Brad Benton drops bid for Clark County Council citing work responsibilities

Republican Brad Benton, who currently serves on Clark County's Charter Review Commission, confirmed Monday he no longer plans to run for a seat on the county council.

Benton announced his intention to run for the District 5 position in late February, shortly after council Chair Sue Marshall said she would not run for reelection.

District 5 covers part of Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt and other rural parts of Clark County.

"The company I work for is undergoing a major transition and management has informed me that it will require my undivided attention for the foreseeable future," Benton said via email.

Rumors about Benton dropping out of the race began circulating on social media in the past week, with some tying his decision to claims that he, his father - former Washington legislator Don Benton - and the Clark County Republican Party were behind anti-levy mailers sent to Battle Ground voters ahead of February's special election.

"The claim that I had something to do with any campaign against the Battle Ground levy is unequivocally false," Benton said.

While he may not be running for a seat on the county council, Benton said he remains committed to serving the community. His term with the Charter Review Commission ends in 2027.

"This is a disappointing turn of events, though I am grateful that I am still able to serve the people of District 5 as a Charter Review commissioner, and I remain dedicated to that work," he said.

Filing week for the August primary and November general elections begins at 8 a.m. May 4 and ends at 5 p.m. May 8.

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