Dave Reichert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dave Reichert
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 8th district |
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| In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Jennifer Dunn |
| Succeeded by | Kim Schrier |
| 30th Sheriff of King County | |
| In office March 5, 1997 – January 3, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | James Montgomery |
| Succeeded by | Sue Rahr |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David George Reichert
August 29, 1950 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Julie Reichert |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Concordia University, Oregon (AA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1971–1976 |
| Unit | U.S. Air Force Reserve |
David George Reichert (born August 29, 1950) is an American who used to be a police officer and a politician. He served as a U.S. representative for Washington's 8th district from 2005 to 2019. He was a Republican and also served as the sheriff of King County, Washington, from 1997 to 2005.
In September 2017, Reichert announced he would retire from Congress after his seventh term. He ran for governor in 2024 but did not win.
Contents
Early Life and Education
David George Reichert was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. His parents were Marlys Ann and George F. Reichert. He is the oldest of seven children. His grandfather was a town marshal, which is like a police chief.
His family moved to Washington state in 1951. They lived in Renton and then in Kent. He went to Kent Meridian High School and graduated in 1968.
After high school, he went to Concordia Lutheran College in Portland, Oregon. He received a partial scholarship to play football there. In 1970, he earned an Associate of Arts degree in social work.
Military Service
In 1971, David Reichert joined the Air Force Reserves. He was on active duty for six months. He served in the Air Force Reserves until 1976.
Law Enforcement Career
Reichert started working for the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) in 1972. He was part of a special team called the Green River Task Force. This team worked to find a person known as the "Green River killer." In 2001, DNA evidence helped identify the person. In 2004, Reichert wrote a book about his experience called Chasing the Devil.
In 1997, he was chosen to be the sheriff of King County, Washington. He was appointed by King County Executive Ron Sims. In 2001, he ran for a second four-year term and was the only candidate.
Reichert was also the president of the Washington State Sheriffs Association. He was a leader in other police and sheriff groups too. In 2004, he won the "Sheriff of the Year" award from the National Sheriffs' Association. He also received awards for bravery.
U.S. House of Representatives
David Reichert served in the United States House of Representatives for Washington's 8th district. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Elections for Congress
2004 Election
In 2004, Reichert decided to run for Congress. He won against his Democratic opponent, Dave Ross. Reichert received 52% of the votes, and Ross received 47%. He took over the seat from Jennifer Dunn, who was retiring.
In the same election, the Democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry, won more votes than President George W. Bush in this district. This made Reichert one of only a few Republicans elected in a district that also voted for the Democratic presidential candidate.
Later Elections
Reichert was re-elected several times.
- In 2006, he won against Darcy Burner with 51% of the vote.
- In 2008, he again won against Darcy Burner with 53% of the vote.
- In 2010, he won against Suzan DelBene with 52% of the vote.
- In 2012, he won against Karen Porterfield with almost 60% of the vote.
- In 2014, he won against Jason Ritchie with 63% of the vote.
- In 2016, he won against Tony Ventrella with 60% of the vote.
Committee Work
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While in Congress, Reichert was part of important groups called committees.
- Committee on Ways and Means: This committee works on tax laws and other money-related issues.
- He was on the Subcommittee on Trade.
- He was the chair (leader) of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures.
Other Groups in Congress
Reichert was also a member of several other groups in Congress, called caucuses. These groups focus on specific topics.
- House Baltic Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus
- Climate Solutions Caucus
- U.S.-Japan Caucus
Political Views
Reichert was known as a moderate Republican. This means he often worked with members from both political parties. He was ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of the House of Representatives.
Budget and Spending
Reichert supported efforts to control government spending. He voted for laws that aimed to balance the budget and manage the national debt.
Civil Rights
Reichert was one of 15 Republican House members who voted to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This was a rule that prevented openly gay people from serving in the military.
In 2017, Reichert supported a temporary ban on people from certain countries entering the U.S. He said his main job was to protect American families. He believed it was important to check people carefully before they entered the country.
Health Care
Reichert wanted to change the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). He was one of only 20 Republicans who voted against the American Health Care Act of 2017.
Taxes
Reichert signed a pledge to oppose any laws that would raise taxes. He also voted to continue tax cuts that were put in place earlier.
Personal Life
David Reichert is married to Julie. They met when they were in college. They live in Kent. They have three grown children named Angela, Tabitha, and Daniel. They also have six grandchildren. He is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. His family background is German.
In 2010, Reichert had an accident while chopping firewood. A tree branch hit his head, and he needed emergency surgery.
