About Josh

If I’m elected Grant County Sheriff, I will advocate for real accountability when it comes to drugs—with treatment and recovery as the priority, not prison.

This is not about locking people up. It’s about giving people a clear choice and a real path forward.

In 2025, Grant County experienced a record number of overdose deaths. Fentanyl is dangerous, and what we’re doing now is not working. This will be a steep mountain to climb, but we need a better approach to combat it—and we need it soon.

I support changes at the state level that would allow drug possession to be treated as a felony with a guaranteed off-ramp: treatment, long-term sobriety, and a second chance. Complete treatment, stay clean, and the charge is dismissed. I would suggest a minimum of 24 months of clean urine analysis; the drug charges are deferred.

This approach will require working closely with legislators, prosecutors, treatment providers, and community partners. It won’t be easy—working with the Legislature will be a steep mountain to climb—but meaningful change never is.

Addiction impacts public safety, families, businesses, and neighborhoods. We can be compassionate and hold people accountable at the same time. Grant County deserves a system that saves lives, helps people recover, and protects our communities.

If you agree we need a better approach, please share.

Josh Sainsbury for Sheriff