Michelle Bennett

Michelle Bennett is the Republican candidate for the Washington House of Representatives, District 5-Position 1, facing Democratic incumbent Zach Hall in the November 3, 2026 general election.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she described a 36-year public service career in law enforcement, including 18 years as a police chief.[2]

In a Ballotpedia survey, Michelle Bennett said she is a law enforcement leader, educator and mother of four.[2] She wrote that she served with the King County Sheriff's Office from 1990 to 2021 and retired as a major in charge of strategic planning and coordination.[2] She said she has also served as police chief of Maple Valley, Sammamish, Edmonds and, currently, Mercer Island, and has been a legislative committee member of the Washington State Police Chief and Sheriff's executive board.[2]

Bennett said she holds a bachelor's degree in law and justice, a master's degree in psychology, organizational development and behavior, and a doctorate in education, and that she is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy.[2] She described herself as a practical conservative and listed public safety, affordability and taxes, and balance in Olympia as her key messages.[2] Her survey lists endorsements including the King County Republican Party and the King County Police Officers Guild.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.