About Matt McKnight

My name is Matt McKnight, and I am running for Lewis County Sheriff because I have passion for law enforcement and a love for my community. I believe it is the responsibility of law enforcement to serve with integrity, transparency, and respect.

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My youth:

I am a lifelong Lewis County resident and proud to call this county my home. I grew up in Winlock as the oldest of four boys, a role that taught me early on the importance of responsibility, accountability, and looking out for others. My parents encouraged me and my brothers to stay involved and work hard, and those values shaped who I am today. I played every sport available growing up and soon found my true interests, focusing on football and wrestling in high school. As captain of the wrestling team, starting my junior year, I experienced my first formal leadership role learning discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the drive to always improve.

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Starting my own family:

After high school, I married my high school sweetheart, and together we have raised three children with the same values that were instilled in me. My wife and I have been married for more than 20 years and we look forward to many more together. 

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Community and family:

Family and community involvement have always been central to our lives. We helped start a youth wrestling program in Mossyrock, participated in Cub Scouts, supported our children in theater and church youth groups, and have remained actively involved in our church. In my limited spare time, I enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and playing board games with my family and friends (we currently own nearly 200 board games).

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Lewis County has always been where I wanted to live, work, and raise my family. I have built lasting friendships here and remain committed to continually bettering myself so I can effectively lead, serve, and protect the people of this community.

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Work history:

My professional career reflects my commitment to my community. Like many young people in Lewis County, I started working early in the hay fields, taking odd jobs, later working in a lumber mill, McDonald’s as a shift manager, and in a door factory. Those experiences taught me the reward of hard work and respect for hardworking families. 

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However, in all of my previous work places, I felt as though I was missing something. I felt the call to serve my community, specifically through law enforcement, from the time I was a young boy and after talking with my wife, we decided it was time to commit. Shortly after, I was hired by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, beginning a law enforcement career that now spans nearly 20 years.

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During my time at the Sheriff’s Office, I was honored to be nominated for Deputy of the Year and received the DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year award. After being hired by the Chehalis Police Department, I continued to serve the community and was recognized as DUI Officer of the Year, Traffic Safety Officer of the Year, and received the Washington State Patrol Special Award. 

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Throughout my career, I have held a wide range of roles that have strengthened my leadership, training, and administrative experience, including serving as a Training Committee Member, Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Officer and Coordinator, Taser Instructor, Traffic Safety Liaison, Peer Support Team Member, Public Information Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Deputy Chief. I have also been proud to represent my fellow officers as Vice President and President of the Police Officer Guild and to serve on the Honor Guard.

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I have earned First Level Supervisor and Middle Management certifications through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and am currently working toward my Executive Level Certification. These programs ensure that law enforcement leaders remain accountable, well-trained, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

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What I bring to the table:

I am the only current candidate serving in an administrative role. This provides me with unique insight and experience in how to run a department. I believe our actions speak louder than words. I have the knowledge, ability, and drive to do exactly what I say I’m going to do because I have already shown that I can back up what I say with my actions.

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As your Sheriff, my focus is clear. We must restore transparency, rebuild trust, and strengthen partnerships with the communities we serve. That starts with regaining state accreditation for the Sheriff’s Office and reestablishing important programs that have been lost or neglected, including the Regional SWAT/CRU and Reserve Program. 

Illegal narcotics continue to drive much of the crime affecting Lewis County. I believe in taking a proactive, collaborative approach by rejoining JNET and sending a clear message that those who sell drugs and commit crimes in our county will be held accountable, while also supporting prevention, treatment, and community-based solutions.

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My vision:

I envision a Lewis County where every resident has confidence in their law enforcement professionals, knows their voice matters, and feels respected and protected. This campaign is not about politics, it is about restoring trust, strengthening public safety, and serving the people of our community.

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I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and humbly ask for your support, your ideas, your involvement, and your vote. As your next Lewis County Sheriff, my commitment is simple: to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and work every day to build a safer, stronger Lewis County.