Benton County commissioner spot becomes one of most contested in the Tri-Cities

There is now a five-way bid for a Benton County Commission seat after a Richland artistic director threw his name into the race.

Justin Raffa, Mid-Columbia Mastersingers’ artistic director, filed for Commissioner Jerome Delvin’s position.

Raffa said his drive to enter politics started at a young age, and he decided now is the time.

“I often find myself naturally progressing into leadership roles with these organizations, either as a committee chair or as one of the executive officers,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“More recently, much of my volunteer work has evolved into advocacy and lobbying efforts in support of both my industry and my personal beliefs around what constitutes a quality of life that is equitable for all people,” he said.

Raffa is running as the only Democrat in the five-man race that includes Delvin, Richland Councilman Michael Alvarez, businessman Donnie Landsman and real estate agent Jeff Smart.

The other Benton County commissioner up for election, Jim Beaver, has drawn his own group of challenger.

Former Benton County deputy Joe Lusignan, and businessman Will McKay are seeking to replace him. Both men are new to politics, but McKay’s father holds a position on the Kennewick City Council.

Prospective candidates had 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 midday Friday, 50 candidates had filed for 22 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, Justin Raffa

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 Brown, Talesha “Tali” Sams, Shelley Ajax, Sharon Brown

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, Sarena Sloot, Evan Jones

Specialty

Benton County PUD, Pos. 2, Jeff Hall (incumbent), Pat Tucker

Franklin County PUD, Pos. 2, Casey Cochrane, Curtis DeWoody, Bill Gordon (incumbent)

Election officials encouraged 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.

Track Benton County filings and Franklin County filings.

This story was originally published May 15, 2020 at 3:54 PM.