Government
[Editor's note: This Candidate Statement was published without edits from The Highline Journal]
As an Spokane native, I am proud to serve my home state on the Washington Supreme Court, working every day to uphold the rule of law and the rights of all Washingtonians.
In a moment where we are seeing unprecedented attacks on our rights and democratic institutions, I bring experience as a civil rights lawyer who has brought cases at every level of our justice system. Over more than a decade, I led the Civil Rights Division in the state Attorney General’s office. There, I brought cases to protect the rights of workers facing harassment, discrimination, wage theft, and other labor violations. And we protected Washingtonians from discrimination in housing, education, health care, insurance, credit transactions, and in their interactions with police and jails.
On the Supreme Court my goals are simple—to uphold the rights of all Washingtonians with integrity and fairness. The Supreme Court has a unique role to ensure Washington is a safer and more just place for everyone. I believe:
- Courts must safeguard Washington’s independence and longstanding protection of individual and constitutional rights, including in the workplace, at school, and in healthcare.
- Everyone deserves to be safe and free from violence, harassment, or discrimination. Crime victims and discrimination victims deserve dignity, respect, and safety.
- Our courts are a cornerstone of our democracy and must be transparent and accessible to everyone.
- Judges are public servants. They must listen, work hard, and approach each case with impartiality and humility.
Melody For Justice | Support Fair Justice Today
Support Justice Melody’s campaign to uphold fairness and integrity in Washington courts. Learn about her background, endorsements, and how to get involved.
Coleen Melody is running against Scott Edwards.
The Highline Journal extended the same invitation to both candidates. Publication is provided at no charge and does not constitute an endorsement.
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