As attorneys working daily and diligently “in the trenches” of Washington’s civil justice system, we see firsthand how critical it is to have a fair, experienced and thoughtful judiciary to protect individual rights, ensure fairness, and preserve the integrity of our courts.
With the upcoming election, five of the nine Washington Supreme Court positions are on the ballot—and these races may be decided as early as the August 4 primary.
Around election time we welcome questions from clients, colleagues, friends and family seeking our perspectives on judicial candidates. We share our recommendations because these positions have a direct and lasting impact on your access to justice, our legal system, and the communities we serve.
Judicial races are often overlooked, but your vote really matters. Did you know that according to election statistics, many voters do not vote in judicial races on their ballot only because they lack information to evaluate a judge’s experience? Based on our review of the records and credentials we recommend:
Position 1: Colleen Melody
Position 3: Michael Diaz
Position 4: Ian Birk
Position 5: Theo Angelis
Position 7: Debra Stephens
Each of these candidates have:
- A long history of court experience as an attorney for many years on complex legal issues.
- Handled cases on appeal at every level of the courts.
- Dedicated their career to equal access to the judicial system.
- Overwhelming endorsements by Bar associations.
- Notable endorsements by a wide range of officials and community members/groups.
We also studied the other candidate’s credentials, and in our professional judgment, none are qualified for the state’s highest court. Here’s why:
- Several candidates are experienced with accounting and tax issues, but not the complex issues that reach the high court.
- One claims to be a fan of US Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito, perhaps the most extreme member of the court.
- One has been a city court judge overseeing traffic infractions and misdemeanors and has run for the Supreme Cout many times and lost.
- Some have no judicial experience at all.
Your Vote Matters. Please Vote!
Feel free to share this with family and friends. Please mail-in your ballots/vote on or before August 4, 2026.
Sincerely,
Richard H. Adler, Steven J. Angles, Melissa D. Carter, Arthur D. Leritz, Elisabeth K. Ruff
