There’s a new face on the Kennewick council just as the mayor is leaving
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Brad Klippert won the Nov. 4 at-large Kennewick council seat with 67% support.
- He will serve a four-year term replacing Jason McShane as council dynamics shift.
- Klippert cites growth, low taxes and fewer regulations after eyeing higher office.
Brad Klippert is back in office.
On Tuesday night, the Benton County deputy and former Washington state representative was sworn into his new at-large seat on the Kennewick City Council.
He won the post during the Nov. 4 general election with 67% support from voters, besting fellow challenger Gloria Tyler Baker. Klippert will serve a four-year term and replace Councilman Jason McShane, who was elected by voters to fill Mayor Gretl Crawford’s Ward 1 seat.
McShane will take a break from his council duties until Jan. 1, and let Crawford serve out the remaining weeks of her term. The council typically votes on a new mayor and mayor pro tem at the beginning of the year.
Back in office
Klippert said he originally ran to “support smart, responsible growth while preserving what makes our community unique.” He has lived in Kennewick for 26 years.
“With abundant clean water, affordable utilities and a solid foundation for business, Kennewick is well-positioned to thrive. I will work to keep taxes low, eliminate unnecessary regulatory hurdles and defend the constitutional rights of every resident,” he said in a statement provided by city staff.
Klippert, 68, is a familiar face for Tri-City residents, described as a “seasoned public servant” by city staff.
The Republican spent 14 years as a member of the state House of Representatives, having served on various committees, including the House’s judiciary and education committees, and served as ranking member on the House Public Safety Committee. The retired U.S. Army veteran spent more than 30 years in the military, as well as 20 years as a helicopter pilot.
From 2016 to 2021 he also led the Washington State Guard.
Klippert has also served more than 25 years as a sheriff’s deputy, working in patrol, investigations and community safety. He currently works as the Kiona-Benton City schools resource officer. Klippert and his wife, Kim, have two daughters and an adopted son.
The Sunnyside native has had aspirations for higher office.
In 2022, he ran unsuccessfully in the primary to oust U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, and later in 2024 considered a run for Washington state school superintendent.
More recently, he offered his name to serve out the last year of former Benton County Sheriff Tom Croskrey’s term. Last week, Benton County commissioners chose interim Sheriff Mike Clark for the job. He beat out Klippert and former Benton detective Jeremy Carrigan.
