a focus on achieving goals. Is that not what we would want in a Sheriff?
The Record They Didn’t Mention The “fact check” webpage says it examined leadership, but it never looked at the incumbent’s. Budget: At an April 15 budget workshop, county commissioners found that the Sheriff’s Office budget had left out at least $400,000 in overtime costs. Asked to explain the errors, Sheriff Felici said he didn’t know where the numbers came from, that he isn’t an accountant, and “it is what it is.” The error was later corrected, and one commissioner has argued the sheriff shouldn’t be blamed. But the Sheriff’s Office budget is the sheriff’s to prepare and stand behind. Commissioners later froze the county’s second animal control officer position, leaving one officer to cover both islands. Sources: South Whidbey Record, Sept. 18, 2026 (https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/2026/09/18/island-county-sheriff-race-heats-up-online/); Island County Commissioners budget workshop recording, April 15, 2026 Felici has missed chances to protect people: For years, a Sheriff’s Office sergeant faced repeated misconduct complaints. Under the previous sheriff, he had been fired over a harassment finding and reinstated by an arbitrator.
- In 2019, a deputy reported that the sergeant had grabbed him. The office investigated internally and found the complaint unsubstantiated. The deputy later sued, saying he was returned to work alongside the sergeant and reprimanded for reporting. The county settled for $105,000, without admitting wrongdoing.
- In 2020, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office alerted Sheriff Felici to a rape allegation against the sergeant. The Island County Sheriff’s Office did not look into it, and the sergeant remained a supervisor for about two more years.
- In 2022, he was arrested in Skagit County. Felici placed him on leave and hired an outside investigator, who found cause to fire him. He resigned before his hearing. The criminal charges were later dismissed without prejudice, and he denies wrongdoing.
Sheriff Felici has cited labor law and limited evidence, and he has denied protecting anyone. But several people told investigators they felt the office was protecting the sergeant, and a former dispatcher said she never reported her own allegation because she believed nothing would happen. When people stop reporting, that’s a leadership problem. Tavier’s approach: a victim advocacy unit so victims have support from the very first contact, Master-level crisis negotiation experience, and a record as Langley’s chief writing the department’s first policy manual to make it accountable to the public. Sources: HeraldNet, March 16, 2024 (https://www.heraldnet.com/2024/03/16/whidbey-cop-accused-of-rape-quits-job-after-internal-inquiry/); [South Whidbey Record, July 5, 2022 — Adrian lawsuit]; [HeraldNet, Sept. 2022 — settlement]; [South Whidbey Record, Sept. 16, 2025 — charges dismissed] Who is Tavier Wasser He came home to protect the Island County that raised him. Tavier has called Island County home since 1998. He graduated from South Whidbey High School and attended Skagit Valley College’s Clinton campus before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Trusted with the President’s safety. Tavier was one of three Marines chosen from a class of 150 for Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the unit that provides presidential transport and support. He held a Top Secret security clearance and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, responsible for the readiness of the Marines under him. He served eight years and was honorably discharged. Seven years as an Island County deputy. He joined the Island County Sheriff’s Office in 2015. There he earned Master-level certification in crisis and hostage negotiation, trained as a SWAT operator, served as acting sergeant, and became a Field Training Officer for multiple agencies, helping train the next generation of officers. Since he was appointed Langley’s Chief of Police in 2022, he has: - written the department’s first-ever policy manual, making it more accountable to the public - brought in modern VR training - created access to mental health support - completed training through the FBI Leadership Institute and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Recognized by his community and his peers. In 2024, Island County residents named him Police Officer of the Year. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs appointed him Chair of its Public Trust Committee. Tested under fire. On New Year’s Day this year, he stepped into a violent domestic assault situation and was shot at. Experiences like that drive his push for better training and resources for deputies. What he’ll do as Sheriff: - Better-trained deputies, with more crisis negotiation, SWAT, and advanced training, so the county is ready for the rare day everything goes wrong. - Clear communication with the public, so residents of both islands get timely, reliable information during an emergency. - More mental health support, because some calls are a cry for help, not a crime. - A victim advocacy unit, so victims get support from the start instead of waiting until a case reaches the prosecutor. Endorsed by: Island County Democrats, 10th Legislative District Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, POWER Whidbey, Animal Advocates of Island County, and former Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson.
“Wasser only used the term ‘Constitutional Sheriff’ twice at the Republicans meeting, and once in a comment on a Facebook post on a community page. All three times he clarified what that meant to him. He is strong and honorable and cares about this community and all of the people who live in it no matter what they believe.”— Vicki Thompson, Island County resident
Jessica Thompson
Mark Evans
A local charity founder spent years unable to get the Sheriff’s Office to engage. After meeting Tavier at a resource fair, she wrote: “The very next day, Chief Wasser drove up to our warehouse.”— Kate Mistler, Oak Harbor (https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/09/02/letter-wasser-shows-willingness-to-listen/)
Sarah Lee
“Tavier shows up. He’s responsive and respectful.”— Helen Price Johnson, former Island County Commissioner (https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/10/03/letter-sheriff-candidate-wasser-has-support-of-ex-commissioner/)