Former mayor Jeana Hampton appointed to vacant Echo City Council seat
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, July 16th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
ECHO – Jeana Hampton was selected Tuesday to fill the vacant Echo city council seat. The seat became available after Berlyn Anderson was appointed mayor following the recall of Chad Ray last month.
Hampton and Katie Barthel were the two applicants for the position. They outlined their qualifications and reasons for applying to the council before Hampton was selected on a 3-2 vote.
Hampton, a retired schoolteacher, previously served as mayor and on numerous city committees. She did not commit to running for the seat in the next election but indicated she would be open to it.
With the appointment, the council is restored to full membership.
Barthel has indicated she plans to run for mayor in the November election. Anderson has said she does not intend to run for the office once her interim term concludes.
Jeana Hampton speaks to Echo City Council at Wednesday’s meeting. Photo provided by city of Echo.
