1st Legislative District

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Statewide Ballot Measures

Initiative #1351

  • VOTE YES

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.
    Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.

    Vote YES for smaller class sizes

    Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state.

    • Endorsed By The Stranger, Washington State Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, Washington CAN!, Bellevue School Board, Walla Walla School Board, Tacoma Council PTA

Initiative #591

  • VOTE NO

  • I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.
    I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.

    Vote NO on I-591

    I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.

Initiative #594

  • VOTE YES

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.
    Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.

    Vote YES on I-594 – Universal Background Checks

    Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.



    • Endorsed By American Federation of Teachers - WA, Children's Campaign Fund, Fuse, The Stranger, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Legal Voice, Greater Seattle Business Association, Faith Action Network, Doctors for America, MomsRising.org, Washington Academy of Family Physicians, Grandmothers Against Gun Violence

Advisory Vote #8

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #8

  • Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

    Vote "Maintain" on Tax Advisory Vote No. 8

    Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

    • Endorsed By The Stranger

Advisory Vote #9

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #9

  • This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
    This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

    Vote "Maintain" on Tax Advisory Vote No. 9

    This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

    • Endorsed By The Stranger

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

1st Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Suzan DelBene photo
    Democrat

    Suzan DelBene

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border. A former executive at Microsoft and other technology companies, she has used her technology background to become a leader of protecting privacy rights against government surveillance. She has also been a strong advocate for job development, economic fairness, women’s health, and immigration reform.

    Her opponent is Republican Pedro Celis, a retired Microsoft engineer who was a leader for the George W. Bush re-election effort in 2004. Celis recently earned national attention by making unfortunate comments comparing gay marriage to polygamy. DelBene’s experience and strong track record in her first term make her the clear choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Suzan DelBene

    Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border.

    Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border. A former executive at Microsoft and other technology companies, she has used her technology background to become a leader of protecting privacy rights against government surveillance. She has also been a strong advocate for job development, economic fairness, women’s health, and immigration reform.

    Her opponent is Republican Pedro Celis, a retired Microsoft engineer who was a leader for the George W. Bush re-election effort in 2004. Celis recently earned national attention by making unfortunate comments comparing gay marriage to polygamy. DelBene’s experience and strong track record in her first term make her the clear choice in this race.

    Suzan DelBene

    Suzan DelBene won a tough race in 2012 to represent the 1st Congressional District, which reaches from Kirkland to the Canadian border.

7th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Jim McDermott photo
    Democrat

    Jim McDermott

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. A physician by trade, he specializes in health care issues, particularly regarding the international fight against AIDS, his sponsorship of a bill to provide a single payer health care system, and women’s health. He has also been a vocal advocate fighting for working families who have been hurt by Wall Street, as well as fighting for alternative energy, and an official end to the war in Iraq.

    McDermott's opponent, Craig Keller, is an anti-immigration reform Tea Party conservative. McDermott deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jim McDermott

    Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

    Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. A physician by trade, he specializes in health care issues, particularly regarding the international fight against AIDS, his sponsorship of a bill to provide a single payer health care system, and women’s health. He has also been a vocal advocate fighting for working families who have been hurt by Wall Street, as well as fighting for alternative energy, and an official end to the war in Iraq.

    McDermott's opponent, Craig Keller, is an anti-immigration reform Tea Party conservative. McDermott deserves your vote.

    Jim McDermott

    Rep. Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.

8th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Jason Ritchie photo
    Democrat

    Jason Ritchie

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility. With a strong commitment to progressive values on issues such as immigration reform, protecting safe and legal access to abortion, and fully funding education, Ritchie would be a welcome change to the district.

    Conservative Republican Dave Reichert has passed only one law in the last 10 years--renaming a post office--and is an ineffective representative for the district. Ritchie deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jason Ritchie

    Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.

    Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility. With a strong commitment to progressive values on issues such as immigration reform, protecting safe and legal access to abortion, and fully funding education, Ritchie would be a welcome change to the district.

    Conservative Republican Dave Reichert has passed only one law in the last 10 years--renaming a post office--and is an ineffective representative for the district. Ritchie deserves your vote.

    Jason Ritchie

    Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.

1st Legislative District

State Representative, Position #1

State Representative, Position #2

  • Luis Moscoso photo
    Democrat

    Luis Moscoso

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Representative Luis Moscoso has more than 30 years experience serving as a labor leader and community organizer. He distinguished himself as a progressive champion for education, racial equity, and preventing deeper budget cuts.

    His opponent, Republican Edward Barton, supports a radical idea of overhauling comprehensive health care so that citizens strictly have catastrophic care. Moscoso is a rising star in the Legislature with solid and sustainable ideas for how to lead the 1st District, and he deserves another term.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Luis Moscoso

    Representative Luis Moscoso has more than 30 years

    experience serving as a labor leader and community organizer. He distinguished

    himself as a progressive champion for education, racial equity, and preventing

    deeper budget cuts.



    Representative Luis Moscoso has more than 30 years experience serving as a labor leader and community organizer. He distinguished himself as a progressive champion for education, racial equity, and preventing deeper budget cuts.

    His opponent, Republican Edward Barton, supports a radical idea of overhauling comprehensive health care so that citizens strictly have catastrophic care. Moscoso is a rising star in the Legislature with solid and sustainable ideas for how to lead the 1st District, and he deserves another term.

    Luis Moscoso

    Representative Luis Moscoso has more than 30 years

    experience serving as a labor leader and community organizer. He distinguished

    himself as a progressive champion for education, racial equity, and preventing

    deeper budget cuts.



County Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.

King County

King County Prosecuting Attorney

  • Dan Satterberg photo
    Republican

    Dan Satterberg

    Website Endorsements
  • King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington. He also dismissed all misdemeanor marijuana possessions immediately after voters approved I-502 to legalize marijuana in Washington. Satterberg deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dan Satterberg

    King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington.

    King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington. He also dismissed all misdemeanor marijuana possessions immediately after voters approved I-502 to legalize marijuana in Washington. Satterberg deserves your vote.

    Dan Satterberg

    King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington.

    • Endorsed By: SEIU 775, Teamsters Joint Council 28, King County Police Officers’ Guild, the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild, Teamsters Local Union 117, Teamsters Local Union 174, Teamsters Local Union 763

Snohomish County

Snohomish County Executive

  • John Lovick photo
    Democrat

    John Lovick

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • John Lovick is the current Snohomish County Executive, running to retain his recent appointment to the position following the resignation of previous County Executive Aaron Reardon. Lovick spent nine years in the state legislature representing the 44th District, five of those years as Speaker Pro-Tem. He was elected as the Snohomish County Sheriff in 2007 and successfully merged the County Jail with the Sheriff’s Office.

    Republican Carolyn Eslick, the current Mayor of Sultan, is challenging Lovick. She has a conservative record and opposes raising the minimum wage. Whoever wins the Executive position in the General Election will be up for reelection again in 2015, when a candidate will be elected to a full four-year term. While Lovick angered many progressives with his vocal support of the new Boeing contract, he is still the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Lovick

    John Lovick is the current Snohomish County Executive, running to retain his recent appointment to the position following the resignation of previous County Executive Aaron Reardon.

    John Lovick is the current Snohomish County Executive, running to retain his recent appointment to the position following the resignation of previous County Executive Aaron Reardon. Lovick spent nine years in the state legislature representing the 44th District, five of those years as Speaker Pro-Tem. He was elected as the Snohomish County Sheriff in 2007 and successfully merged the County Jail with the Sheriff’s Office.

    Republican Carolyn Eslick, the current Mayor of Sultan, is challenging Lovick. She has a conservative record and opposes raising the minimum wage. Whoever wins the Executive position in the General Election will be up for reelection again in 2015, when a candidate will be elected to a full four-year term. While Lovick angered many progressives with his vocal support of the new Boeing contract, he is still the best choice in this race.

    John Lovick

    John Lovick is the current Snohomish County Executive, running to retain his recent appointment to the position following the resignation of previous County Executive Aaron Reardon.

    • Endorsed By: Pro-Choice Washington, Everett Firefighters, Snohomish County Democrats, Washington State Patrol Troopers Association

State Supreme Court

Justice, Position #1

  • Mary Yu photo

    Mary Yu

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court. She is well known for writing a decision as a trial court judge that overturned a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that would have forced a re-vote on Sound Transit’s light rail. She has received the highest possible rating from six bar associations and was awarded the Municipal League Foundation’s “2013 Public Official of the Year.” Justice Mary Yu is extremely qualified and deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mary Yu

    After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court.

    After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court. She is well known for writing a decision as a trial court judge that overturned a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that would have forced a re-vote on Sound Transit’s light rail. She has received the highest possible rating from six bar associations and was awarded the Municipal League Foundation’s “2013 Public Official of the Year.” Justice Mary Yu is extremely qualified and deserves your vote.

    Mary Yu

    After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court.

    • Endorsed By: National Women's Political Caucus of WA, Washington State Labor Council, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, WA State Council of Firefighters, <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

Justice, Position #3

  • Mary E. Fairhurst photo

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Facebook
  • Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance opportunities for women and people of color in law and has been awarded many awards for her work. She has also led the first statewide conferences on domestic violence and planned and facilitated a youth violence summit. Fairhurst is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.

    Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance opportunities for women and people of color in law and has been awarded many awards for her work. She has also led the first statewide conferences on domestic violence and planned and facilitated a youth violence summit. Fairhurst is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.

Justice, Position #4

  • Charles W. Johnson photo

    Charles W. Johnson

    Website Endorsements
  • Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed. He is endorsed by a number of Republicans and Democrats alike for his fairness, integrity, and impartiality. Johnson's opponent, Eddie Yoon, became the first Korean-American attorney in the Northwest and has spent a large part of his career working on international issues, including his current role teaching at a women's law school in Seoul. Johnson deserves your vote due to his ratings from a number of lawyers' groups as "exceptionally well-qualified" and his support from a large number of our partners.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Charles W. Johnson

    Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed.

    Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed. He is endorsed by a number of Republicans and Democrats alike for his fairness, integrity, and impartiality. Johnson's opponent, Eddie Yoon, became the first Korean-American attorney in the Northwest and has spent a large part of his career working on international issues, including his current role teaching at a women's law school in Seoul. Johnson deserves your vote due to his ratings from a number of lawyers' groups as "exceptionally well-qualified" and his support from a large number of our partners.

    Charles W. Johnson

    Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed.

    • Endorsed By: The Stranger, Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28, Pro-Choice Washington, WA State Council of Firefighters, <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

Justice, Position #7

  • Debra Stephens photo

    Debra Stephens

    Facebook
  • Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University. Stephens is also the first woman from Eastern Washington to serve on the Supreme Court. She has been rated exceptionally well-qualified by numerous legal groups and endorsed by a number of progressives. Her opponent, John (Zamboni) Scannell, is a disbarred attorney and Seattle activist who is running to change the Washington attorney disciplinary system. Due to her years of public service and experience, Stephens deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Debra Stephens

    Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University.

    Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University. Stephens is also the first woman from Eastern Washington to serve on the Supreme Court. She has been rated exceptionally well-qualified by numerous legal groups and endorsed by a number of progressives. Her opponent, John (Zamboni) Scannell, is a disbarred attorney and Seattle activist who is running to change the Washington attorney disciplinary system. Due to her years of public service and experience, Stephens deserves your vote.

    Debra Stephens

    Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University.

Northeast District Court

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below court races on your ballot. The Progressive Voters Guide may skip recommendations for unopposed judicial races.

Northeast District Court Judge, Position #1

  • Janet Garrow photo

    Janet Garrow

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Janet Garrow is a member of the LGBT community who has served the Eastside as a judge for 16 years with fairness, impartiality, and respect. She has been rated exceptionally well qualified by a number of the legal groups. Her opponent, Dawn Bettinger, has not run a very active campaign. Garrow is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Janet Garrow

    Janet Garrow is a member of the LGBT community who has served the Eastside as a judge for 16 years with fairness, impartiality, and respect. She has been rated exceptionally well qualified by a number of the legal groups. Her opponent, Dawn Bettinger, has not run a very active campaign.

    Janet Garrow is a member of the LGBT community who has served the Eastside as a judge for 16 years with fairness, impartiality, and respect. She has been rated exceptionally well qualified by a number of the legal groups. Her opponent, Dawn Bettinger, has not run a very active campaign. Garrow is the best choice in this race.

    Janet Garrow

    Janet Garrow is a member of the LGBT community who has served the Eastside as a judge for 16 years with fairness, impartiality, and respect. She has been rated exceptionally well qualified by a number of the legal groups. Her opponent, Dawn Bettinger, has not run a very active campaign.

    • Endorsed By: National Women's Political Caucus of WA, The Stranger, King County Labor Council <br><br> King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

Northeast District Court Judge, Position #2

  • Ketu Shah photo

    Ketu Shah

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Ketu Shah has more than 20 years of legal experience. As a prosecutor, he created the domestic violence unit in Bellevue to hold domestic abusers accountable. He has been rated exceptionally well qualified by a number of lawyers' groups and has been endorsed by dozens of statewide judges, local judges, organizations, and law enforcement groups. Shah is also the only South Asian American judge in the entire state of Washington.

    His opponent, Sarah Hayne, is also progressive but lacks his experience and qualifications and has not been rated by local bar associations. Shah deserves your vote to retain his seat on the bench.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Ketu Shah

    Ketu Shah has more than 20 years of legal experience. As a prosecutor, he created the domestic violence unit in Bellevue to hold domestic abusers accountable.

    Ketu Shah has more than 20 years of legal experience. As a prosecutor, he created the domestic violence unit in Bellevue to hold domestic abusers accountable. He has been rated exceptionally well qualified by a number of lawyers' groups and has been endorsed by dozens of statewide judges, local judges, organizations, and law enforcement groups. Shah is also the only South Asian American judge in the entire state of Washington.

    His opponent, Sarah Hayne, is also progressive but lacks his experience and qualifications and has not been rated by local bar associations. Shah deserves your vote to retain his seat on the bench.

    Ketu Shah

    Ketu Shah has more than 20 years of legal experience. As a prosecutor, he created the domestic violence unit in Bellevue to hold domestic abusers accountable.

    • Endorsed By: The Stranger, Teamsters Joint Council 28, King County Labor Council <br><br> King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

Northeast District Court Judge, Position #3

  • Marcus Naylor photo

    Marcus Naylor

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • Marcus Naylor has 22 years of experience working in all the courts of King County. Having conducted over 100 jury trials and working as a part-time judge for almost four years, he has the depth and breath of experience that will result in competent administration of justice. Naylor has been endorsed by both the King County Democrats and the King County Republicans, as well as a large variety of people who understand the difficult decisions he makes every day: judges, prosecutors, attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, probation officers, and corrections officers.

    His opponent, Lisa O'Toole, is also well qualified and has been endorsed by many Republicans and Democrats. We lean toward Naylor in this race based on his engagement with the social justice community.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Marcus Naylor

    Marcus Naylor has 22 years of experience working in all the courts of King County. Having conducted over 100 jury trials and working as a part-time judge for almost four years, he has the depth and breath of experience that will result in competent administration of justice.

    Marcus Naylor has 22 years of experience working in all the courts of King County. Having conducted over 100 jury trials and working as a part-time judge for almost four years, he has the depth and breath of experience that will result in competent administration of justice. Naylor has been endorsed by both the King County Democrats and the King County Republicans, as well as a large variety of people who understand the difficult decisions he makes every day: judges, prosecutors, attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, probation officers, and corrections officers.

    His opponent, Lisa O'Toole, is also well qualified and has been endorsed by many Republicans and Democrats. We lean toward Naylor in this race based on his engagement with the social justice community.

    Marcus Naylor

    Marcus Naylor has 22 years of experience working in all the courts of King County. Having conducted over 100 jury trials and working as a part-time judge for almost four years, he has the depth and breath of experience that will result in competent administration of justice.

    • Endorsed By: King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified

King County Superior Court

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below court races on your ballot. The Progressive Voters Guide may skip recommendations for unopposed judicial races.

King County Superior Court Judge, Position #8

  • John Ruhl photo

    John Ruhl

    Website Endorsements
  • Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation. Ruhl is a past president of the King County Bar Association and is the founding president and former board member of the Dispute Resolution Center of King County. He helped found the website VotingForJudges.org, a nonpartisan resource for information on judicial candidates. Ruhl deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Ruhl

    Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation.

    Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation. Ruhl is a past president of the King County Bar Association and is the founding president and former board member of the Dispute Resolution Center of King County. He helped found the website VotingForJudges.org, a nonpartisan resource for information on judicial candidates. Ruhl deserves your vote.

    John Ruhl

    Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation.

    • Endorsed By: King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified