Ian Birk, Candidate for Supreme Court, Position 4

Learn more about Ian Birk who is running for Washington State Supreme Court Justice, Position 4.

Staff Writer

Oct 16, 2026 - 2 min read

[Editor's note: This Candidate Statement was published without edits from The Highline Journal]

I am running for the Washington State Supreme Court because every Washingtonian deserves equal treatment under the law, access to justice, and a fair opportunity to be heard.

As a fifth-generation Washingtonian, I have dedicated my career to serving this state. I bring more than 20 years of legal experience as a trial and appellate lawyer, Supreme Court law clerk, and now a Court of Appeals judge. Since my appointment in 2022, I have authored more than 200 opinions and participated in hundreds of additional appellate decisions across a wide range of legal issues. I have also spent more than a decade volunteering with the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics, providing free legal assistance to those in need.

My priorities are to uphold the rule of law, protect judicial independence, and ensure every case receives careful, impartial consideration. Judges must follow the law and facts, free from political pressure, while treating everyone who comes before the court with dignity and respect.

I am honored to be the only candidate in this race with the support of over 100 Justices and judges from across our state, Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Washington State Labor Council, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Education Association, Washington Conservation Action, over 50 local Democratic organizations, and many more. I ask for your support to continue serving our state with fairness, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice for all Washingtonians.

Ian Birk is running against Sean O' Donnell.

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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