Seattle Municipal Court Re-elected Presiding Judges

Anita Crawford-Willis and Damon Shadid will lead the court for a new two-year term starting in January.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a polished sphere atop a stone plinth, symbolizing the stable governance of a municipal court. — Seattle Municipal Court judges have re-elected Anita Crawford-Willis as presiding judge and Damon Shadid as assistant presiding judge for a new two-year term. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Seattle Municipal Court judges have re-elected Anita Crawford-Willis as presiding judge and Damon Shadid as assistant presiding judge. The court also announced that Judge Pooja Vaddadi will join the Executive Committee.

Why it matters

These leadership selections establish the governance for the Seattle Municipal Court as it prepares for a transition in its judicial makeup. The court is set to welcome three new judges in the coming months while managing recent administrative expansions.

The Seattle Municipal Court currently consists of seven sitting judges and has expanded its magistrate team from five to six members. During the previous term, the court also hired 12 pro tem judges to support operations.

The players

Anita Crawford-Willis

She is the presiding judge of the Seattle Municipal Court who was re-elected to her leadership position.

Damon Shadid

He is the assistant presiding judge of the Seattle Municipal Court who was re-elected to serve alongside Crawford-Willis.

Pooja Vaddadi

She is a judge at the Seattle Municipal Court who was recently appointed to the court's Executive Committee.

Willie Gregory

He is a retiring judge at the Seattle Municipal Court whose term on the Executive Committee will conclude in January 2027.

The details

The re-election took place during a monthly meeting where the seven sitting judges cast their votes for leadership positions. Additionally, Judge Pooja Vaddadi will take over the Executive Committee seat currently held by Willie Gregory, who plans to retire in January 2027.

The seven sitting judges conducted their vote on Oct. 2, 2026.
Three new judges are scheduled to take the bench in January 2027.
The new two-year term officially begins on Jan. 1, 2027.
The judicial term is set to conclude on Dec. 31, 2028.

Market Landscape

This leadership selection follows the recent reorganization of the Clerk's Office, which included comprehensive cross-training for staff members. The changes position the court to maintain operational continuity as it integrates three new judges into the existing seven-member bench.

The judicial leadership elections ensure that court administration remains stable for the next two years. Residents and legal professionals interacting with the Seattle Municipal Court can expect consistent governance as the bench prepares for the transition of three new judges.

The takeaway

The re-election of current leadership provides the Seattle Municipal Court with a stable foundation during an upcoming period of transition. These administrative changes prioritize continuity as the court expands its magistrate team and welcomes new judicial members in early 2027.