David Sawyer Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Embattled Washington Lawmaker David Sawyer Trails In Primary After Misconduct Allegations

By Austin Jenkins August 8, 2018

Democratic state Rep. David Sawyer of Tacoma was in third place in early primary returns Tuesday night, an indication of the political fallout he’s facing over numerous allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and an investigation that found he violated House harassment policy. Read More

Why A Tacoma Lawmaker — And His Accuser — Are Calling For A Better Way To Investigate Misconduct At The Legislature

By Austin Jenkins July 6, 2018

Washington state Rep. David Sawyer CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

In the aftermath of a recent workplace conduct investigation at the state Capitol, the Democratic lawmaker at the heart of the inquiry and one of his accusers say the process has revealed flaws in how the Legislature handles complaints made against elected officials.Read More

Investigation Finds Washington Lawmaker Violated Harassment Policy

By Austin Jenkins June 11, 2018

Washington House leaders are recommending that state Rep. David Sawyer, D-Tacoma, lose his chairmanship, not be assigned a legislative assistant and continue to have his access to staff restricted as the result of the findings of an investigation into his conduct that could also result in an ethics probe.Read More

Despite Ongoing Investigations, Two Washington Lawmakers File To Run Again

By Austin Jenkins May 15, 2018

Despite ongoing investigations into their conduct, Republican Matt Manweller of Ellensburg, left, and Democrat David Sawyer of Tacoma have filed to run for re-election to the Washington House. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

Two embattled Washington state representatives have filed to run for re-election—despite ongoing investigations into their conduct.Read More

Washington Lawmaker Suspended As Committee Chair, Accused Of Creating Hostile Work Environment

By Austin Jenkins May 9, 2018

Washington House Democrats voted Wednesday to suspend state Rep. David Sawyer as chair of the Commerce & Gaming Committee. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

Washington House Democrats voted Wednesday to suspend state Rep. David Sawyer as chair of the Commerce and Gaming Committee pending the outcome of an investigation into workplace conduct.Read More

Multiple Women Accuse Tacoma Lawmaker Of Unprofessional, Inappropriate Behavior

By Austin Jenkins February 23, 2018

Multiple women have accused Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

In recent weeks, eight women interviewed by Northwest News Network, The News Tribune and The Olympian have said Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of Tacoma has crossed personal and professional boundaries, sometimes repeatedly, and accused him of engaging in behavior before and after he joined the Legislature that ranged from inappropriate to harassing.Read More

Washington Democratic Lawmaker Restricted From Staff Contact After Unspecified Allegation

By Austin Jenkins February 21, 2018

An allegation against Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of Tacoma has led House Democrats to restrict his contact with staff. House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan said he can’t speak to the specifics or seriousness of the allegation, but that “it appears” it’s not “sexual in nature.” Read More