Experience Matters
I Will Bring Extensive Experience to the Bench
District Court is where our local cases relating to gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors are litigated. These include DUI, domestic violence, theft, simple assault, and trespass matters. I have served multiple communities across our region for the last 21 years. The work I have done for Richland, Pasco, West Richland, Prosser, Othello, College Place, and Adams County has provided me with a breadth of knowledge and experience in criminal law.
An exemplary judge must be impartial, maintain order, protect the victims and community, and the rights of the accused. I will continue to be fair, firm, and follow the rule of law. Simply stated, I have the experience necessary to serve as your next district court judge.
21 years as your local prosecutor
Endorsed by local judges
Backed by local law enforcement
WSBA member since 2001
Rio Foltz Law Firm, Kennewick
Tri-Cities resident since 2005
WHY I’M RUNNING
Citizens Across Benton County Will Benefit From My Earned Experience
Our communities expect safe neighborhoods and accountability when laws are broken. Public trust in the justice system depends on consistency, professionalism, and judges who are prepared and impartial. I am devoted to this purpose and will work hard to maintain these principles as your next Benton County District Court judge.
ENDORSEMENTS
Backed by every sitting local judge and by local law enforcement.
Michael Rio is endorsed by all seven Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judges, a majority of the Benton County District Court Judges, current Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger, former Benton County Prosecutor Andy Miller, and local law enforcement.
My extensive district court experience has earned respect among the judiciary, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement. I am endorsed by current Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger, former Benton County Prosecutor Andy Miller, all Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judges, a majority of Benton County District Court Judges, many members of local law enforcement, and local attorneys.
The full endorsement list is on our endorsement page.
EXPERIENCE
Twenty-one years prosecuting the cases that come through District Court.
Michael has served as Deputy Prosecutor across West Richland, Richland, Pasco, Prosser, Othello, College Place, and Adams County. The cases that fill District Court’s daily docket — misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, DUI, theft, assault — are the cases he has handled day in and day out for two decades.
He moved to the Tri-Cities in 2005, has raised his family here, and currently practices at Sant Law Firm in Kennewick alongside Jessica Folts.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Judges Are Restrained and Impartial
Consistent
People deserve to know that the same standards apply every time a case comes up. Consistency is not a slogan; it is how a court earns trust.
Experienced
People deserve a judge who has long-term experience litigating the types of cases they will preside over.
Principled
People deserve a judge with a commitment to accountability. Without legal accountability, recidivism rates rise.
Trusted Endorsements
The people standing behind Michael Rio for Judge
- Judicial Endorsements
All 7 Benton Franklin Superior Court Judges
- Judge Bronson Brown, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
- Judge Joe Burrowes, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
- Judge Andrew Howell, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
- Judge Dave Petersen, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
- Judge Norma Rodriguez , Benton-Franklin Superior Court
- Judge Jacqueline Shea-Brown, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
- Judge Jacqueline Stam, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
Benton Franklin Superior Court Commissioner
- Commissioner Quinn Bell, Benton-Franklin Superior Court
Benton County District Court Judges
- Judge Jennifer Azure, Benton County District Court
- Judge James Bell, Benton County District Court
- Judge John Ziobro, Benton County District Court
- Judge Dan Kathren, Benton County District Court
- Judge Terry Tanner, Benton County District Court
District Court Commissioner
- Commissioner Jennifer Johnson, Benton County District Court
Franklin County District Court Judge
- Judge Trinity Orosco, Franklin County District Court
Pasco Municipal Court Judge
- Judge Carlos Villarreal
Retired Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge
- Judge Carrie Runge, Benton-Franklin Superior Court (Ret.)
Retired Benton County District Court Judge
- Judge Katherine Butler, Benton County District Court (Ret.)
- Judge Robert J. Ingvalson, Benton County District Court (Ret.)
Retired Franklin County District Court Judge
- Judge Jerry Roach, Franklin County District Court (Ret.)
Other Washington State Judges
- Judge David Stevens, Mason County Superior Court
- Judge Carolyn Benzel, Adams County District Court
- Legal Community Endorsements
- Eric Eisinger, Benton County Prosecuting Attorney
- Shawn Sant, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney
- Randy Flyckt, Adams County Prosecuting Attorney
- Andy Miller, Benton County Prosecuting Attorney (Ret.)
- Law Enforcement Endorsements
- Chief Ken Roske, Pasco Chief of Police (Ret.)
- Chief Ben Majetich, West Richland Chief of Police (Ret.)
- Chief Chris Lee, Chief of Police
- Chief Troy Tomaras, College Place Police Department
- Chief Brent McFarlane, Othello Police Department
- Asst. Chief Mike Hopp, Grandview Police Department (Ret.)
- Chief Tony Corsi, Richland Police Department (Ret.)
- Captain Mike Cobb, Richland Police Department (Ret.)
- Captain Jeffrey Taylor, Richland Police Department (Ret.)
- Commander Darryl Judge Richland Police Department (Ret.)
- Sgt. Luke Flohr, Richland Police Department (Ret.)
- Sgt. Brad Gregory, Pasco Police Department (Ret.)
- Community Members
- Nikki Torres, Washington State Senator, 15th Legislative District
- William “Bill” Leach, Benton County Coroner
- Shawn Logan, Former Mayor City of Othello
- Aaron Garza, Othello City Administrator
SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
Help send experienced, consistent judgment to the bench.
Campaign contributions fund yard signs, mailers, and outreach across Benton County between now and election day. Donations of any size help.