Full Court Press WA

It’s rare to see 5 of 9 State Supreme Court races on the ballot in a single election cycle. Here’s what makes this year especially unusual: • Only one incumbent is running — the Chief Justice • Two open seats — highly uncommon at this level • Two recently appointed justices running for the first time These dynamics create a pivotal moment for the future of the court. Here’s a look at who has officially filed with the Public Disclosure Commission:

In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections. 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election. A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors. Read more: #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429 Currently, 6 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected. Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who: • Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles • Remain independent of political ideology • Are committed to transparency and government accountability Learn more: fullcourtpresswa.org

Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court. Our candidates are committed to: *Applying the law based on facts and evidence *Upholding long-standing legal principles *Remaining independent of political ideology If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at tim@fullcourtpresswa.org. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state. Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench. Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges. fullcourtpresswa.org

When voters are asked what qualifications matter most in choosing judges, the answer is clear: character comes first. 📷 75% say character is very important. Other top factors include: 📷 Tough-on-crime positions - 56% very important 📷 Education - 55% very important 📷Legal experience - 52% very important 📷 Community involvement - 46% very important By contrast, political party endorsements ranked last. Only 21% say they are very important, while 44% say they are not very or not at all important. #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429 These results confirm that voters want judges selected based on merit, integrity, and experience - not partisan or ideological labels.

In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections. 👉 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election. 📊 A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors. Read more: #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429 ⚖️ Last week, Governor Ferguson appointed second Justice to the Washington State Supreme Court. Currently, 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected. 🔎 Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who: • Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles • Remain independent of political ideology • Are committed to transparency and government accountability 👉 Learn more: fullcourtpresswa.org

Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court. Our candidates are committed to: *Applying the law based on facts and evidence *Upholding long-standing legal principles *Remaining independent of political ideology If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at tim@fullcourtpresswa.org. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state. Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench. Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges. fullcourtpresswa.org

📊 A new statewide judicial poll from Napolitan News Service Survey reveals mixed approval of the Washington State Supreme Court — and a clear message from voters: they want more accountability, transparency, and meaningful information when voting in judicial elections. With an unprecedented five Supreme Court positions up for election in 2026, voters will have a rare opportunity to shape the future of the court. When asked what qualifications matter most for judges, voters overwhelmingly prioritized character, with 75% saying it is very important. Other top factors voters care about include: • Tough-on-crime positions — 56% very important • Education — 55% very important • Legal experience — 52% very important • Community involvement — 46% very important The results highlight a strong public desire for judges who demonstrate integrity, experience, and a commitment to their communities. 👉Learn more: fullcourtpresswa.org

In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections. 👉 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election. 📊 A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors. Read more: #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429 ⚖️ This week, Justice Barbara Madsen announced her resignation, giving Governor Ferguson a second appointment to the Washington State Supreme Court. Currently, 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected. 🔎 Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who: • Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles • Remain independent of political ideology • Are committed to transparency and government accountability 👉 Learn more: fullcourtpresswa.org

Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court. Our candidates are committed to: *Applying the law based on facts and evidence *Upholding long-standing legal principles *Remaining independent of political ideology If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at tim@fullcourtpresswa.org. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state. Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench. Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges. fullcourtpresswa.org

When voters are asked what qualifications matter most in choosing judges, the answer is clear: character comes first.   📊 75% say character is very important.   Other top factors include: 🚨 Tough-on-crime positions - 56% very important 🏫 Education - 55% very important ⚖Legal experience - 52% very important 🏙 Community involvement - 46% very important   By contrast, political party endorsements ranked last. Only 21% say they are very important, while 44% say they are not very or not at all important.   #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429   These results confirm that voters want judges selected based on merit, integrity, and experience - not partisan or ideological labels.

Judicial accountability matters. HB 1928 & HB 1289 would require Senate confirmation for appointments to the Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court - bringing transparency and checks and balances to the process. app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Bi…... app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?B… HB 1918 would ensure regional representation on the bench, so all corners of our state are reflected in major legal decisions. app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Bi…... Contact your legislators so that next Legislative Session they will gain traction. leg.wa.gov/legislators/ho… And voters agree: 72% say judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—decide who serves. Midterm resignations shouldn’t give the governor unchecked appointment power. Read more: #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429 Let’s strengthen accountability and protect voters’ voice in our court.

In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections. 👉 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election. 📊 A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors. Read more: lnkd.in/gmQjbWCn ⚖️ This week, Justice Barbara Madsen announced her resignation, giving Governor Ferguson a second appointment to the Washington State Supreme Court. Currently, 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected. 🔎 Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who: • Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles • Remain independent of political ideology • Are committed to transparency and government accountability 👉 Learn more: fullcourtpresswa.org

🚨 NEW STATEWIDE JUDICIAL POLL 🚨 A first-of-its-kind poll shows Washington voters want accountability, transparency, and integrity in our courts. 🔹 Only 41% approve of the WA Supreme Court 🔹 75% say a judge’s character matters most 🔹 72% believe judges should serve full terms so voters — not politicians — choose their replacements Voters are paying attention and demanding judges who apply the law with a facts-based, non-ideological approach. 📊 Conducted by Napolitan News Service | 800 WA voters 👉 Read more & see the full results at #news-429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fullcourtpresswa.org/news/#news-429

A great Op-ed by Rep. Hunter Abell on the need to address the growing trend of judicial resignation and appointment. Voters should be choosing the judges who serve their communities, not politicians. spokesman.com/.../rep-hunter… Join Full Court Press as we are dedicated to training judicial candidates who are committed to applying the law with a facts-based approach that is founded upon long-standing legal principles, independent of political ideology and dedicated to transparency and government accountability. Our state’s future depends on it. fullcourtpresswa.org

For the 2026 election cycle, there are currently 138 scheduled judicial elections to take place next year in Washington State. Of these, 11 races involve judges initially appointed by Governor Ferguson under the “resign-and-appoint” practice, in which sitting judges step down mid-term and allow the governor to name their successor—often shortly before the filing deadline—effectively limiting or bypassing an open electoral contest. This pattern is not confined to a handful of positions. Across Washington’s courts: Superior Courts: 137 of 205 current judges were first appointed, not elected. Court of Appeals: 15 of 22 current judges—more than three-quarters—entered through appointment. State Supreme Court: 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed (1 by Governor Ferguson, 2 by Governor Inslee and 2 by Governor Gregoire). The cycle of mid-term resignations followed by gubernatorial appointments has produced a consistent outcome: Newly appointed “incumbents” often run unopposed, leaving voters with little or no opportunity to choose who serves on the bench. As a result, the governor—rather than the electorate—exerts the primary influence over the composition of the judiciary. For the judiciary to maintain legitimacy, it must not only be impartial and competent—it must also be perceived as accountable to the public. When a substantial share of judicial seats are filled through appointment by the Governor instead of competitive elections, public trust is weakened. A judiciary seen as shaped primarily by the executive branch risks undermining confidence in its independence, transparency, and democratic legitimacy. Join Full Court Press as we are dedicated to training judicial candidates who are committed to applying the law with a facts-based approach that is founded upon long-standing legal principles, independent of political ideology and dedicated to transparency and government accountability. Our state’s future depends on it. fullcourtpresswa.org

Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court. Our candidates are committed to: *Applying the law based on facts and evidence *Upholding long-standing legal principles *Remaining independent of political ideology If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at tim@fullcourtpresswa.org. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state. Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench. Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges. fullcourtpresswa.org

An extensive Ballotpedia study of Washington Supreme Court rulings (2013–2022) found that progressive litigants and amici received favorable rulings in 74% of their cases before the Court, compared to just 14% for conservative litigants and amici. Another striking finding in the Ballotpedia study: over 99% of significant contributions to winning Supreme Court campaigns came from progressive sources, while 97% of significant contributions to losing candidates came from conservative sources. Though Washington’s judicial races are nonpartisan, Ballotpedia’s findings reveal a serious information gap for voters and suggest the court system may be influenced by ideology and special interests. Full Court Press is committed to recruiting and training judicial candidates who are independent, transparent, and dedicated to restoring balance and integrity to Washington’s courts. Read the full Ballotpedia analysis here: #Significant_donations_by_source_category" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ballotpedia.org/Analysis_of_Wa…

Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court. Our candidates are committed to: *Applying the law based on facts and evidence *Upholding long-standing legal principles *Remaining independent of political ideology If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at tim@fullcourtpresswa.org. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state. Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench. Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges. fullcourtpresswa.org