WA State Supreme Court judge appointees should have Senate confirmation, says Abell
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WA State Supreme Court judge appointees should have Senate confirmation, says Abell
‘We need urgent action to restore the public’s trust and confidence in our judiciary,’ says Abell
Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, introduced legislation today to reform Washington state’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals gubernatorial appointee process.
“We need urgent action to restore the public’s trust and confidence in our judiciary,” says Abell, an attorney by trade. “Too many times, a judge retires mid-term, and then the governor appoints a new judge who runs as an incumbent during the next election. They rarely, if ever, lose that first election.
“Over half of our state’s current Supreme Court members were initially appointed to their positions, and nearly 80% of the Court of Appeals. In these nonpartisan races, information about judicial campaigns is lacking, and voter turnout is often low,” said Abell. “The appointed incumbent almost always wins.
“This process needs corrective action,” continued Abell. “Our citizens have lost faith in many of our institutions, including the judicial system. My legislation gives the people to have more information during judicial elections and a greater voice in determining who occupies the bench.”
Abell’s judicial reform package includes House Bill 1928 and House Bill 1929, which require a two-thirds vote of the Washington State Senate for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals gubernatorial appointments, respectively.
House Joint Resolution 4203 is the vehicle that allows for the required constitutional amendment to change the appointee process.
In Washington state, a House or Senate Joint Resolution can amend the constitution with a two-thirds vote of approval in both the House and Senate. It then needs approval from a majority of voters at the next general election.
The Washington State Constitution has been amended 109 times since its adoption in 1889, according to Ballotpedia.
Abell says dissatisfaction and lack of trust in the judicial system should help the legislation through the legislative process. He pointed to a recent Gallup Poll that found confidence in the nation’s judicial system and courts was at an all-time low of 35% in 2024.
“The judiciary is supposed to be an impartial check on the two other branches of government. The high number of judges retiring mid-term creates an appearance that these retirements are politically calculated and undermines the public’s trust and confidence in the judiciary,” explained Abell. “Requiring legislative confirmation is an important step to strengthening the public’s trust and confidence in our judiciary. It will help prevent future governors and their political parties from stacking the bench in their favor. This is legislation that is good for Washington, regardless of political affiliation.”
All three of Abell’s proposals have been sent to the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
The 105-day 2025 legislative session ends April 27.
