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[POLITICS] · United States · 6 sources

Washington State Supreme Court faces major election on November 3

Washington State Supreme Court judicial elections Bob Ferguson statewide elections nonpartisan judicial races

Washington’s state Supreme Court faces a significant election on November 3, with a rare majority of the nine-member court up for election. The upcoming vote includes two new justices and a term for the current chief justice. Notably, two justices appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson, who lack prior judicial experience, will face voters for the first time.

Campaigning for the nonpartisan races has seen high engagement, with candidates raising over $2 million. The elections are viewed as proxy battles between conservative and liberal interests, featuring four challengers endorsed by the state Republican Party against candidates favored by Democratic leaders. Key issues expected to impact the court include a new high-earners income tax, bail bond policy reforms, and public defender caseload limits.

Candidates have also addressed systemic challenges such as the role of artificial intelligence in the justice system, language interpreter shortages, and courthouse accessibility. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters by October 16.

Entities

Bob Ferguson · Colleen Melody · King County Bar Association · Republican Party · Washington State Supreme Court

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

ELECTION 2026: State Supreme Court candidates make their case [www.auburn-reporter.com]
ELECTION 2026: State Supreme Court candidates make their case - Mercer Island Reporter [www.mi-reporter.com]
ELECTION 2026: State Supreme Court candidates make their case - Snoqualmie Valley Record [www.valleyrecord.com]
ELECTION 2026: State Supreme Court candidates make their case [www.seattleweekly.com]
ELECTION 2026: State Supreme Court candidates make their case [www.federalwaymirror.com]
ELECTION 2026: State Supreme Court candidates make their case - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [www.vashonbeachcomber.com]