Washingtonians closely follow the legislature, governor, and attorney general—but far less attention is paid to the decisions of our state’s highest court, even though those rulings can impact public safety, taxes, constitutional rights, and voter-approved initiatives.
To help close that information gap, Full Court Press has released a first-of-its-kind judicial scorecard examining key Washington State Supreme Court decisions from 2020–2026.
The scorecard analyzes 12 major rulings across four categories:
✅ Public Safety
✅ Government Accountability
✅ Protection of Constitutional Rights
✅ Tort Liability
It also provides an easy-to-understand breakdown of how each justice voted in these important cases.
View the scorecard at Full Court Press’ website: https://t.co/JWdbX498TZ
According to a judicial poll conducted by Napolitan News Service, voter pamphlets still matter most when it comes to judicial elections.
41% of voters say voter pamphlets are their primary source of information on judicial candidates and judges.
That’s more than:
• Social media - 13%
• TV/radio ads - 12%
• Campaign websites - 12%
• Friends & family - 7%
Strong voter education materials remain essential in judicial campaigns.
Stay tuned for more information from Full Court Press as we continue working to help inform voters about the importance of judicial elections.
Electoral watchdog Ballotpedia conducted an extensive analysis of Washington Supreme Court candidates from 2013 to 2022. Progressive parties won 74% of their cases, while conservative parties won 14%. Note the chart that corresponds with this finding. The report also identified party categories with the highest and lowest rates of favorable decisions regardless of ideology.
This study also examined data on campaign donors and court case parties, subsequently assessing how the Court ruled to distinguish between progressive and conservative ideological leanings across various sectors and policy areas.
Despite the ostensibly nonpartisan nature of Supreme Court elections, the research highlighted a considerable information gap for voters. The analysis revealed that over 99% of contributions to winning state Supreme Court candidates came from sources identified as progressive.
Full Court Press is working to train judicial candidates who are not influenced by special interests in the judiciary in Washington state.
You can read the full analysis here: https://t.co/a1AVNyCG6T
⚖️ The field is officially set for a rare Washington State Supreme Court election cycle this fall.
For only the second time in modern history, 5 of the 9 Supreme Court positions will appear on the ballot.
What makes this year especially unusual:
Only one incumbent is running - the Chief Justice
Two open seats - highly uncommon at this level
Two recently appointed justices running for the first time
These dynamics make this one of the most consequential judicial elections in recent state history and could shape the future direction of the court for years to come.
Here’s a look at the candidates who have officially filed with the Secretary of State:👇
A great op-ed by Senator John Braun on the need to bring gubernatorial appointees to the Washington State Supreme Court out of the shadows so the public can see and hear who these appointees are. If the resign-and-appoint system is going to circumvent voters in choosing judges, then the State Senate should provide advice and consent on theses appointees.
https://t.co/7Ujx1yM1vO
Join Full Court Press as we are dedicated to training judicial candidates who are committed to applying the law with a facts-based approach that is founded upon long-standing legal principles, independent of political ideology and dedicated to transparency and government accountability. Our state’s future depends on it.
It’s rare to see 5 of 9 State Supreme Court races on the ballot in a single election cycle.
Here’s what makes this year especially unusual:
• Only one incumbent is running — the Chief Justice
• Two open seats — highly uncommon at this level
• Two recently appointed justices running for the first time
These dynamics create a pivotal moment for the future of the court.
Here’s a look at who has officially filed with the Public Disclosure Commission:
In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections.
11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election.
A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors.
Read more: https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g
Currently, 6 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected.
Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who:
• Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles
• Remain independent of political ideology
• Are committed to transparency and government accountability
Learn more: https://t.co/06EFyPJcYp
Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court.
Our candidates are committed to:
*Applying the law based on facts and evidence
*Upholding long-standing legal principles
*Remaining independent of political ideology
If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at [email protected]. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state.
Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench.
Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges.
https://t.co/NAhcWEtGUz
When voters are asked what qualifications matter most in choosing judges, the answer is clear: character comes first.
📷 75% say character is very important.
Other top factors include:
📷 Tough-on-crime positions - 56% very important
📷 Education - 55% very important
📷Legal experience - 52% very important
📷 Community involvement - 46% very important
By contrast, political party endorsements ranked last. Only 21% say they are very important, while 44% say they are not very or not at all important.
https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g
These results confirm that voters want judges selected based on merit, integrity, and experience - not partisan or ideological labels.
In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections.
👉 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election.
📊 A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors.
Read more: https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g
⚖️ Last week, Governor Ferguson appointed second Justice to the Washington State Supreme Court. Currently, 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected.
🔎 Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who:
• Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles
• Remain independent of political ideology
• Are committed to transparency and government accountability
👉 Learn more: https://t.co/06EFyPJcYp
Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court.
Our candidates are committed to:
*Applying the law based on facts and evidence
*Upholding long-standing legal principles
*Remaining independent of political ideology
If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at [email protected]. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state.
Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench.
Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges.
https://t.co/NAhcWEtGUz
📊 A new statewide judicial poll from Napolitan News Service Survey reveals mixed approval of the Washington State Supreme Court — and a clear message from voters: they want more accountability, transparency, and meaningful information when voting in judicial elections.
With an unprecedented five Supreme Court positions up for election in 2026, voters will have a rare opportunity to shape the future of the court.
When asked what qualifications matter most for judges, voters overwhelmingly prioritized character, with 75% saying it is very important.
Other top factors voters care about include:
• Tough-on-crime positions — 56% very important
• Education — 55% very important
• Legal experience — 52% very important
• Community involvement — 46% very important
The results highlight a strong public desire for judges who demonstrate integrity, experience, and a commitment to their communities.
👉Learn more: https://t.co/06EFyPJcYp
In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections.
👉 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election.
📊 A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors.
Read more: https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g
⚖️ This week, Justice Barbara Madsen announced her resignation, giving Governor Ferguson a second appointment to the Washington State Supreme Court. Currently, 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected.
🔎 Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who:
• Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles
• Remain independent of political ideology
• Are committed to transparency and government accountability
👉 Learn more: https://t.co/06EFyPJcYp
Full Court Press is actively seeking lawyers with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and a balanced judiciary to serve as judges in Washington State. We identify and train candidates for judicial office in Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court.
Our candidates are committed to:
*Applying the law based on facts and evidence
*Upholding long-standing legal principles
*Remaining independent of political ideology
If you or someone you know fits this description and is interested in a judicial career, please contact Tim Kovis at [email protected]. Full Court Press is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization based in Washington state.
Reaching out does not obligate you to run. Whether you're ready now or just exploring the idea, we welcome your interest. Our judicial candidate training program is completely free and designed to support legal professionals who want to make a difference from the bench.
Let’s work together to strengthen Washington’s courts with qualified, principled judges.
https://t.co/NAhcWEtGUz
When voters are asked what qualifications matter most in choosing judges, the answer is clear: character comes first.
📊 75% say character is very important.
Other top factors include:
🚨 Tough-on-crime positions - 56% very important
🏫 Education - 55% very important
⚖Legal experience - 52% very important
🏙 Community involvement - 46% very important
By contrast, political party endorsements ranked last. Only 21% say they are very important, while 44% say they are not very or not at all important.
https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g
These results confirm that voters want judges selected based on merit, integrity, and experience - not partisan or ideological labels.
Judicial accountability matters.
HB 1928 & HB 1289 would require Senate confirmation for appointments to the Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court - bringing transparency and checks and balances to the process.
https://t.co/RnQyqSQ0ab...
https://t.co/5KeJkK0W4z
HB 1918 would ensure regional representation on the bench, so all corners of our state are reflected in major legal decisions.
https://t.co/Y3ixQxs4Tj...
Contact your legislators so that next Legislative Session they will gain traction.
https://t.co/FqS9jwzJMu
And voters agree: 72% say judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—decide who serves. Midterm resignations shouldn’t give the governor unchecked appointment power.
Read more: https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g
Let’s strengthen accountability and protect voters’ voice in our court.
In the 2026 election cycle, Washington State will hold 141 judicial elections.
👉 11 of those races involve Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and state Supreme Court judges first appointed through the “resign-and-appoint” practice—where a sitting judge steps down mid-term and the governor names a successor, often just before the filing deadline. That move limits—or completely bypass—an open election.
📊 A first-of-its-kind statewide poll shows 72% of voters believe judges should finish their terms so voters—not politicians—choose their successors.
Read more: https://t.co/2wsibMidzP
⚖️ This week, Justice Barbara Madsen announced her resignation, giving Governor Ferguson a second appointment to the Washington State Supreme Court. Currently, 5 of 9 justices were initially appointed—not elected.
🔎 Full Court Press is working to train and support judicial candidates who:
• Apply the law based on facts and long-standing legal principles
• Remain independent of political ideology
• Are committed to transparency and government accountability
👉 Learn more: https://t.co/06EFyPJcYp
🚨 NEW STATEWIDE JUDICIAL POLL 🚨
A first-of-its-kind poll shows Washington voters want accountability, transparency, and integrity in our courts.
🔹 Only 41% approve of the WA Supreme Court
🔹 75% say a judge’s character matters most
🔹 72% believe judges should serve full terms so voters — not politicians — choose their replacements
Voters are paying attention and demanding judges who apply the law with a facts-based, non-ideological approach.
📊 Conducted by Napolitan News Service | 800 WA voters
👉 Read more & see the full results at https://t.co/Sm5LzzRP5g