Candidate for Sheriff
Washington County, Virginia
Raised here. Served here. Ready to lead and protect here.
25 years of law enforcement service, deep roots in this community, and a commitment to treating every person with dignity, fairness, and respect. All means all.
Meet David
David Wayne Clayman has served the public for 25 years, including 23½ years with the Washington County Sheriff's Office — 13 years as a Deputy Sheriff, 5 years as a Sergeant, and 5½ years as a Lieutenant, with long assignments in the Warrant Service and Civil Process Divisions. He currently serves as a Police Officer and School Resource Officer with a local law enforcement agency, working daily with students, educators, and families.
Born in Bristol, Virginia and raised in Abingdon, David attended Abingdon Elementary School, E.B. Stanley Middle School, and graduated from Abingdon High School with the Class of 1996. He earned his Law Enforcement Officer Certification through the Southwest Criminal Justice Training Academy and graduated from the Professional Leadership Academy at Mountain Empire Community College.
David is married to Ashley Clayman, an educator and assistant principal who has served Washington County Public Schools for more than 22 years. They are raising two daughters, Addison and Carsey Jo, here in the county. David has served as a Deacon at River of Life Baptist Church since 2018, teaching Sunday School and volunteering at church and community events throughout the year.
David's roots run the length of this county — born in Bristol, raised in Abingdon, and raising his own family here today. He and his wife Ashley, an educator and assistant principal with Washington County Public Schools for more than 22 years, are parents to their daughters Addison and Carsey Jo.
Faith, family, and neighbors looking out for one another shape how David serves: with dignity, fairness, and respect for every person. All means all.
"The badge is not simply a symbol of authority — it is a symbol of trust, service, accountability, and responsibility."
Why I'm Running
Trust is built through communication, accountability, transparency, and consistent action — not words alone. As Sheriff, I will work every day to connect the Sheriff's Office with the citizens it serves.
Too many talented, dedicated people have felt unsupported or discouraged from continuing in careers they genuinely loved. Deputies and civilian staff deserve a workplace that recognizes, develops, and values them.
I will lead from a position of service, with humility and accountability, while ensuring the needs and safety of our citizens remain at the center of every decision.
All means all.
Every person in Washington County deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect — every citizen, every employee, every time.
For David, Ashley, Addison, and Carsey Jo, Washington County isn't just where they live — it's home. Keeping it safe is personal.
The Platform
Get Involved
"David has spent his entire career treating people fairly — fellow officers, victims, and families in the worst moment of their lives. That consistency is exactly what this office needs."
"As a parent, I want a Sheriff who already knows our schools from the inside. David has walked those halls as an SRO and understands what keeps students safe."
"He is the same man in church, at a ball game, or on a call. Steady, respectful, and honest. All means all is not a slogan for David — it is how he lives."
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Contact
Have a question, a concern, or an invitation to speak with your group? David reads every message from Washington County citizens.