Michael "Mike" Rio
Legal/Judicial Experience
Judge Pro-Tem Franklin County District Court; Hearing Examiner Benton City; Partner Rio Foltz; Bell, Brown, & Rio; Contract City Prosecutor, Prosser, Richland, West Richland, Pasco, College Place, Othello; Contract District Court Prosecutor, Franklin County 2025; Adams County 2026; Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor.
Other Professional Experience
Adjunct Professor Paralegal Program Charter College; Adjunct Professor WSU Tri-Cities Business Law; CJTC SE Regional Law Enforcement Academy Instructor; Member United States Patent Bar
Education
BA Molecular Biology, University of Montana; Juris Doctor, Gonzaga Law School; Master of Laws Intellectual Property, University of Houston
Community Service
NCFCA speech and debate judge; Liberty Christian School Volunteer; Handford High Career Exploration Day Volunteer
Statement
Consistent. Experienced. Principled.
An exemplary judge must be impartial, maintain order, protect the victims and community, and the rights of the accused. After more than twenty years of dedication as your local prosecutor, I will be fair, firm, and follow the rule of law in serving as your district court judge.
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.
I have dedicated 21 years of my legal career to the betterment and safety of the Tri-Cities community. 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. My wife, Carrie Sue, and I are grateful to be raising our three sons in Benton County. I am committed to ensuring your vote for me will contribute to a safe and law-abiding community.
Community Engagement
Written endorsements
No letters of support or opposition listed yet.
Endorsements
Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Bronson BrownBenton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Joe BurrowesBenton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Andrew HowellBenton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Dave PetersenBenton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Norma RodriguezBenton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Shea-BrownBenton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Jacqueline StamBenton-Franklin Superior Court Commissioner Quinn BellBenton County District Court Judge Jennifer AzureBenton County District Court Judge James BellBenton County District Court Judge John ZiobroBenton County District Court Judge Dan KathrenBenton County District Court Judge Terry TannerBenton County District Court Commissioner Jennifer JohnsonFranklin County District Court Judge Trinity OroscoPasco Municipal Court Judge Carlos VillarrealMason County Superior Court Judge David StevensAdams County District Court Judge Carolyn BenzelBenton County Prosecuting Attorney Eric EisingerFranklin County Prosecuting Attorney Shawn SantAdams County Prosecuting Attorney Randy FlycktBenton County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Mike ClarkCollege Place Police Department Chief Troy TomarasOthello Police Department Chief Brent McFarlaneChief of Police Chris LeeWashington State Senator Nikki TorresBenton County Coroner William "Bill" LeachOthello City Administrator Aaron GarzaRetired Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Carrie RungeRetired Benton County District Court Judge Katherine ButlerRetired Benton County District Court Judge Robert J. IngvalsonRetired Franklin County District Court Judge Jerry RoachRetired Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave LarsonRetired Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Andy MillerRetired Pasco Chief of Police Ken RoskeRetired West Richland Chief of Police Ben MajetichRetired Grandview Police Department Asst. Chief Mike HoppRetired Richland Police Department Chief Tony CorsiFormer Othello Mayor Shawn LoganWest Richland Police Officer AssociationFraternal Order of Police Tri-City Lodge 7Benton County Republican Party (recommended)Retired Richland Police Department Captain Mike CobbRetired Richland Police Department Captain Jeffrey TaylorRetired Richland Police Department Commander Darryl JudgeRetired Richland Police Department Sgt. Luke FlohrRetired Pasco Police Department Sgt. Brad GregoryRetired Richland High School Social Studies Teacher Jim CampbellFinancial Advisor Luke Flohr
Donors
Donors
$7,290 from 21+ donors ($5,794 cash / $1,496 in-kind)
- Michael Rio$1,146
- PLLC Quantum Legal$1,000
- Roach Law Firm$1,000
- Leach William$521
- Rio Tony$520
- Rio Christopher$500
- Villarreal Carlos$350
- Shupe David$250
- Gregory Bradford$250
- Brown Bronson$250
- Lampson William$250
- Campbell Loren$200
- Preszler Terry$200
- Myers Keith$200
- Judge Darryl$150
- Flohr Luke$150
- Stevens David$100
- Ward Chad$100
- Swanson Elizabeth$75
- Ferguson Eric$52