The Brief
• Raul Contreras Gonzalez leads the Port of Kennewick District 2 race by more than 3,100 votes with 57% support, positioning him to make history as the port’s first Latino commissioner
• Gonzalez, assistant director of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, would succeed longtime Commissioner Thomas Moak
• Latino advocates worked to increase voter turnout, noting that Latino representation is about 30% of the community but has been underrepresented in local government
KENNEWICK — Raul Contreras Gonzalez is on track to make history as the Port of Kennewick’s first Latino board commissioner after building a commanding lead in the District 2 race that would see him succeed longtime Commissioner Thomas Moak.
Gonzalez, who serves as assistant director for the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, currently leads the race with more than 57% of the vote and a margin of over 3,100 votes. While final results won’t be certified until later this month, the substantial lead positions him to claim the seat representing east Kennewick and Finley.
Since election night, Gonzalez says he has been overwhelmed with messages of support from community members celebrating his likely victory.
“Got lots of messages, lots of congratulations — just a lot of people reaching out saying they’re glad to see me get the position,” Gonzalez said. “And I think that gives me that excitement, because now I’m like, ‘Oh boy, I’ve got to deliver.’ So I’m excited to get in there and start learning.”
If results hold, Gonzalez’s election would represent a significant milestone for Latino representation in local government. He says the historic nature of his potential victory carries deep meaning for the community.
“The Latino representation is about 30 percent, so I think me being one-third of the commissioners — we’re finally going to get that voice of the community that’s been needed for a long time,” Gonzalez said.
The push for increased Latino representation has been a focus for local advocacy organizations. Gabriel Portugal, vice president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, says his organization worked to encourage voter participation in the election.
“We created some videos inviting people to vote. We did some door knocking — reminding them they have this opportunity,” Portugal said. “And if you’re registered to vote, please exercise your right to vote.”
Port officials have already reached out to Gonzalez about next steps in the transition process, even as ballot counting continues across Benton County. The wide margin of victory suggests the race outcome is unlikely to change as remaining ballots are processed.
Looking ahead to his potential role on the port commission, Gonzalez says his priorities will focus on community growth and advancing economic development projects, particularly the Vista Field redevelopment.
“Just continuing to work with Vista Field — I want to go in and see how we can get more businesses down there,” Gonzalez said. “I just want to use my experience to make things easier, maybe create templates to help smaller businesses get started.”
The Vista Field project represents one of the most significant economic development initiatives in the region, transforming former airfield space into commercial and mixed-use development. Gonzalez’s background with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce could bring valuable perspective to supporting small business development within the project.
Port commissioners play crucial roles in regional economic development, overseeing facilities and projects that impact job creation and business growth throughout the area. The Port of Kennewick manages various properties and initiatives aimed at supporting commerce and industry in the region.
Gonzalez’s election would mark a generational transition on the port board, as he prepares to succeed Thomas Moak, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election after more than a decade of service. Moak played a key role in major projects including the Vista Field redevelopment.
The strong showing by Gonzalez reflects changing demographics and political engagement in the Tri-Cities region, where Latino residents make up a significant portion of the population but have been underrepresented in elected positions.
For now, Gonzalez says he remains focused on serving the community and helping guide the growing region forward. His experience with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has provided him with insights into local business needs and economic development challenges that he plans to bring to the port commission.
While election results remain unofficial pending certification, Gonzalez says he is already preparing to begin his work as a commissioner, eager to represent his district and contribute to the port’s economic development mission.
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