Government
[Editor's note: This Candidate Statement was published without edits from The Highline Journal]
Sean O'Donnell - candidate for position 4, Supreme Court
Endorsed by The Seattle Times as the “clear choice” for Position 4 on the Washington State Supreme Court, Judge Sean O'Donnell brings 25 years of public service to the position as a trial judge, Supreme Court Justice Pro Tem, and former senior deputy prosecutor.
O'Donnell has served on the King County Superior Court since 2013. His fellow judges elected him President of the Superior Court Judges' Association, and he has served as Chief of King County's Family Law and Criminal Departments. He also serves as the Special Inquiry Judge for King County and is currently the lead judge at Harborview Medical Center’s mental health court.
O’Donnell has co-led statewide task forces to improve courthouse security and language access in our courts and to improve pre-trial release options for people accused of crimes and waiting their trials. He has been deeply involved in helping the legal profession and judiciary understand the implications of Artificial Intelligence.
Judge O’Donnell helped secure funding for training and staffing for King County’s weapons surrender calendar, which has resulted in hundreds of firearms being turned into police by people legally prohibited from having them.
Judge O’Donnell was a member of the Green River Task Force, which helped bring the Green River Killer to justice. He tried Washington's first human trafficking case and served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Throughout his career, Judge O’Donnell has worked to uphold Washington’s Constitution, protect Washingtonians’ civil liberties, and has built consensus working on practical, common sense judicial reform efforts. As one of his colleagues described him “Judge O’Donnell has uncommon common sense.”
O'Donnell is the only candidate in this race recommended by both major political parties, a reflection of his record of impartiality and of treating all sides fairly. He is endorsed by Governor Gary Locke, Governor Christine Gregoire, Congressman Adam Smith, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, and Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, and the majority of both the King County and Bellevue City Councils. He is also supported by 25 mayors including Bellevue, Spokane, and Everett, the Snohomish and Pierce County Executive, the Washington Farm Bureau, the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, and multiple unions and associations. More than 230 of Judge O’Donnell’s judicial colleagues from around the state support him.
The Supreme Court shapes the lives of every Washingtonian, often in ways we never notice until it matters most. Judge Sean O'Donnell offers deep experience, impartial decision making, and a background in public safety that will be a substantial and important addition to the Court.
Judge Sean O'Donnell for Supreme Court
Judge Sean P. O'Donnell is a 2026 candidate for the Washington State Supreme Court. Judge O'Donnell has 25 years of legal experience and currently serves as a King County Superior Court Judge.
Sean O' Donnell is running against Ian Birk.
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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