2025 REALTOR Champions Candidate Endorsements

Governmental Affairs 2025 REALTOR® Champions Candidate Endorsements RPAC contributions are determined by a diverse group of REALTOR® member Trustees who evaluate candidates based on a broad, flexible set of criteria—including voting records, co-sponsorship of key legislation, public policy positions, and engagement with REALTORS® and local associations. There’s no rigid litmus test; instead, Trustees apply a principled yet adaptable approach that has consistently delivered results. In the 2024 election cycle, RPAC achieved a 97% success rate with an even split in contributions between Democrats and Republicans, underscoring its strategic, bipartisan focus. Spokane REALTORS® sends out a pre-approved candidate questionnaire and has a team of REALTOR® member volunteers who conduct in-person interviews and recommends those candidates for endorsement who have an understanding of our local housing issues, offers solutions, and demonstrates a willingness to work with us on solving these challenges. One important distinction to note is that when you see advertising for candidates from NAR or Washington REALTORS®, it is because these are the vehicles of compliance we use in our work. Spokane REALTORS® does not have its own Political Action Committee. The funds come from monies generated by our Spokane REALTOR® members, roughly 2,500 members strong. Spokane REALTORS® is proud to present the 2025 Election REALTOR® Champions page, created to help you navigate the November 4th election with confidence. Here, you’ll find candidate endorsements highlighting leaders who support homeownership, housing, property rights and collaboration on key community issues. Each endorsement was made following a careful and thorough vetting process by SR’s committees. If you have any questions, please contact Darin Watkins, Spokane REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Director, at darin@spokanerealtors.com Candidates were thoroughly vetted by an interview committee comprised of local REALTOR® members, the Government Affairs Committee, and the 2025 Board of Directors. Endorsements were based upon the candidate’s support for homeownership, housing, property rights and a willingness to collaborate on key issues impacting Spokane county. If you have any questions regarding these endorsements, please reach out to Darin Watkins, SR’s Governmental Affairs Director, at darin@spokanerealtors.com

Spokane REALTORS® Endorse Candidates for Spokane City Council After interviewing candidates in person, Spokane REALTORS® have endorsed three REALTOR® Champions in the upcoming City of Spokane Council elections occurring November 2025. Candidates were chosen based on their positions on Housing Opportunities, real estate issues and selected for those who most closely align with our REALTOR® values. District One:

Johnathan Bingle In Spokane’s first district, we endorse Jonathan Bingle. (https://www.jonathanbingle.com/) Bingle has proven to be a long-term proponent for advancing housing growth policies in the City of Spokane. Outside of office he works as a general contractor and has strong understanding of the key housing challenges we face. Spokane REALTORS® endorsed Bingle previously in 2021.

District Two:

Alejandro Barientos In Spokane’s second district, we endorse Alejandro Barientos. (https://www.votealejandrobarrientos.com/) In this open seat, Barrientos impressed the committee, both with his knowledge of housing issues facing our community, and his eagerness to work with us on solutions. He also serves as the COO of SCAFO, a local manufacturer of steel framing products and accessories.

District Three:

Christopher Savage In Spokane’s third district, we endorse Christopher Savage. (https://savageforspokane.com/) Savage has proven to be a strong community advocate, attending every Spokane City Council meeting and producing a weekly newsletter on the proceedings. A critic of several City of Spokane housing policies, he understands the housing shortages in his neighborhoods and demonstrated his positions are better in line with Spokane REALTOR®. His campaign priority to provide more affordable housing aligns with those of Spokane REALTORS®.

Spokane REALTORS® Endorse Spokane Valley City Council Candidates For the first time, Spokane REALTORS® have endorsed three REALTOR® Champions in the upcoming City of Spokane Valley Council elections occurring November 2025. Candidates were chosen based on their positions on Housing Opportunities, real estate issues and selected for those who most closely align with our REALTOR® values. District One:

Kristopher Pockell In Spokane Valley’s first district, we endorse Kristopher Pockell. https://votepockell.com/) In an open seat following the retirement of Rod Higgins, Kristopher Pockell emerged as the strongest housing candidate in a field of five primary contenders. A software engineers, and Spokane Valley entrepreneur/business owner, Pockell demonstrated to the interview committee a key willingness to work with REALTORS® on housing policies, and understands the critical housing needs for Spokane Valley

District Four:

Ben Wick In Spokane Valley’s second district, we endorse incumbent Ben Wick. (https://spokanevalleywa.gov/directory.aspx?EID=20) Council member Ben Wick has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding housing opportunities in the City of Spokane Valley. He holds one of the strongest understandings of housing policy on the council. Wick has served on the council since 2017.

District Seven:

Laura Padden In Spokane Valley’s seventh district, we endorse incumbent Laura Padden. (https://www.paddenforcouncil.com/) Council member Laura Padden has been a positive housing voice on the Spokane City Council. She works as a Web and Application Developer for Spokane Community Colleges. Her campaign includes a key priority on creating more homeownership opportunities.