ABOUT MICHAEL RIO
21 Years Prosecuting Benton County's District Court Cases
Michael Rio is a Tri-Cities prosecutor running for Benton County District Court Judge, Position 1. For 21 years he has handled the cases that fill District Court’s daily docket across our region, and he is running to bring that experience to the bench.
EDUCATION
A foundation in science, intellectual property, and the law
Michael graduated from the University of Montana in 1995 with a degree in cellular and molecular biology. He earned his law degree cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1999, was admitted as a United States Patent Practitioner in 2000, and completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in intellectual property at the University of Houston Law Center in 2001. He was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association the same year.
A CAREER IN LOCAL PROSECUTION
From Spokane County to the courtrooms of the Tri-Cities
Michael began his legal career in 2002 as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Spokane County, where he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony property crimes. In 2005 he moved to the Tri-Cities and began prosecuting cases here, eventually becoming the primary prosecuting attorney for the cities of Pasco, Richland, and West Richland.
Beyond the courtroom, his work has included:
- Advising the Richland and West Richland police departments on civil forfeiture, code enforcement, and extreme risk protection orders
- Serving as hearing examiner for the City of Benton City on code violations since 2007
- Completing the IACP Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DRE Pre-School) in 2009
- Providing law enforcement training for Union Gap, Sunnyside, Grandview, West Richland, Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, Connell, Othello, and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Today he practices at Rio Foltz Law Firm in Kennewick.
WHY I’M RUNNING
Citizens across Benton County will benefit from 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.
After more than two decades doing this work, Michael is running to apply that experience — fairly and consistently — as Benton County’s next District Court judge.
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.
FAMILY & COMMUNITY
Rooted in the Tri-Cities
Michael and his wife, Carrie Sue, have raised their three sons in Benton County since 2005. Carrie Sue is a former high school teacher and coach.
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.
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.