The Port of Pasco will have its second new commissioner in a year by the end of 2025 with the recent announcement that Commissioner Jean Ryckman will not seek reelection.

Matt Watkins of Pasco was the only candidate to file for Ryckman’s seat. He is currently the executive director of the Pasco Public Facilities District and a former mayor of Pasco. 

Ryckman has served as a commissioner for 13 years and major milestones during her tenure include two expansions of the Tri-Cities Airport, the acquisition of 300 acres for the Riemann Industrial Center and the recruitment of Darigold, which broke ground on its Pasco facility in 2022. Her term expires Dec. 31.  

“I love having the opportunity to be a small part of the port’s accomplishments and I will miss it after my retirement becomes official at the end of this year,” she said in a statement. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the port’s exciting and important work. But it is the right time for me to step down. And, it is time for a new person to bring new ideas and fresh energy to the commission.”  

Ryckman and Commissioner Vicki Gordon appointed Hans Engelke of Mesa as the port’s newest commissioner earlier this year after Commissioner Jim Klindworth retired. Klindworth of Connell served as a commissioner for 37 years after first being elected to the position in 1987.  

Ryckman’s seat, as well as the one held by Engelke, will be on the ballot this year. Ryckman currently represents District No. 2, which includes Pasco west of Highway 395, part of north Pasco and west Pasco along the Columbia River directly across from Richland. Engelke’s seat represents part of north Pasco and the port’s north Franklin County area.  

No one filed to run against Engelke. 

Other port races 

Candidates have filed to run for seats with the ports of Benton and Kennewick that will also be on this year’s ballot.  

Tammy Kenfield and Raul Contreras Gonzalez have filed for the Kennewick port seat currently held by Tom Moak, who announced his retirement earlier this year.  

Kenfield is the owner of The Social Club Salon & Spa in Kennewick.  

Contreras Gonzalez is the assistant director of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

Port of Benton incumbent Roy Keck has filed for reelection. He is opposed by William O’Neil of Richland, who has challenged Keck for his position before. 

Go to: sos.wa.gov/elections.