Moleses, the Voter Guider's nearly blind mole wizard mascot, squinting through thick glasses

Unofficial! Not a government website, and not your ballot. We're just the Voter Guider people. What that means

I

Ian Birk

Nonpartisan

Running for: Supreme Court Justice, Position 4 · Washington

In their own words

Legal/judicial experience
Judge, State Court of Appeals, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee, then elected. I am proud to serve the state's second highest court, hearing cases statewide.
Professional experience
Two decades in private practice, representing individuals, families, and small businesses—often against powerful corporate interests—in cases involving insurance claims, consumer protection, workplace discrimination, and complex civil litigation.
Education
BA and JD, University of Washington
I'm proud to be the only candidate in this position with statewide judicial experience and an appellate track record demonstrating respect for the rule of law, its impacts on communities, and all people we serve.

On endorsements, in their statement: “I'm proudly endorsed by AG Nick Brown, Justices Gonzalez, Gordon-McCloud, Whitener, Montoya-Lewis, Mungia, Angelis, former Justices Ireland and Yu, over 100 judicial colleagues elected from all 39 counties in Washington, US Rep Pramila Jayapal, King County Exec Girmay Zahilay, WA State Labor Council, Machinists, Teachers, King County Democrats, and more.”

In the candidate's own words, from the Washington State Voters' Pamphlet, 2026 General Election, Edition 04 (King County: Seattle), p. 57. Statements aren't fact-checked by the elections office or by us.

Watch

Interview · LWV Washington · 8 min“Supreme Court Candidate Interview: Ian Birk (Position 4, WA State Supreme Court)” · YouTube
Video voters' guide statement · TVW · 3 min“2026 Video Voters' Guide - Ian Birk” · YouTube
Debate · FOX 13 Seattle · 6 min“WA Supreme Court candidates Ian Birk, Sean O'Donnell debate state's top issues | FOX 13 Seattle” · YouTube
Video voters' guide statement · Ian Birk for Justice · 1 min“Judge Ian Birk for Justice” · YouTube · Shown on the campaign's website

Most independent first: news outlets and nonpartisan series, then civic forums, viewpoint outlets, public meeting records, and the campaign's own videos. Each one says who made it; click that label for what it means.

Endorsements (401)

News outlets and voter guides (1)

  • The Stranger’s 2026 Primary Election EndorsementsThe Stranger’s 2026 Primary Election Endorsements

Organizations (2)

  • Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates General Election EndorsementsPlanned Parenthood Alliance Advocates General Election Endorsements
  • Washington's Progressive Voters GuideWashington's Progressive Voters Guide

Elected and appointed officials (183)

  • WA State Governor Bob FergusonWA State Governor Bob Ferguson
  • WA State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu (ret.)WA State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu (ret.)
  • WA State Attorney General Nick BrownWA State Attorney General Nick Brown
  • WA State Insurance Commissioner and former State Senator Patty KudererWA State Insurance Commissioner and former State Senator Patty Kuderer
  • Spokane County Superior Court Judge Breean BeggsSpokane County Superior Court Judge Breean Beggs
  • King Co. Executive Girmay ZahilayKing Co. Executive Girmay Zahilay
  • Justice Theo Angelis, WA State Supreme CourtJustice Theo Angelis, WA State Supreme Court
  • Justice Steve González, WA State Supreme CourtJustice Steve González, WA State Supreme Court
  • Justice Colleen Melody, WA State Supreme CourtJustice Colleen Melody, WA State Supreme Court
  • Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud, WA State Supreme CourtJustice Sheryl Gordon McCloud, WA State Supreme Court
  • Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, WA State Supreme CourtJustice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, WA State Supreme Court
  • Justice Sal Mungia, WA State Supreme CourtJustice Sal Mungia, WA State Supreme Court
  • Justice G. Helen Whitener, Washington Supreme CourtJustice G. Helen Whitener, Washington Supreme Court
  • Justice Mary Yu, WA State Supreme Court (ret.)Justice Mary Yu, WA State Supreme Court (ret.)
  • Justice Gerry Alexander, WA State Supreme Court (ret.)Justice Gerry Alexander, WA State Supreme Court (ret.)
  • Justice Faith Ireland, WA State Supreme Court (ret.)Justice Faith Ireland, WA State Supreme Court (ret.)
  • Judge Bill Bowman, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Bill Bowman, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Tam Bui, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Tam Bui, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Janet Chung, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Janet Chung, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Linda Coburn, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Linda Coburn, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Leonard Feldman, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Leonard Feldman, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Cecily Hazelrigg, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Cecily Hazelrigg, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge David Mann, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge David Mann, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Lori K. Smith, Court of Appeals, Division IJudge Lori K. Smith, Court of Appeals, Division I
  • Judge Marlin Appelwick, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Marlin Appelwick, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Mary Kay Becker, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Mary Kay Becker, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge H. Joseph Coleman, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge H. Joseph Coleman, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Anne L. Ellington, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Anne L. Ellington, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge C. Kenneth Grosse, Court of Appeals, Division 1 (ret.)Judge C. Kenneth Grosse, Court of Appeals, Division 1 (ret.)
  • Judge Linda Lau, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Linda Lau, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Ann Schindler, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Ann Schindler, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Michael Spearman, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Michael Spearman, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Michael J. Trickey, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Michael J. Trickey, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Jim Verellen, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)Judge Jim Verellen, Court of Appeals, Division I (ret.)
  • Judge Meng Li Che, Court of Appeals, Division IIJudge Meng Li Che, Court of Appeals, Division II
  • Judge Anne Cruser, Court of Appeals, Division IIJudge Anne Cruser, Court of Appeals, Division II
  • Judge Rebecca Glasgow, Court of Appeals, Division IIJudge Rebecca Glasgow, Court of Appeals, Division II
  • Judge Linda C.J. Lee, Court of Appeals, Division IIJudge Linda C.J. Lee, Court of Appeals, Division II
  • Judge Brad Maxa, Court of Appeals, Division IIJudge Brad Maxa, Court of Appeals, Division II
  • Judge Bernard Veljacic, Court of Appeals, Division IIJudge Bernard Veljacic, Court of Appeals, Division II
  • Judge Lisa Worswick, Court of Appeals, Division II (ret.)Judge Lisa Worswick, Court of Appeals, Division II (ret.)
  • Judge Rich Melnick, Court of Appeals, Division II (ret.)Judge Rich Melnick, Court of Appeals, Division II (ret.)
  • Judge John Cooney, Court of Appeals, Division IIIJudge John Cooney, Court of Appeals, Division III
  • Judge Rob Lawrence-Berrey, Court of Appeals, Division IIIJudge Rob Lawrence-Berrey, Court of Appeals, Division III
  • Judge Megan Murphy, Court of Appeals, Division IIIJudge Megan Murphy, Court of Appeals, Division III
  • Judge Tracy Staab, Court of Appeals, Division IIIJudge Tracy Staab, Court of Appeals, Division III
  • Judge George Fearing, Court of Appeals, Division III (ret.)Judge George Fearing, Court of Appeals, Division III (ret.)
  • Judge Laurel Siddoway, Court of Appeals, Division III (ret.)Judge Laurel Siddoway, Court of Appeals, Division III (ret.)
  • Andrew Yi, Appellate Prosecutor for Washington StateAndrew Yi, Appellate Prosecutor for Washington State
  • Judge Sharon Armstrong, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge Sharon Armstrong, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Joe Campagna, King County Superior CourtJudge Joe Campagna, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Terrence Carroll, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge Terrence Carroll, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Monica Cary, King County Superior CourtJudge Monica Cary, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Paul Crisalli, King County Superior CourtJudge Paul Crisalli, King County Superior Court
  • Judge William L. Dixon, King County Superior CourtJudge William L. Dixon, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Theresa Doyle, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge Theresa Doyle, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Richard Eadie, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge Richard Eadie, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Veronica Galván, King County Superior CourtJudge Veronica Galván, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Nikole Hecklinger, King County Superior CourtJudge Nikole Hecklinger, King County Superior Court
  • Judge David Keenan, King County Superior CourtJudge David Keenan, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Mark Larrañaga, King County Superior CourtJudge Mark Larrañaga, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Dean Lum, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge Dean Lum, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Paris Kallas, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge Paris Kallas, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Maureen McKee, King County Superior CourtJudge Maureen McKee, King County Superior Court
  • Judge E. Rania Rampersad, King County Superior CourtJudge E. Rania Rampersad, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Mary Roberts, King County Superior CourtJudge Mary Roberts, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Averil Rothrock, King County Superior CourtJudge Averil Rothrock, King County Superior Court
  • Judge John Ruhl, King County Superior Court (ret.)Judge John Ruhl, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • J. Wesley Saint Clair, King County Superior Court (ret.)J. Wesley Saint Clair, King County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Steve Scott, King County Superior Court (retired)Judge Steve Scott, King County Superior Court (retired)
  • Judge Ketu Shah, King County Superior CourtJudge Ketu Shah, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Nick Straley, King County Superior CourtJudge Nick Straley, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Tanya Thorp, King County Superior CourtJudge Tanya Thorp, King County Superior Court
  • Judge Anna Alexander, Snohomish County Superior CourtJudge Anna Alexander, Snohomish County Superior Court
  • Judge Rachelle Francis, Snohomish County District CourtJudge Rachelle Francis, Snohomish County District Court
  • Judge Anthony Howard, Snohomish County District CourtJudge Anthony Howard, Snohomish County District Court
  • Judge Jennifer Rancourt, Snohomish County District CourtJudge Jennifer Rancourt, Snohomish County District Court
  • Judge Whitney Rivera, Snohomish County Superior CourtJudge Whitney Rivera, Snohomish County Superior Court
  • Judge Jon Scott, Snohomish County Superior CourtJudge Jon Scott, Snohomish County Superior Court
  • Judge William Steffener, Snohomish County Superior CourtJudge William Steffener, Snohomish County Superior Court
  • Judge Paul Thompson, Snohomish County Superior CourtJudge Paul Thompson, Snohomish County Superior Court
  • Judge Breean Beggs, Spokane County Superior CourtJudge Breean Beggs, Spokane County Superior Court
  • Judge Clarence Henderson Jr., Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Clarence Henderson Jr., Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Doris Walkins, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Doris Walkins, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Jennifer Andrews, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Jennifer Andrews, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge TaTeasha Davis, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge TaTeasha Davis, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Shelly K. Moss, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Shelly K. Moss, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Andre Penalver, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Andre Penalver, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Stan Rumbaugh, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Stan Rumbaugh, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Matthew Thomas, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Matthew Thomas, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge Philip Thornton, Pierce County Superior CourtJudge Philip Thornton, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Judge James Elliott, Yakima County Superior CourtJudge James Elliott, Yakima County Superior Court
  • Judge Jeffery B. Swan, Yakima County Superior CourtJudge Jeffery B. Swan, Yakima County Superior Court
  • Judge David Elofson, Yakima County Superior Court (ret.)Judge David Elofson, Yakima County Superior Court (ret.)
  • Judge Cadine Ferguson Brown, Kitsap County Superior CourtJudge Cadine Ferguson Brown, Kitsap County Superior Court
  • Judge Elizabeth Y. Neidzwski, Skagit County Superior CourtJudge Elizabeth Y. Neidzwski, Skagit County Superior Court
  • Judge Kathryn Loring, San Juan County Superior CourtJudge Kathryn Loring, San Juan County Superior Court
  • Judge Rachel Hong, Okanogan County Superior CourtJudge Rachel Hong, Okanogan County Superior Court
  • Judge Brandon Johnson, Walla Walla County Superior CourtJudge Brandon Johnson, Walla Walla County Superior Court
  • Commissioner Lisa Keeler, Whatcom County Superior CourtCommissioner Lisa Keeler, Whatcom County Superior Court
  • Judge Jacqueline J. Shea-Brown, Benton County Superior CourtJudge Jacqueline J. Shea-Brown, Benton County Superior Court
  • Judge Patricia Fassett, Cowlitz County Superior CourtJudge Patricia Fassett, Cowlitz County Superior Court
  • Judge Jill Karmy, Cowlitz County Superior CourtJudge Jill Karmy, Cowlitz County Superior Court
  • Judge Karama Hawkins, King County District CourtJudge Karama Hawkins, King County District Court
  • Judge Andrea Jarmon, King County District CourtJudge Andrea Jarmon, King County District Court
  • Judge Peter Peaquin, King County District CourtJudge Peter Peaquin, King County District Court
  • Judge Kevin Peck, King County District CourtJudge Kevin Peck, King County District Court
  • Judge Marcine Anderson, King County District Court (ret.)Judge Marcine Anderson, King County District Court (ret.)
  • Judge Lisa Paglisotti, King County District Court (ret.)Judge Lisa Paglisotti, King County District Court (ret.)
  • Judge Karl Williams, Pierce County District CourtJudge Karl Williams, Pierce County District Court
  • Judge Elizabeth Fraser, Snohomish County District CourtJudge Elizabeth Fraser, Snohomish County District Court
  • Judge Aimee Maurer, Spokane County District CourtJudge Aimee Maurer, Spokane County District Court
  • Judge James Smith, Clark County District CourtJudge James Smith, Clark County District Court
  • Judge Jennifer Howson, Skagit County District CourtJudge Jennifer Howson, Skagit County District Court
  • Judge Warren Gilbert, Skagit County District CourtJudge Warren Gilbert, Skagit County District Court
  • Judge Paul Nielsen, Skagit County District CourtJudge Paul Nielsen, Skagit County District Court
  • Judge Norma Rodriguez, Benton Franklin Superior CourtJudge Norma Rodriguez, Benton Franklin Superior Court
  • Judge John Hays, Cowlitz County District CourtJudge John Hays, Cowlitz County District Court
  • Judge Damon Shadid, Seattle Municipal CourtJudge Damon Shadid, Seattle Municipal Court
  • Judge Pooja Vaddadi, Seattle Municipal CourtJudge Pooja Vaddadi, Seattle Municipal Court
  • Judge Anne Levinson, Seattle Municipal Court (ret.)Judge Anne Levinson, Seattle Municipal Court (ret.)
  • Judge Sergio Flores, Tacoma Municipal CourtJudge Sergio Flores, Tacoma Municipal Court
  • Judge Dee Sonntag, Tacoma Municipal CourtJudge Dee Sonntag, Tacoma Municipal Court
  • Judge Remy Leonard, Everett Municipal CourtJudge Remy Leonard, Everett Municipal Court
  • Judge Mike Frans, Kent Municipal CourtJudge Mike Frans, Kent Municipal Court
  • Judge Anthony Gipe, Kent Municipal CourtJudge Anthony Gipe, Kent Municipal Court
  • Judge Nicholas I. Henery, Bellingham Municipal CourtJudge Nicholas I. Henery, Bellingham Municipal Court
  • Judge Kevin G. Ringus, Fife Municipal CourtJudge Kevin G. Ringus, Fife Municipal Court
  • Commissioner Michael Johnston, WA State Supreme CourtCommissioner Michael Johnston, WA State Supreme Court
  • Commissioner Pat Eason, Skagit County District CourtCommissioner Pat Eason, Skagit County District Court
  • Administrative Law Judge Jan Trasen, Office of Administrative HearingsAdministrative Law Judge Jan Trasen, Office of Administrative Hearings
  • Congresswoman Pramila JayapalCongresswoman Pramila Jayapal
  • WA State Governor Jay Inslee (fmr.)WA State Governor Jay Inslee (fmr.)
  • WA State Insurance Commissioner Patty KudererWA State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer
  • State Senator Emily AlvaradoState Senator Emily Alvarado
  • State Senator Mike ChapmanState Senator Mike Chapman
  • State Senator Adrian CortesState Senator Adrian Cortes
  • State Senator Noel FrameState Senator Noel Frame
  • State Senator Bob HasegawaState Senator Bob Hasegawa
  • State Senator Victoria HuntState Senator Victoria Hunt
  • State Senator Jamie PedersenState Senator Jamie Pedersen
  • State Senator Marcus RiccelliState Senator Marcus Riccelli
  • Senator June RobinsonSenator June Robinson
  • State Senator Cindy RyuState Senator Cindy Ryu
  • State Senator Rebecca SaldañaState Senator Rebecca Saldaña
  • State Senator Sharon ShewmakeState Senator Sharon Shewmake
  • State Senator Vandana SlatterState Senator Vandana Slatter
  • State Senator Derek StanfordState Senator Derek Stanford
  • State Senator Yasmin TrudeauState Senator Yasmin Trudeau
  • State Senator Javier ValdezState Senator Javier Valdez
  • State Rep. Steve BergquistState Rep. Steve Bergquist
  • State Rep. Liz BerryState Rep. Liz Berry
  • State Rep. Julio CortesState Rep. Julio Cortes
  • State Rep. Beth DoglioState Rep. Beth Doglio
  • State Rep. Davina DuerrState Rep. Davina Duerr
  • State Rep. Darya FarivarState Rep. Darya Farivar
  • State Rep. Joe FitzgibbonState Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
  • State Rep. Zach HallState Rep. Zach Hall
  • State Rep. Natasha HillState Rep. Natasha Hill
  • State Rep. Debra LekanoffState Rep. Debra Lekanoff
  • State Rep. Nicole MacriState Rep. Nicole Macri
  • State Rep, Sharlett MenaState Rep, Sharlett Mena
  • State Rep. Timm OrmsbyState Rep. Timm Ormsby
  • State Rep. Lillian Ortiz-SelfState Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self
  • State Rep. Lisa ParshleyState Rep. Lisa Parshley
  • State Rep. & Sno. Co. Councilmember Strom PetersonState Rep. & Sno. Co. Councilmember Strom Peterson
  • State Rep. Gerry PollettState Rep. Gerry Pollett
  • State Rep. Alex RamelState Rep. Alex Ramel
  • State Rep. Julia ReedState Rep. Julia Reed
  • State Rep. Adison RichardsState Rep. Adison Richards
  • State Rep. Shaun ScottState Rep. Shaun Scott
  • State Rep. Tarra SimmonsState Rep. Tarra Simmons
  • State Rep. Chipalo StreetState Rep. Chipalo Street
  • State Rep. My-Linh ThaiState Rep. My-Linh Thai
  • State Rep. Brianna ThomasState Rep. Brianna Thomas
  • State Rep. Joe TimmonsState Rep. Joe Timmons
  • State Rep. Tim Probst (fmr.)State Rep. Tim Probst (fmr.)
  • King Co. Councilmember Teresa MosquedaKing Co. Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda
  • Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg (fmr.)Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg (fmr.)
  • Spokane Co. Prosecuting Attorney Jim Sweetser (fmr.)Spokane Co. Prosecuting Attorney Jim Sweetser (fmr.)
  • Seattle City Council President Joy HollingsworthSeattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth
  • Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata (fmr.)Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata (fmr.)
  • Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson (fmr.)Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson (fmr.)

Plus 215 individual supporters listed by name on the campaign's page.

As listed on the campaign's endorsements page (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). We copy names as published and don't verify them.