Election 2026: Prosecuting Attorney Candidate Brock Dawson

Continuing our “Election: 2026” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Prosecuting Attorney of Washington County, 42nd Judicial Circuit candidate Brock Dawson (D). Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you informed as you make your way to the ballot box.

Publisher's Note: The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our readers can make their own informed decisions at the ballot box. We aim to give all candidates a fair opportunity to share their views and connect with the community. This Q&A is part of that commitment to open, unbiased political reporting.

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Brock Dawson

For readers who may not be familiar with the role, how would you describe the primary responsibilities of the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney?

The County Prosecutor is the lead attorney for all criminal proceedings. The elected prosecutor also oversees the child

support enforcement division and is responsible for the overall budget and personnel of the office.

Primary responsibilities include charging decisions and filings, overseeing and participating in trial preparation and

presentation, collaborating with other departments, entities, and community partners, and supporting local law enforcement.

Ultimately, the Prosecutor sets the tone for how justice is carried out in the county.

Can you tell us about your legal background and professional experience, and how it has prepared you to serve as Prosecuting Attorney?

Criminal law has been the majority of my practice for my entire legal career, so I feel very well prepared for the role. Since 2013, I have appeared in hundreds of criminal matters and been the lead counsel in several criminal jury trials in multiple different counties. Working with dozens of prosecutors throughout the State has given me the opportunity to learn effective, ethical, and results-driven approaches to prosecution.

What motivated you to run for this office?

I am motivated by the opportunity to improve the criminal justice system in Washington County. I am motivated by the

countless individuals who have encouraged me to run for the position and who have provided words of support and

encouragement since I have announced. And I am really motivated by the opportunity to help improve the safety and wellbeing of our community.

What do you see as the most pressing public safety or criminal justice issues currently facing Washington County, and how should the Prosecutor’s Office address them?

Addiction, drug abuse, and mental health are the most pressing public safety issues because they drive so much repeat crime. The Prosecutor’s Office must aggressively prosecute drug dealers and violent offenders, while also supporting treatment and recovery programs for non-violent defendants who are willing to do the work.

How do you plan to work with law enforcement, defense attorneys, judges, and victims to ensure justice is served?

Prioritize the timely and successful resolution of higher level felony dealing cases and crimes of violence. This means

allocating resources to ensure evidence is prepared, victim statements are secured, and cases are prepared for trial as soon

as practical. Victims deserve timely communication, careful preparation, and a prosecutor who is willing to take difficult

cases to trial.

Additionally, I hope to work directly with law enforcement on rooting out the source of drugs coming into our community, tracking down key players, and getting them convicted and sentenced to prison. I believe there is a lot of opportunity in this County for improvement in this area.

How would you approach issues such as substance abuse, repeat offenders, and mental health concerns?

Repeat offenders will serve jail sentences of course, but when there are opportunities for professional counseling, in-patient treatment, halfway houses, work release, house arrest, or any other kind of community corrections alternative, I want the Prosecutor’s Office to at least be open to some of these options.

I hope to approach these issues in part by remembering the Parable of the Lost Sheep, because when just one person recovers from addiction, that’s a family restored, a reliable employee added to the work force, and a safer community with one less repeat offender.

Transparency and public trust are important in the justice system. How do you plan to remain accountable to the public while also respecting the confidentiality required in legal matters?

As the elected prosecutor I plan to remain accountable by working hard, being honest and authentic, and by working

collaboratively with law enforcement and other government agencies to best serve the County.

You're running unopposed in your party in the Primary Election, but what qualities, experience, or perspective do you believe set you apart from any opponents you may have in the General Election?

I’ve been lead counsel in at least five felony jury trials since 2021, giving me significantly more relevant trial experience

than my opponent. I do have a unique perspective of hope and grace, and my support for recovery, addiction, mental health, and substance abuse treatment likely stems from my own life experience.

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with Washington County voters?

Aside from being a lawyer, father, husband and Christian, I am also a competitor. And I intend to utilize the resources of the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office to win serious cases, hold violent offenders accountable, and help children and families receive the support the law requires.