U.S. Rep. Newhouse attracts two more challengers familiar with fighting government
Two candidates with a history of challenging government are aiming to unseat 4th District Congressman Dan Newhouse.
Ryan Cooper, one of the leaders in the Benton and Franklin County Libertarian Party, and Tracy Wright, a former Grand Coulee council candidate, added their names to the challenger’s spot.
Cooper ran against state Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, in 2018. He also helped with a campaign aimed at loosening restrictions on cannabis retailers in Richland.
Wright, a Grand Coulee resident, with a history of clashing with her town government is trying her hand at running for federal office.
Newhouse, R-Wash., was first elected to the U.S. House in 2014, after 10-term incumbent Doc Hastings did not seek re-election.
Richland attorney Doug McKinley, a Democrat, filed earlier for Newhouse’s seat.
The former Pacific Northwest National Laboratory attorney who now handles civil cases made a similar bid in 2016.
Prospective candidates have until Friday to file. They must be registered to vote and live in the district for which they are filing.
The primary election is Aug. 4 and the general election is Nov. 3.
As of Thursday, 46 candidates had filed for 22 of the 23 seats up for election this year in the Mid-Columbia.
The following are those seeking office in Benton and Franklin counties. New additions are in italics. Candidates are added to the list when they file, not when they announce.
County commissions
Benton County, Pos. 1, Michael Alvarez, Jerome Delvin (incumbent), Donnie Landsman, Jeff Smart
Benton County, Pos. 3, Jim Beaver (incumbent), Joe Lusignan, Will McKay
Franklin County, District 1, Matt Beaton, Kim Lehrman, Brad Peck (incumbent)
Franklin County, District 2, Terry Cissne, Cliff MacHugh, Rocky Mullen, Ana Ruiz Ramirez
Judicial
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 1, Shawn Sant, Bronson J. Brown, Talesha “Tali” Sams, Shelley A. Ajax
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 2, Joe Burrowes (incumbent)
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 3, Alex Ekstrom (incumbent)
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 4, Cameron Mitchell (incumbent)
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 5, Sam Swanberg (incumbent)
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 6, Carrie Runge (incumbent)
Benton-Franklin Superior Court, Pos. 7, Jackie Shea Brown (incumbent)
Legislature
Representative, District 8, Pos. 1, Brad Klippert (incumbent), Shir Regev
Representative, District 8, Pos. 2, Matt Boehnke (incumbent), Larry Stanley
Representative, District 9, Pos. 1, Mary Dye (incumbent)
Representative, District 9, Pos. 2, Joe Schmick (incumbent),
Representative, District 16, Pos. 1, Frances Chvatal, Mark Klicker
Representative, District 16, Pos. 2, Carly Coburn, Skyler Rude (incumbent)
Senator, District 9, Mark G. Schoesler (incumbent)
Senator, District 16, Danielle Garbe Reser, William “Bill” Jenkin, Perry Dozier
Congress
Representative, District 4, Dan Newhouse (incumbent), Doug McKinley, Ryan Cooper, Tracy Wright
Specialty
Benton County PUD, Pos. 2, Jeff Hall (incumbent)
Franklin County PUD, Pos. 2, Casey Cochrane, Curtis DeWoody, Bill Gordon (incumbent)
Benton County Fire District No. 6, Pos. 2,
Election officials are encouraging people to file online this year because many offices are either closed or operating with limited staff due to the stay-at-home order during the coronavirus pandemic.
Candidates seeking countywide and local offices should file with Benton County Auditor’s Office or the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.
People interested in federal, statewide and multi-county legislative or judicial offices can file online with the Washington Secretary of State Office.
Track Benton County filings and Franklin County filings.
This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 6:59 PM.