Pat Holten was elected to the Richland City Council in 2026 and represents Position 3. She brings more than five decades of deep roots in Richland, along with extensive experience in education, community service, and civic leadership.

Holten came to Richland in 1972 as a student teacher and began her career teaching sixth grade at Jefferson Elementary School, later serving as a substitute teacher for the Richland School District. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington State University.

Her decades of community service include serving as President of the Hanford PTA, holding multiple leadership roles with the Jefferson PTA, and serving as Treasurer for the Public Safety Sales Tax Committee. An experienced local musician, Holten performs at community events and regional venues and values music as a way to bring people together and enhance community well-being.

Central Richland has been Holten’s home for more than 50 years, where she was married and raised three children, and her grandchildren enjoy visiting often. Motivated by challenges related to public safety, homelessness, and economic pressures, she sought a seat on City Council to help address these issues thoughtfully and responsibly, with a commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and preserving Richland’s character for future generations.