Former Rep. Eric Robertson dies
Published 3:00 pm Monday, May 4, 2026
Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the Washington State House Republicans:
The House Republican Caucus is mourning the sudden loss of former Caucus Chair Eric Robertson, a dedicated public servant whose service to Washington state and the nation will leave a lasting legacy.
“Eric Robertson devoted his life to serving others—with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of duty,” said House Republican Leader and former seatmate Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “From protecting our communities in both the law enforcement and fire services to representing the people of the 31st District, Eric’s commitment to public service never wavered. He was a trusted leader, a respected colleague, a devoted father, and also my friend. I will be eternally grateful for his willingness to put his retirement on hold to run for the Legislature again, and for the four years I got to spend alongside him in service to our state and district.”
Robertson was a lifelong resident of the 31st District, growing up in Buckley and graduating from White River public schools and Green River Community College. Robertson’s career in public service spanned more than four decades, covering local, state and federal government. He began with the Washington State Patrol, where he served from 1983 to 2002, quickly rising to the rank of Captain. In 2002, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as the United States Marshal for the Western District of Washington, a Senate-confirmed position, where he served until 2007. Continuing his commitment to public safety, Robertson served as Administrator of the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn from 2007 until 2018.
In addition to his career in law enforcement and the fire service, Robertson served the people of the 31st District as State Representative from 1995 to 1998 and again from 2021 to 2025. During his time in the Legislature, he easily earned the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and quickly emerged as an influential leader. He was elected House Republican Caucus Chair at the outset of just his second term in the Legislature and was appointed Caucus Vice Chair during his second stint in the House.
While public safety was always at the forefront of his legislative work, he focused on issues that affected the people in his district like improving roads and transportation infrastructure, protecting consumers, supporting crime victims, and providing tax relief for small businesses.
“Eric was so dominant in a room there was no need for him to exceed his own presence. People listened when he spoke. He was well grounded in principles, always honest, and a loyal friend,” said former State Senator Pam Roach, who first recruited Robertson to run for the Legislature and represented the 31st District with him during his first two terms.
“Eric and I became members of the state House at the same time. We became friends because we both served in law enforcement and shared a passion for bettering the profession,” said Benton County Commissioner and former State Representative Jerome Delvin, who served with Robertson on the House Republican leadership team in the 1990s. “Eric was a humble giant of a man who cared for his constituents and the residents of the state as a whole. He will be sorely missed by his friends.”
The House Republican Caucus extends its deepest condolences to Eric’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten.
