Council shakeup kicks off Tri-Cities election season. Who’s in? Who’s out? Who’s baaack?
There’s a shakeup afoot for the Kennewick City Council as the 2025 election season begins.
Councilwoman Gretl Crawford, who holds the honorary title of mayor, won’t seek re-election. Her decision is rippling through the council at the start of filing week, which is May 5-9.
Her decision sets the stage for the political comeback of a well-known Kennewick Republican: Brad Klippert.
Crawford told the Tri-City Herald on Monday that it was time to pass the torch after a single term. She originally sought office in 2021 over impacts Washington’s COVID restrictions were having on small businesses and support for police officers.
But she was immediately thrust into a leadership roles shortly after taking office, first as mayor pro tem and later as mayor.
Crawford said she’s departing to refocus her time on her business and family. She has no plans to pursue higher office.
She said she aimed to be a steady, fair voice at a time when the city was dealing with several “upheavals” and controversies.
“My goal was to lead with respect and concern for the city and the staff that runs our city, and I think that I did that,” she said. “I feel very confident about the current city leadership and staff, and their direction.”
100+ seats on ballot
There are more than 100 local, nonpartisan seats on the ballot in the Tri-Cities.
Filing week serves as the kickoff of for months of political wrangling. Finalists will be narrowed to two per race in the Aug. 5 primary, with the winners determined in the Nov. 4 general election.
The election promises to change the face of city councils, school boards, port commissions, fire districts and other entities when the winners take office next January.
The biggest surprise Monday was the apparent wrangling for positions on the Kennewick City Council.
Four of seven seats are on the ballot. Three of them represent districts within the city. A fourth is elected at large. Based on early filings, there will be at least one newcomer, possibly more.
Crawford is stepping down from her seat representing a district covering the city’s west side. That’s motivated Councilman Jason McShane to vacate his at-large seat to run for her district seat.
McShane was appointed to fill former Mayor Bill McKay’s at-large council seat in November 2023, after McKay resigned after admitting to police he paid for sexual services while investigating local massage parlors.
Crawford said McShane would be a great and “thoughtful” replacement for west Kennewick residents.
His decision to move to a different seat creates an opening for candidates who prefer to avoid running against an incumbent.
Brad Klippert eyes city job
Brad Klippert was the only candidate to file Monday.
Klippert is a well-known in Tri-City politics for his brand of congenial but conservative politics.
He represented Kennewick and Richland the state House of Representatives for seven, two-year terms, before the district was redrawn to include parts of Pasco.
He stepped down in 2022 to challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, for his 4th Congressional District seat.
After coming in fourth in the 2022 primary, Klippert mounted a write-in candidate for Washington Secretary of State. He failed to gain a meaningful number of votes, election records show.
He considered running for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2024 but opted not to file after the Washington GOP endorsed another person for the job. It was the first time in 20 years Klipper’s name did not appear on a ballot.
Klippert said he’s seeking local office at the request of supporters, and out of love for his hometown of Kennewick.
“Kennewick has so much more potential for greatness,” he said. “I I want Kennewick to touch that.”
Klippert said his priority is helping Kennewick achieve economic and social success, including shielding the city from tax hikes embraced by the 2026 Democrat-controlled state Legislature.
Klippert is a 30-year veteran of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a school resource officer and as a marine patrol deputy. A military veteran, he flew helicopters and served as commander of the Washington State Guard.
His priorities include supporting law enforcement, first responders, creating best-in-class parks for kids and recruiting businesses tired of Seattle area politics to consider moving to Kennewick.
There were few other Monday surprises. Check back at tricityherald.com throughout the week for updates.
Contested races
Richland City Council Pos. 6: Incumbent Kurt Maier and challenger Kyle Saltz.
Port of Benton Pos. 1: Incumbent Roy Keck and challenger William O’Neil.
Uncontested races
Kennewick City Council Pos. 1: Appointed incumbent from another position Jason McShane
Kennewick City Council Pos. 2: Incumbent Loren Anderson.
Kennewick City Council Pos. 3: Incumbent John Trumbo
Kennewick School Pos. 1: Incumbent Micah Valentine
Kennewick School Pos. 2: Incumbent Gabe Galbraith.
Kennewick Public Hospital District Pos. 5: Incumbent Wanda Briggs.
Richland City Council Pos. 3: Incumbent Sandra Kent.
Richland City Council Pos. 7: Incumbent Ryan Whitten
Richland School Pos. 1: Incumbent Bonnie Mitchell.
Richland School Pos. 2: Incumbent Rick Jansons.
West Richland Mayor: Fred Brink.
Port of Pasco Pos. 2: Matt Watkins.
Port of Pasco Pos. 3: Appointed incumbent Hans-Joachim Engelke.
Pasco School Pos. 4: Incumbent Heather Kubalek.
Pasco City Council Pos. 3: Incumbent Leo Perales.
Pasco City Council Pos. 4: Incumbent Pete Serrano.
Pasco City Council Pos. 6: Incumbent Melissa Blasdel.
Interested in running?
For a full list of elected positions on the 2025 ballot, check out the Tri-City Herald’s coverage of the more than 100 seats up for grabs this year as well as links to help candidates file.
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM.