Washington Supreme Court races draw unprecedented attention amid national judicial election surge

In the 2026 cycle, Washington will elect five of its nine Supreme Court justices, a situation not seen in 16 years, and the race features 15 candidates, four of whom are targeting the chief justice. Voter dissatisfaction is evident, with a recent poll indicating just 41% approval of the court’s performance. The heightened focus stems from a challenge to a newly enacted state income tax and mirrors a national pattern of fiercely contested judicial elections following the Dobbs ruling, which has drawn record campaign spending in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Outside groups have poured tens of millions into these contests, influencing outcomes on issues ranging from redistricting to public-sector union rights. Parallel battles are unfolding in Montana, North Carolina and other states, where debates over partisan versus nonpartisan ballots and the ideological balance of courts are intensifying. The Washington races could serve as a bellwether for how voter engagement and financing shape state judiciaries moving forward.