Camano Volunteer Grant Shaw Enters Island County Commissioner District 3 Race

Grant Shaw spent 30 years watching Camano Island change from a place with no traffic lights into a bustling community. Now he wants a seat at the table where growth decisions get made.

Shaw, a Democrat, filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission as a candidate for Island County Commissioner District 3 after incumbent Janet St. Clair announced she would not seek reelection. At the time of his filing, he was the only candidate registered with the PDC for the seat. Washington's official candidate filing week runs May 4-8.

District 3 covers much of North Whidbey and all of Camano Island.

Shaw and his wife raised two daughters on Camano Island across those three decades, and his community ties run deep through volunteer work rather than elected office. He is on the board of directors for the Freedom Park Association and is known for playing Santa Claus, earning him the local nickname "Granta Claus," on Camano during the holidays. He also served as Booster Club president at Utsalady Elementary and, according to supporter Michelle Huntley, helped bring Freedom Park "from foreclosure to fantastic."

Shaw said leadership roles have come naturally to him since high school, and after many years of volunteering, the community pushed him to run for office. "People have asked me to consider the school board, and I've come really close to doing that," he said. It was St. Clair herself, Shaw said, who raised the possibility of running for commissioner.

His platform centers on three priorities he sees as inseparable. "Short answer is, I care about the health and wellness of our citizens," he said. "Water and emergency services are super important, and then growth management has to be a focus for everybody, because more people keep coming out here."

Since his decision to run, Shaw said he has had meetings with local Democrats, advisors and community members and has finalized his website. He said he is working toward securing endorsements from Democratic leaders and community organizations.

St. Clair, who was first elected to serve in 2018, announced during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting that she is not seeking reelection. She previously ran for state senator but told the Whidbey News-Times that she does not plan on running for any other elected position, though she hopes to continue to be involved in community service and advocacy.

This year is a consequential election year for Island County government, with one county commissioner and most of the other county elected positions appearing on the ballot in November. Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks announced that he is running for reelection for his eighth term. Ron Costeck also filed as a candidate for Island County District Court Judge; the county commissioners appointed him to the position in 2024 after Judge Bill Hawkins retired.

Shaw's campaign describes itself as grassroots, with his central pitch framed simply: "Our county works best when leadership listens first." Supporters can reach the campaign at ElectGrantShaw@gmail.com or mail donations to Elect Grant Shaw, 370 N East Camano Dr. Suite 5 #258, Camano Island, WA 98282.