Judges & courts

Benton County District Court Judge

Position 1

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: District court judges hear misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims and civil cases up to $100,000 in Benton County.

Candidates Compare by issue

Talesha Sams

No party listed

Attorney

The gist

Pledges to uphold the law without a personal agenda
Pledges equal respect regardless of social or economic background

More about Talesha

View sources (1)

Pledges to uphold the law without a personal agenda
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I would uphold the law and would not legislate any personal agenda.”
Pledges equal respect regardless of social or economic background
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“treat all those who come before the bench with respect and fairness regardless of their social or economic backgrounds”

Michael "Mike" Rio

No party listed

Attorney and contract prosecutor

The gist

Pledges to be fair, firm and follow the law
Supports protecting victims and the rights of the accused

More about Michael

View sources (1)

Pledges to be fair, firm and follow the law
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I will be fair, firm, and follow the rule of law in serving as your district court judge.”
Supports protecting victims and the rights of the accused
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“An exemplary judge must be impartial, maintain order, protect the victims and community, and the rights of the accused.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 1 issue covered in this race.