County

Benton County Sheriff

Short and full term

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

What this office does: The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement outside city police departments and, in most counties, the jail.

Candidates Compare by issue

Brad Klippert

Prefers Republican Party

Benton County Sheriff's Deputy

The gist

Supports community policing
Supports law enforcement recruitment and retention
Pledges transparency and a sheriff who listens
Pledges to equip and support deputies
Pledges to defend citizens' rights

More about Brad

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Supports community policing
Brad Klippert for Benton County Sheriff
Campaign website · bradklippert4sheriff.com
“Strengthen public safety and community policing”
Supports law enforcement recruitment and retention
Brad Klippert for Benton County Sheriff
Campaign website · bradklippert4sheriff.com
“Support law enforcement recruitment and retention”
Pledges transparency and a sheriff who listens
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
“citizens deserve transparency, fairness, and a Sheriff who listens to their concerns”
Pledges to equip and support deputies
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
“They deserve leadership that supports them, equips them, and stands beside them.”
Pledges to defend citizens' rights
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
“As your Sheriff, I will defend the rights of citizens, support our law enforcement officers, and work every day to keep Benton County safe”

Michael (Mike) Clark

Prefers Republican PartyIncumbent

Benton County Sheriff

The gist

Pledges partnerships with local, state and federal agencies
Pledges a proactive, collaborative approach to reducing crime
Pledges to listen to Benton County citizens
Pledges to strengthen public safety and build trust

More about Michael

View sources (2)

Pledges partnerships with local, state and federal agencies
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 am committed to building on that progress through strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”
Pledges a proactive, collaborative approach to reducing crime
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
“taking a proactive, collaborative approach to reducing crime”
Pledges to listen to Benton County citizens
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 continue listening to the citizens of Benton County”
Pledges to strengthen public safety and build trust
Mike Clark for Benton County Sheriff
Campaign website · mikeclark4sheriff.com
“His mission is to strengthen public safety, build trust”

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; 3 issues covered in this race.