# Tyler Haueter for Yakima County Prosecutor

> Tyler Haueter is a Republican candidate for Yakima County Prosecutor in the 2026 election. He currently serves as a prosecutor for the City of Kennewick, Washington, and previously prosecuted felony cases in the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office Special Assault Unit, handling sex crimes, child abuse, and other serious felonies. He earned his J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law.

## Election

- **Office:** Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney
- **Party:** Republican
- **Primary Election:** August 4, 2026
- **General Election:** November 3, 2026
- **Open Seat:** Incumbent Joe Brusic is not seeking re-election after multiple terms.

## Platform

The campaign is built on five public-safety priorities aimed at addressing Yakima County's elevated violent crime rate (currently 65% above the U.S. national average):

1. **Take Down the Gangs.** Partner with the joint YPD/Sheriff/FBI gang task force, charge gang offenses as felonies, pursue sentencing enhancements, no plea-downs for gang violence.
2. **End Soft-on-Crime Plea Deals.** Prosecute repeat and violent offenders to the full extent of the law instead of pleading down to misdemeanors.
3. **Stand With Crime Victims.** Keep the Special Assault Unit and Victim/Witness services fully resourced; treat survivors with respect.
4. **Back the Badge.** Prosecute the cases law enforcement brings, treat assaults on officers as priority crimes.
5. **Restore Public Safety.** Direct prosecution resources toward neighborhoods, schools, downtown Yakima, and the Lower Valley: the areas where Yakima County families and small businesses are actually feeling the impact of property crime, retail theft, and drug-related disorder.

## Candidate Background

- **Currently:** Prosecutor, City of Kennewick (active courtroom prosecutor)
- **Previously:** Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Yakima County Prosecutor's Office, Special Assault Unit
- **Education:** Juris Doctor, University of Idaho College of Law

## Contrast With Opponent

Tyler Haueter is the only candidate in the race who is actively prosecuting cases. His opponent has not prosecuted a case since 2013, having left the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office that year to open a criminal defense firm, and has run a civil legal aid nonprofit since 2019.

## Contact

- **Campaign Email:** info@tylerforyakima.com
- **Volunteer Sign-up:** https://tylerforyakima.com/#volunteer
- **Donate:** https://tylerforyakima.com/#donate

## Campaign Disclosure

Reporting to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (https://www.pdc.wa.gov/).