Councilmember Michael Cathcart Declares 2026 Run for Spokane County Auditor

05/28/2025

Spokane, WA — Spokane City Councilmember Michael Cathcart today officially declared his candidacy for Spokane County Auditor in 2026, vowing to deliver the transparency, accountability, and oversight that every voter, taxpayer, and resident deserves.

“Sunlight grows confidence," said Cathcart. "As Auditor, I’ll work to further shine a light on county finances and expand public access to information—empowering residents to understand how decisions are made and what results they produce. I will also work to ensure the security of our local elections and right to vote,” said Cathcart. "This campaign at its core is about public trust. The Auditor’s Office should set the gold standard for open, honest government.”

A lifelong Spokane County resident, Cathcart brings a wide range of leadership experience to the race. He currently Chairs the Northeast Public Development Authority, holds vice chair roles with the Spokane Regional Health District and the Growth Management Steering Committee, and serves on the boards of Spokane Transit, Broadlinc, and the Northeast Youth Center. He formerly served as Council President Pro Tem and has chaired the City Council’s Finance and Public Safety Committees.

Cathcart is known for asking tough questions, pushing for open processes, and has built a reputation as a watchdog for the public interest. 

Michael's campaign will focus on ensuring election security, improving public access to data, and providing clear, honest reporting on how taxpayer dollars are spent and managed.

Michael Cathcart is a devoted husband and father with deep roots in Spokane County. Michael grew up in the Spokane Valley, attending University High School. He and his wife, Vina, are raising their 4yr old son on the city’s north side and eagerly preparing to welcome their second child this fall. 

As a two-term Spokane City Councilmember, Cathcart's legislative track record includes securing budget reforms, pushing for public notice requirements, expanding citizen input, providing language access for public services, working towards increased oversight, and advocating for fair redistricting processes. As Auditor, he’ll continue working to make government accessible, understandable, accountable, and fully transparent. 

Cathcart emphasized that the decision to run for Auditor wasn’t made lightly. “Before deciding, I wanted to start by listening and learning, a process that will likely never really end,” said Cathcart.  Over the past several months, he has taken time to study the role—meeting with staff, observing internal processes, and consulting with long-time and outgoing Auditor Vicky Dalton to better understand the state of the office and its long-term challenges. “I’m entering this race with respect for the work that’s been done, but also with a firm belief that this is an opportunity for new leadership and the moment to really shine a light, Cathcart added. "I'm now looking forward to meeting directly with voters listening to their ideas or concerns and better understand where the office can best serve them." 

Michael’s passion for civic engagement started early as his dad each Election Day would take him out of class to go to the polls and vote. Those experiences weren’t just memorable but left a lasting impression and has become an experience he credits with shaping his belief in the power of participation. "As Auditor, I plan to visit our schools and meet with students in an effort to inspire that same sense of civic responsibility in this next generation.”

To learn more, view early endorsements, or contribute, visit www.CathcartforSpokane.com

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