SHAW for Commissioner

Camano Island resident Grant Shaw announces run for Island County Commissioner

Grant Shaw, a 30 year Camano Island resident known locally as a tireless community volunteer and pragmatic problem-solver, announced this week that he is running for Island County Commissioner as a Democrat, seeking to succeed Commissioner Janet St. Clair, who has said she will not seek another term.

Grant is endorsed by Commissioner Janet St. Clair, former Washington State Senator Mary Margaret Haugen and the IAFF Local 3438 Firefighters Union and many local leaders. 

Shaw said his decision to enter the race months ahead of the May filing week reflects both the urgency of the issues facing Island County and his commitment to giving voters — and potential supporters — clarity early in the election cycle. “Starting my campaign right now allows me to spend more time with the citizens of Island County on both islands and listen to their concerns so I can better serve them,” Shaw said, noting he has already begun meeting with residents across Whidbey Island to better understand the unique needs of its communities.

“Island County deserves steady, solutions-focused leadership,” Shaw said. “This is a pivotal moment for our communities, and I’m ready to step up and serve our citizens.” 

A Democrat like St. Clair, Shaw said he intends to build on the county’s recent progress while bringing what he describes as a “hands-on, get-it-done” approach to complex challenges. Over the years, Shaw has earned a reputation as a collaborative leader who works across differences to find common ground and move projects forward. “In these divided times, it is more important than ever to bring people together.”

Shaw was previously honored with the Jeannie Ovenell Spirit Award by the Camano Island Chamber, recognizing individuals from Stanwood and Camano Island who demonstrate exceptional dedication and care for the community. He said the recognition reflects his belief that progress happens when neighbors work together.

His volunteer service includes work with the Freedom Park Association. Shaw first volunteered to help build the park’s playground in 2010 and joined the board in 2017, when the park faced possible foreclosure. He now serves as vice president. Working alongside fellow board members, volunteers, local businesses and donors, Shaw said the group was able to stabilize the park financially, make significant improvements, and preserve the private community park for years to come.

Shaw has also been active in local schools, serving as Utsalady Elementary Booster Club president and on the PTO board at Port Susan Middle School. He has actively supported Stanwood-Camano School District’s, including campaigning for levies and the bond for the new Stanwood High School and Church Creek Campus. As a father of two daughters, he said he understands the importance of a strong educational system and its broader impact on the community.

“I’ve always believed that if there’s a problem, you gather the right people, put your heads together, and solve it. I might not always have the solution but someone in the room might, ” Shaw said. “That’s how I’ve approached my volunteer work, and it’s how I would approach serving as county commissioner.”

Shaw said his campaign will focus on the county’s Growth Management Plan, protection of water resources, public safety, and support for emergency services, as well as understanding and supporting the needs of military families and the broader community connected to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. He said he believes that county leaders must examine issues from multiple perspectives, noting that decisions made today will shape the future of Camano Island and Island County for decades.

In addition to his volunteer work, Shaw has served as a Well Association president and has a background in Architecture and Construction, as well as a career managing multi-million-dollar retail budgets. He said that experience has prepared him to oversee county finances, infrastructure investments, and long-range planning.

Island County commissioners oversee county government operations, set policy and manage an annual budget that funds public safety, public works, public health and other essential services. The role also requires coordination with cities, state agencies, tribal governments and community partners.

Shaw said he plans to run a grassroots campaign focused on listening to residents throughout the county.

“Our county works best when leadership listens first,” he said. “I want to hear from families, small business owners, farmers, first responders, and retirees about what’s working — and what isn’t. My goal is to be a commissioner who is accessible, responsive, and accountable.”

The primary election is scheduled for August, with the general election in November. Candidate filing week in Washington state begins in May.

Residents interested in learning more can contact the campaign at ElectGrantShaw@gmail.com. Campaign website: ElectGrantShaw.com