Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb waves to a cheering crowd at a Save America Rally Friday, July 22, 2022, in Prescott, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb waves to a cheering crowd at a Save America Rally Friday, July 22, 2022, in Prescott, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fortney to host far-right Arizona sheriff for campaign fundraiser

Adam Fortney and challenger Susanna Johnson both planned campaign events this week. The invited speakers gave a clue into their politics.

ARLINGTON — Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney is facing criticism for inviting a controversial far-right sheriff and U.S. Senate candidate from Arizona to speak at a private campaign fundraiser Saturday.

Self-proclaimed “American Sheriff” Mark Lamb has expressed sympathy for the Jan. 6 rioters and refused to enforce the state’s stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortney called Washington’s stay-home order unconstitutional.

“No vaccine, no mask,” Lamb posted on Instagram in 2021. “I did test positive though for Americanitis!”

In 2022, he spoke at an anti-immigrant rally held by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Lamb, a frequent guest on Fox News, also has ties to the “constitutional sheriff” movement that propagates the belief that sheriffs are the supreme legal authority in the United States — superseding the federal government and even the president. He is now challenging incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat-turned-independent, for office in Arizona.

Fortney, the incumbent, is being challenged by Susanna Johnson, the deputy police chief in Bothell, who welcomed about 30 people for a wine tasting to raise campaign cash Thursday. The speakers at Johnson’s event were State Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, and Vicci Hilty, former executive director for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.

On Saturday, Fortney anticipates hosting about 100 guests at his event in Arlington with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $250. Lamb is the sheriff of Pinal County, the third-most populous county in the state. Fortney also invited Derek Sanders, sheriff of Thurston County.

In an interview, Fortney said he invited Lamb because the Arizona sheriff runs an “innovative” juvenile redirection program. Fortney mirrored the concept for his LEAD The Way program, an eight-week class for kids to develop life skills, like decision-making, accountability and leadership, he explained.

Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney (Reelectadamforsheriff.com)

Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney (Reelectadamforsheriff.com)

When asked if he agrees with Lamb’s politics, Fortney quickly grew angry.

“You’re talking about (expletive) from three years ago,” Fortney said. “I invited a fellow elected sheriff who I think is doing fantastic things for his community.”

“I don’t want to talk anymore,” he continued. “I’m done. I’m done.”

Fortney then told a Daily Herald reporter to leave his office, declining to comment on any other aspects of his fundraiser, campaign or platform.

Attendees at Johnson’s event were not required to purchase tickets, but $50 donations were encouraged.

Berg, a mother of six and longtime county resident, called Fortney hosting Lamb “abhorrent.”

“As a community member, it makes me feel less safe,” Berg said in an interview. “I mean, that’s just bottom line.”

Johnson said she also does not understand Fortney’s decision to invite Lamb.

“Lamb has a documented track record of hate speech,” Johnson said. “He overtly supports the Jan. 6 insurrection and has excused the violence and death of law enforcement officers. I just don’t get having somebody like that.”

Susanna Johnson (Photo provided)

Susanna Johnson (Photo provided)

“Overall, I think that those extremist views don’t represent the values of Snohomish County,” Johnson continued. “That’s concerning to me.”

Neither Lamb nor Sanders could be reached for comment.

Berg cited Fortney’s decision to reinstate multiple deputies the previous sheriff had fired as one of the reasons she does not support Fortney. She also condemned the way Fortney handled “what happened on First Street,” when 100 armed vigilantes gathered in Snohomish with guns, tactical gear and at least one Confederate flag to “protect” boutiques from alleged “antifa” looters who never materialized.

Among those wearing tactical gear in Snohomish that week was Daniel “Milkshake” Scott, a member of the hate group the Proud Boys who was on the front lines of the Jan. 6 insurrection. This month, Scott was sentenced to five years in federal prison for assaulting a Capitol Police officer.

“I do not feel like I am being served as a resident well by the current sheriff, but more importantly, Susanna will make a fantastic sheriff,” Berg said. “She is qualified, she’s dedicated, she’s intentional and she has the experience to really get us back to a place where everybody in the community can feel safe.”

On Saturday, before Fortney’s fundraiser, Arlington is hosting an LGBTQ+ Pride event where the state Office of the Attorney General has called on city leaders to enforce a ban on open carry of firearms, amid fears that protestors could show up and try to intimidate attendees.

Fortney’s event is set to start at 5 p.m. at The Mule Palace, 19920 43rd Ave NE.

Kayla J. Dunn: 425-339-3449; kayla.dunn@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @KaylaJ_Dunn.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves 2025-26 budget

After facing an estimated $8.5 million shortfall earlier in the year, the board passed a balanced budget Tuesday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.