Washington Voters Will Decide Five Court Seats
State residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect justices for five supreme court positions.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Washington voters will decide the winners of five supreme court seats during the general election on November 3, 2026. The upcoming nonpartisan races determine the composition of the court, which holds final authority over state law.
Why it matters
The outcome of these judicial races is significant because the supreme court is set to determine the legality of a controversial 9.9% income tax on high earners. These elections will shape the judicial body that settles the state's most pressing legal disputes.
Five of the nine total Washington Supreme Court seats are on the ballot for six-year terms. The state's 9.9% income tax on high earners remains the primary policy matter subject to judicial review.
The players
Colleen Melody
She is a justice who was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court in 2026.
Theo Angelis
He is a justice who was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court in 2026.
David Stevens
He is a judicial candidate and attorney originally from Mason County.
Jaime Hawk
She is a judicial candidate and legal professional based in King County.
Sean O'Donnell
He is a judicial candidate and experienced attorney from King County.
The details
Candidates including David Stevens from Mason County and Jaime Hawk and Sean O'Donnell from King County are competing in these nonpartisan races. The court also recently saw the appointments of Justices Colleen Melody and Theo Angelis in 2026 to fill unexpected vacancies.
Timeline
Justices Colleen Melody and Theo Angelis were appointed to the court in 2026.
Ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters by October 16, 2026.
The state election will take place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The opposition party and various advocacy groups have heavily scrutinized the court's role in adjudicating Washington's 9.9% income tax on high earners. Critics argue that judicial activism in these races could lead to long-term shifts in state fiscal policy beyond the legislative intent.
Residents should watch for their ballots to arrive by October 16 to participate in deciding the future of the state's highest court. The outcome of these races could determine whether the 9.9% income tax remains in effect or is struck down by the judiciary.
The takeaway
Voters have the opportunity to directly shape the judicial landscape by electing officials who will interpret state law for the next six years. It is essential for citizens to review the voters' pamphlets mailed to their homes to understand the nonpartisan candidates.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming races in the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOMO.
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