Paul Thompson was appointed to Snohomish County Superior Court Position 14 by Governor Inslee in 2018 and is running to retain his position. He has worked as a Public Defender in Eastern Washington and a trial attorney with the Snohomish County Public Defender's Office. Thompson has been a leader in the legal community by serving as President of the Washington Defender Association and a board member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Thompson is determined to use his judicial position to make a difference in the lives of those who have struggled with lack of access to justice, and is calling for the thoughtful collaboration of Snohomish County stakeholders on improving the high cost of litigation, funding the mental health system, reforming the bail system, and tackling outdated mandatory sentencing restrictions. Thompson is endorsed by numerous progressive elected officials and organizations.

Thompson is being challenged by Cassandra Lopez-Shaw, a lawyer who has operated her firm since 2011. Lopez-Shaw has previously worked in the Whatcom Public Defender's Office and the Snohomish County Public Defender's Association.

While Lopez-Shaw does have impressive past experience, we believe Judge Thompson is the best choice for Snohomish County Superior Court Position 14.