Run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) in WA

Election Date: Aug 4, 2026
Filing Deadline: May 8, 2026

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Election Details

  • Office level: state
  • Length of term: 4 years
  • Commitment level: Full Time
  • Affiliation: nonpartisan
  • Typical salary: 115512
  • Filing period: May 4, 2026 - May 8, 2026
  • Positions:
    Thurston County District Court Judge - Position 3
    Kitsap County District Court Judge - Position 2
    King County West District Court Judge - Position 3
    Kittitas County District Court Judge - Upper District
    Franklin County District Court Judge
    ...

Job description

District courts have jurisdiction over both criminal and civil cases. They have criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and criminal traffic cases. Jurisdiction in civil cases includes those with damages up to $100,000 for injury to individuals or personal property, as well as penalty and contract disputes up to $100,000. District courts also have jurisdiction over traffic and non-traffic infractions. District courts may also issue domestic violence and anti-harassment protection orders and no-contact orders. They have jurisdiction to hear name change petitions and certain lien foreclosures. Small claims are limited to money claims of up to $5,000 in which each party is generally self represented.

Eligibility requirements

Candidate must be a registered voter of the district court district and electoral district, if any; and be either: (a) A lawyer admitted to practice law in the state of Washington; or (b) In those districts having a population of less than five thousand persons, a person who has taken and passed by January 1, 2003, the qualifying examination for a lay candidate for judicial officer as provided by rule of the supreme court.
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