Judges & courts

Spokane County District Court Judge

Position 2

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: District court judges hear misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims and civil cases up to $100,000 in Spokane County.

Candidates Compare by issue

Mike (Michael) Valerien

No party listed

Spokane Municipal Court commissioner

The gist

Supports evidence-based strategies to reduce repeat offenses
Pledges to follow due process to protect the accused
Pledges cost-effective use of court resources

More about Mike

View sources (1)

Supports evidence-based strategies to reduce repeat offenses
Mike Valerien for District Court Judge
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Mike Valerien · votemikev.com
“Mike will hold offenders accountable and apply evidence-based strategies to reduce repeat offenses.”
Pledges to follow due process to protect the accused
Mike Valerien for District Court Judge
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Mike Valerien · votemikev.com
“A judge must ensure that due process is followed in each case. This protects the rights of the accused and preserves public safety.”
Pledges cost-effective use of court resources
Mike Valerien for District Court Judge
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Mike Valerien · votemikev.com
“Mike will select the correct strategy for each case to minimize waste and ensure the most cost-effective use of public resources.”

Deanna Kathleen Crull

No party listed

Airway Heights court commissioner; attorney

The gist

Supports therapeutic alternatives for qualified, motivated defendants
Pledges accountability and focus on community safety
Pledges transparency and equal access to justice

More about Deanna

View sources (1)

Supports therapeutic alternatives for qualified, motivated defendants
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“they also should offer effective therapeutic alternatives for qualified, motivated individuals, which have been proven to reduce recidivism.”
Pledges accountability and focus on community safety
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“Strong courts require accountability and focus on community safety”
Pledges transparency and equal access to justice
Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and equal access to justice under the law.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.