Two Spokane natives win seats on Washington’s high court

Voters elected two Spokane natives to Washington’s Supreme Court Tuesday night, with the contest decided in Seattle. Five seats were on the ballot for the first time in state history. Three sitting justices appear to have kept their positions, while two open-seat races remained much closer.

Chief Justice Debra Stephens, a West Valley High School graduate, defeated Todd Bloom with 63.8% of the vote. Justice Colleen Melody, a Ferris High School graduate appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, won 60% against Scott Edwards and will serve the rest of her term through 2028. Justice Theo Angelis, appointed in March, led Dave Larson with 55.4%.

The results come as retirements and departures will remove more than 86 years of experience from the court. Stephens will be its longest-serving active justice. Melody has described the court’s work as touching workplace rights, criminal proceedings and government regulation of businesses. Angelis brings more than 25 years in private practice. King County Superior Court Judge Jaime Hawk defeated David Stevens with 57.7%, while another race remained close, with 50.9% separating the leading candidate from Ian Birk in Tuesday’s count.