Washington Voters to Decide Five Supreme Court Seats

The state Supreme Court faces elections this November with five seats on the ballot.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections

Washington Voters to Decide Five Supreme Court Seats

Live Poll

Should judicial elections be strictly non-partisan and free from major outside spending?

Five of the nine seats on the Washington State Supreme Court will be decided by voters in November. The election cycle has seen over $1 million in outside spending on attack advertisements.

Why it matters

The state Supreme Court may hear future legal challenges involving major ballot measures, making these judicial races significant for the state. Outside groups are currently critiquing candidates based on their donor affiliations and endorsements.

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission recently suspended the enforcement of contribution limits, which previously capped statewide race donations at $75,000 and other races at $7,500. Candidates must report contributions of $1,500 or more within 48 hours.

The players

Sean O'Donnell

He is a judicial candidate and current judge serving in King County.

Ian Birk

He is a judicial candidate competing for a seat on the Washington State Supreme Court.

Washington Public Disclosure Commission

This state agency regulates campaign finance and ensures transparency in political contributions.

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates

This organization engages in political advocacy and provides endorsements for candidates.

The details

Candidates Sean O'Donnell and Ian Birk are competing for a seat on the court, with O'Donnell recently holding a news conference to discuss the race. Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates has endorsed Birk after O'Donnell did not return an endorsement questionnaire.

Last Thursday, the Public Disclosure Commission voted to suspend late-election contribution enforcement.
Monday, Sean O'Donnell held a news conference regarding the campaign.
November is when the five Supreme Court seats appear on the ballot.

Political Context

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission's campaign finance regulations have long provided a framework for transparency in judicial races. This suspension reflects a broader debate among officials regarding the constitutionality of restricting political contributions during election cycles.

The suspension of contribution limits allows for larger influxes of money into judicial campaigns, potentially increasing the frequency of mailers, texts, and online advertisements targeting voters. Residents can expect heightened communication from campaigns as the November election date approaches.

The takeaway

Voters should be aware that the influx of outside spending and the suspension of contribution limits have altered the landscape of this judicial cycle. Staying informed about candidate endorsements and donor affiliations can help citizens navigate the increased volume of campaign materials.