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Judicial Elections
Washington Supreme Court Elections 2026
Washington Supreme Court justices are chosen in nonpartisan elections to 6-year terms — no party labels on the ballot — and must run again to keep their seats. 5 seats are on the November 3 ballot.
Rules as of October 15, 2026 · candidates as of October 15, 2026 · source Ballotpedia
Are judges elected in Washington?
- Highest court
- Washington Supreme Court — 9 justices
- How chosen
- Nonpartisan election
- Voters
- Voters elect justices
- Term
- 6 years
- To serve again
- Run for re-election
- 2026 ballot
- 5 seats on November 3 — 5 contested
How Washington chooses its judges
Washington Supreme Court justices are chosen in nonpartisan elections to 6-year terms — no party labels on the ballot — and must run again to keep their seats.
- Seats: 9 justices on the Washington Supreme Court.
- Term: 6 years.
- To serve again: Run for re-election.
- Age rule: Must be under 75.
- Other courts: All courts use nonpartisan elections.
A justice appointed to fill a vacancy must run in the next election — which is why two of 2026’s five races are special elections.
Compare every state on the judicial selection table.
Washington Supreme Court elections in 2026
5 seats are up in 2026 (nonpartisan election).
Position 1 (special election)
On the Nov 3 ballot- Colleen MelodyIncumbent
- Scott Edwards
Position 3
On the Nov 3 ballot- Jaime Hawk
- David Stevens
Position 4
On the Nov 3 ballot- Ian Birk
- Sean O’Donnell
Position 5 (special election)
On the Nov 3 ballot- Theo AngelisIncumbent
- Dave Larson
Position 7
On the Nov 3 ballot- Debra StephensIncumbent
- Todd Bloom
Candidates as of October 15, 2026 from Ballotpedia. Results for November races are added once certified. Party labels are not shown because they do not appear on the ballot.
How to research judges on your Washington ballot
- Your sample ballot: Washington’s official election site shows every judicial race on your ballot, including local courts.
- Deadlines and voting options: How to vote in Washington — registration, early voting, mail ballots and poll hours.
- Candidate details: Ballotpedia tracks each candidate’s background, endorsements and spending; local news and the state bar often publish candidate surveys.
Judicial ethics rules bar candidates from promising how they will rule, so a judge’s record and experience usually say more than campaign ads. This site does not endorse or rate candidates.
Federal judges in Washington
Federal judges are never on a ballot: the President nominates them and the U.S. Senate confirms them for life. Washington’s two senators vote on every nominee and are traditionally consulted on district court nominees from the state.
Washington’s senators: Patty Murray (Democratic) and Maria Cantwell (Democratic).
Confirmed by recorded vote in 2026
No federal judge for a court in Washington has been confirmed by roll-call vote in 2026.
District judges for courts in Washington and circuit judges from the state. Judges confirmed by voice vote leave no roll call; the Senate’s list of confirmed nominations has them. Roll calls from the snapshot refreshed Oct 1, 2026.
Open federal judgeships
The U.S. Courts list no vacant district judgeship in Washington as of October 15, 2026.
Source: uscourts.gov current judicial vacancies. Every vacancy nationwide is on the judicial elections hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are judges elected in Washington?
Washington Supreme Court justices are chosen in nonpartisan elections to 6-year terms — no party labels on the ballot — and must run again to keep their seats. All courts use nonpartisan elections.
How long is a term on the Washington Supreme Court?
6 years. At the end of a term, they must run again to keep their seats. Must be under 75.
Who is running for the Washington Supreme Court in 2026?
5 seats are on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Position 1: Colleen Melody, incumbent vs. Scott Edwards. Position 3: Jaime Hawk vs. David Stevens. Position 4: Ian Birk vs. Sean O’Donnell. Position 5: Theo Angelis, incumbent vs. Dave Larson. Position 7: Debra Stephens, incumbent vs. Todd Bloom.
How do I research judges on my Washington ballot?
Your sample ballot from https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/ lists every judicial race, including local courts. Ballotpedia, local news and the state bar cover candidates' experience and endorsements.
Who appoints federal judges in Washington?
The President nominates and the U.S. Senate confirms them; they serve for life. Washington's senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, vote on every nomination and are traditionally consulted on district court nominees from the state.
Related
Judicial Elections in Every State
How all 50 states choose judges, every 2026 supreme court race, and federal confirmations.
How to Vote in Washington
Registration, early voting, mail ballots and poll hours.
Washington Senators & Representatives
Your delegation in Congress and when each term ends.
What Can Congress Do?
Can Congress declare war, override a veto, impeach a cabinet member, remove a senator, overrule the Supreme Court, or invoke the 25th Amendment? Question by question, with live vote math.