Judges & courts

Justice, Washington Supreme Court

Position 1, Unexpired 2-year term

Vote for: 1
Term: 6 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The nine justices of the Washington Supreme Court hear appeals from the state's lower courts and have the final say on Washington law.

Candidates Compare by issue

Scott Edwards

No party listed

Attorney (tax and constitutional law)

The gist

Supports applying the constitution and laws as written
Pledges to apply the law predictably, without political agenda
Pledges to make the Supreme Court more accountable
Pledges decisions based on the law and record, not politics
Pledges equal treatment and commitment to due process

More about Scott

View sources (2)

Supports applying the constitution and laws as written
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
“The role of the Supreme Court is to apply the constitution and laws as written, not rewrite them.”
Pledges to apply the law predictably, without political agenda
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
“Washington deserves justices who will apply the law predictably, as written, and without favoring any political agenda.”
Pledges to make the Supreme Court more accountable
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
“work to make the Washington Supreme Court accountable and worthy of your trust”
Pledges decisions based on the law and record, not politics
Vote Scott Edwards for Washington Supreme Court
Campaign website · votescottedwards.com
“Decisions guided by the law and the record — never by politics or pressure.”
Pledges equal treatment and commitment to due process
Vote Scott Edwards for Washington Supreme Court
Campaign website · votescottedwards.com
“Respectful process, equal treatment, and an unwavering commitment to due process.”

Colleen Melody

No party listedIncumbent

Justice, Washington Supreme Court

The gist

Pledges to safeguard rights with independence and impartiality
Supports courts where crime and discrimination victims are safe
Supports keeping the court free of special-interest influence
Supports courts that are trusted and accessible to everyone
Supports upholding state-law protections in workplaces and healthcare

More about Colleen

View sources (2)

Pledges to safeguard rights with independence and impartiality
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
“Now more than ever, state courts must safeguard our rights with independence and impartiality.”
Supports courts where crime and discrimination victims are safe
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
“State courts must be places where victims of crime and discrimination may seek justice with safety and dignity.”
Supports keeping the court free of special-interest influence
Justice Colleen Melody for Supreme Court
Campaign website · melodyforjustice.com
“Justice Melody believes the court must be free from the influence of special interests and political bias.”
Supports courts that are trusted and accessible to everyone
Justice Colleen Melody for Supreme Court
Campaign website · melodyforjustice.com
“Our Courts are a cornerstone of our democracy and must be trusted and accessible to everyone”
Supports upholding state-law protections in workplaces and healthcare
Justice Colleen Melody for Supreme Court
Campaign website · melodyforjustice.com
“Courts must safeguard Washington’s independence and longstanding protection of rights in the workplace, in healthcare”

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; 1 issue covered in this race.