2024 will be a big year for statewide offices, federal congressional districts, and state legislative seats. Check back often as we roll out our endorsements for this year.
Are you running for office and seeking an endorsement? We're scheduling interviews! You'll find helpful information on our Get Endorsed page.
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SHORTCUT TO ENDORSEMENTS BY POSITION
The National Women's Political Caucus screens and endorses candidates for federal-level offices, provided with the input of the local and state organizations
CONGRESSIONAL POSITIONS |
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Maria Cantwell |
Susan DelBene |
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez |
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Emily Randall Dual Endorsement |
Hilary Franz Dual Endorsement |
Pramila Jayapal |
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Kim Schrier |
Marilyn Strickland |
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STATEWIDE POSITIONS |
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Patty Kuderer |
Patty is a mom, state senator and trial attorney who has lived her life in service to others. Her community volunteerism started nearly 40 years ago helping those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. She also served on non-profit boards and committees fighting to end extreme poverty and discrimination, and advancing reproductive rights. After serving one term in the WA state House, she went to the Senate where she has represented her District as its first female state senator since 2017. She currently chairs the Housing Committee where she passed the first in the nation statewide right to counsel in evictions and bills aimed at strengthening reproductive healthcare and gun safety. An ardent supporter of universal healthcare, Patty’s experience as an attorney taking on the insurance industry and her personal experience with health insurance during her newborn’s 5 month hospitalization stay motivates her to seek the position of Insurance Commissioner for Washington state. |
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Manka Dhingra |
State Senator Manka Dhingra is a 20-year Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor, award-winning behavioral health and community safety leader, and mom. In the State Senate, Manka has led efforts to protect survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, strengthen gun laws, as well as advance criminal justice reforms and policies rooted in her experience as a prosecutor and advocate for behavioral health innovations. As Attorney General, Manka is committed to protecting access to reproductive rights, safeguarding worker rights, holding polluters accountable, addressing the epidemic of gun violence, and improving the lives of every Washingtonian. Manka received her JD from the University of Washington, School of Law and her BA in Political Science and History from the University of California at Berkeley. A native of India, she will be the first immigrant, first person of color, and only second woman to serve as Washington State Attorney General. |
LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS |
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Davina Duerr |
A graduate of the Syracuse University School of Architecture, Davina moved to Seattle in 1997 seeking to pursue a career in sustainable architecture, While working part-time, she got involved with Bothell’s Landmark Preservation board and the Northshore Schools Foundation. She served on Bothell City Council from 2016-2022 and was appointed to the Washington state legislature in 2019 where she serves as the chair of the Local Government committee and well as on the Environment and Energy committee and Transportation committees. Her passion is the intersection of the environment, local government and buildings. Her legislative priorities are the environment and housing. Her most impactful legislative win to date was adding climate change as an element to the Growth Management Act in 2023. |
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Shelley Kloba |
Rep. Kloba brings over 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider to her role as legislator, but it was her experience with various non-profit and community organizations that led her to seek elected office. Later, she served on the Kirkland City Council for 3 years, then was elected to serve in the Legislature. She co-chairs the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee, where she focuses on the obligation to balance safety and fairness with minimizing and mitigating the inherent risks and harms of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and gambling. She has championed issues while listening to those who do not often get to share power. Whether making sure that autonomous vehicles take into account public safety and the needs of the disabled, winning cost of living adjustments for retirees, elevating the needs of medical cannabis users, or centering consumers in policies dealing with data privacy and artificial intelligence, Rep. Kloba works to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. |
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Victoria Hunt Dual Endorsement |
A dedicated and experienced community leader, passionate environmental scientist, and proud mother, Victoria Hunt is running to represent Washington’s 5th District. In her service on the Issaquah City Council since 2018, Victoria has championed initiatives for affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and enhancing public safety. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive community that serves as a model for the entire 5th LD and beyond. With a rich background that includes a PhD in Ecology and experience as Chief Data Officer at Crosswalk Labs, Victoria is uniquely qualified to address the challenges facing our region. Her efforts in Issaquah—ranging from developing a Climate Action Plan to advocating for equitable community services—illustrate her holistic and collaborative approach to governance. Victoria’s work is driven by the belief that thoughtful planning and proactive environmental conservation are key to ensuring a vibrant future. |
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Kristiana de Leon Dual Endorsement |
Kristiana de Leon has been serving on the Black Diamond City Council since 2019, when she left her seven years in public education to serve her community through elected leadership. She unseated an incumbent who was a leader of a hate group and statewide militia, and since then, has been building the bench and paying it forward to support candidates, and particularly women and people of color. She serves as government lead on a local youth mental health advocacy consortium, and as Board Member for a local environmental advocacy organization and for the Association for Secular Elected Officials. Because of her tenacious commitment to her work, local leaders encouraged her to run for the open 5th LD House Seat out of excitement in her continuing to make waves on public education, support for rapidly growing communities, tax fairness, and necessary advocacy on human rights, including healthcare, housing, a sustainable environment, and gender-affirming and reproductive care. |
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Janet St.Clair |
I spent my 30+ year career as first a bilingual teacher and then a social worker working while also serving as a volunteer foster parent, helping children find stability and permanency in their lives. As a director of large social service organizations, I balanced complex, multi-million dollar budgets with diverse funding streams. I worked on cutting edge, integrated behavioral health and primary care services that recognized the importance of both physical and mental health. After I “retired”, I volunteered for Island County on the Community Health Advisory Board, as a Board Member on the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center and worked part-time helping establish a nascent non-profit environmental organization. Believing the county needed to better reflect the needs of the communities they served, I successfully ran for County Commissioner in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. |
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Terri Niles |
Terri will take a positive and professional approach to addressing the challenges we face today. She believes we need to continue to stand strong on women's rights and reproductive freedoms in Washington and we need to stay vigilant. We have to make critical investments and provide support for our increasingly diverse communities to become a warm and inviting community for All who live here. She will embrace inclusive policies that support our multicultural, multinational district making sure that all voices are at the table and part of the political process. She will draw upon her experience and history working with our diverse communities, as a nurse representative for her union, labor negotiator, as a very active women's advocate and as a healthcare professional to work to build a more equitable future for all. These are actions that promotes community growth and builds community bonds. Now is the time for innovative solutions that build an inclusive and equitable future for ALL. |
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Lillian Ortiz-Self |
Lillian Ortiz-Self, graduated with a Master's in Public Administration and a Master's of Counseling from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Her work experience includes: working as a clinician, supervisor, clinical director and executive director in community mental health agencies. She has also worked across child serving systems advocating for the educational and mental health needs of children and youth. Lillian has served as a School Counselor in the Everett School District for 20 plus years. She has worked her whole career as an advocate for racial equity and social justice for all. |
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Jessica Bateman |
Jessica grew up in the PNW, raised by a working-class single mom, and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She received an associate degree from Green River Community College, a graduate degree in public administration, and an undergraduate degree in environmental studies from Evergreen State College. Before being elected to the state house, she served five years on the Olympia City Council, including two years as Deputy Mayor. In her day job, she works as a strategic advisor for community health centers in Washington and is a WFSE member. As a state representative, she has led on housing, healthcare, and supporting our seniors. Some of her proudest accomplishments include securing over 1.2 billion dollars to address our housing & homelessness crisis, passing middle housing, improving access to comprehensive and affordable health care and protecting reproductive rights in Washington. |
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Beth Doglio |
Beth Doglio, an advocate for women's rights, brings a wealth of experience to her role as a state legislator. With a background in environmental advocacy and leadership roles in organizations like Climate Solutions, Beth has championed clean energy initiatives and fought for climate action. Her commitment to reproductive rights is evident through her work at NARAL and her advocacy for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare in the Legislature. As a staunch supporter of abortion rights and access to family planning, Beth is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. With her intersectional approach to policymaking and commitment to equity, Beth is a tireless advocate for women and marginalized communities. |
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Lisa Parshley |
Lisa Parshley is a dedicated public servant who serves her community on the Olympia City Council. She has been an active member of various city committees including Land Use and Environment, Tribal Relations, Public Safety, and Finance. Her term is 2018-2026. * Her regional community contributions include serving on various inter-jurisdictional committees: Thurston County Climate Mitigation, Olympia Sea Level Rise Phase I through III, Thurston Communication (911), Joint Animal Services Commission, LOTT Clean Water Alliance Board, and Regional Fire District Planning. * Dr Parshley's professional journey began by earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Oregon Health Sciences University and a postdoctoral fellowship at University of Washington. She received a DVM from Colorado State University. She completed an internship at Cornell University and a medical oncology residency at Michigan State University. She is also a small businesswoman, owning the Olympia Veterinary Specialists. |
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Jamila Taylor |
Jamila E. Taylor is a State Representative for the 30th District. She is the Chair of the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, Chair of the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Caucus, and Vice Chair of the House Members of Color Caucus. She also serves on the Washington State Women’s Commission. Outside of her legislative duties, Jamila is a staff attorney with Purpose Dignity Action. She provides civil legal services to recently unhoused individuals and her work focuses on family law, housing, and debt relief. Prior to joining PDA, statewide advocacy counsel at Northwest Justice Project. An experienced regional leader, she has more than 25 years of community involvement and advocacy experience. Jamila currently serves as a board member for BlackPast.org, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She graduated from University of Oregon School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence and obtained her BA in Sociology from Virginia State University. |
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Kristine Reeves |
First elected in 2017, Kristine was the first African American woman to join the legislature in nearly two decades and the only mom with young children at the time. Kristine has been a forceful advocate for women, children, working families, veterans, and the environment. With experience in community and economic development, she has led efforts in childcare reform, environmental justice, and consumer protection, drawing on her background as a first-generation college graduate, former foster youth, & someone who has faced homelessness. Kristine co-founded and now serves as Vice Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus; holds vice chairmanships on Consumer Protection & Business, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and is a member of the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee. The CEO of a strategic planning and change management firm, a doctoral student specializing in political institutions as places of work, a wife, and a working mom of two school-age kids, Kristine keeps busy. |
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Cindy Ryu |
Rep. Cindy Ryu is running for an 8th term in the State House of Representatives. She chairs the Innovation, Community & Economic Development and Veterans Committee. She also serves as a US Vice Chair of Pacific Northwest Economic Council and as a member of the FCC Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. Rep. Ryu previously served as Council member and Mayor of City of Shoreline, becoming the first Korean American woman mayor in the USA. She seeks to improve our disaster preparedness and resilience while advancing economic empowerment of women and working families. |
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Tina Orwall |
Tina has represented the 33rd district since 2009 and serves as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives. Rape kit reform and creating a trauma-informed response for survivors of sexual assault, AI/intimate images and fertility fraud protections, 988/suicide prevention and strengthening our crisis response system, anti-trafficking, the Foreclosure Fairness Act and other consumer protections for homeowners, improving language access in the schools, compensation for those wrongly convicted, airport impact mitigation and improving air quality, and adoptee rights are among her legislative accomplishments. Tina has worked with all levels of government to help embrace best practices to better serve the community. Her 20 years of experience working in the public mental health system, as well as her expertise in strategic planning in workforce development and affordable housing have established her as a valued legislator and community leader. |
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Mia Su-Ling Gregerson |
Mia was adopted in Taiwan by military parents who raised her in South King County. Mia spent over twenty years in the dental field and was first elected to the SeaTac city council in 2007. There she was the first woman of color elected to the city council and led on issues related to community inclusion and the first 15 dollar minimum wage increase. She was then appointed to the State legislature in 2013 and has served on several committees and commissions. Mia currently serves as the Vice Chair of Appropriations and the Chair of the House Democratic Members of Color Caucus. She spends her time back in the district meeting with community groups or hiking in her free time. Her daughter Alexis just moved back to Seattle and works for Amazon. |
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Liz Berry |
State Representative Liz Berry represents Washington's 36th legislative district located in the shadow of Space Needle. It includes the Northwest Seattle neighborhoods of Queen Anne, Magnolia, Interbay, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Crown Hill, and Greenwood. Liz is Chair of the Labor & Workplace Standards Committee and Member of the Environment & Energy and Transportation Committees where she is a passionate advocate for working families, combating climate change, and ending gun violence in our communities. A lifelong champion for women in leadership and reproductive justice, Liz proudly served as President of the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington and as a board member of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. She lives with her husband and two young children, George and Eleanor, in Queen Anne. |
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Sharon Tomiko Santos |
Elected in 1998, Sharon Tomiko Santos represents the diverse communities of the 37th Legislative District where she grew up and forged decades of leadership on women’s rights, immigrant and refugee rights, and civil rights. In 1996, Santos was honored by the Washington State Women’s Political Caucus; she received the Hate Free Zone 2006 Leadership in Justice in Government award; and, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Organizing Committee gave her a Lifetime Achievement award in 2019. As a legislator, Santos focuses on issues of educational equity, access to public contracts for women and minority owned businesses, and community development and preservation. Santos is the Chair of the House Education Committee and sits on the Consumer Protection & Business and Finance committees. A graduate of Evergreen State College and Northeastern University, Santos worked in banking, in local government, and in non-profit management. She is a former Chair of the King County Women’s Political Caucus. |
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Mary Fosse |
Mary Fosse is a mother of two, wife of a veteran, survivor, daughter of a single mother, and State Representative for the 38th LD. She has long been known for her dedication to community advocacy and volunteer service. Having experienced childhood homelessness and poverty, she has become a leader in advocating for workers’ rights and equitable policy. She has been a consistant champion of resources for childcare and early learning, as well as passing legislation expanding safetynets for working families. She has also been successful in passing bold policy to reform our criminal justice system, and increase access to apprenticeships and avenues to diversify our building and construction trade workforce. She serves as House Assistant Majority Whip, as Vice Chair of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee, and on the Capital Budget and Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committees, and on the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. |
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Liz Lovelett |
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Lisa Wellman |
I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in education and psychology. Starting as a teacher, my career moved to technology where I served as computer programmer and systems analyst on main frames before moving to the desktop. I developed my background managing technical and sales training, public relations, produc.t development and marketing. I was recruited by Apple and grew my initial position to VP of worldwide creative markets, Recruited by HP to be President and CEO of a spin-off brought me to Seattle. With colleagues I created "digital marketing" and held the first conference on that at Javits Center in NYC. I started a consultancy and conference on sustainability that worked with many companies. I was recruited by Governor Gregoire to join the Community Economic Revitalization Board where I served for 7 years. I was asked to run for the Senate in 2016 and have now served 2 terms on Education Committee, Energy, Environment & Technology and Ways in addition to numerous workgroups. |
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Tana Senn |
Tana Senn has served the people of the 41st LD since 2013. After receiving her Master in Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University, Tana worked at Hadassah, the largest Jewish women's organization in the country, as their American Affairs/Domestic Policy Director. After moving to Seattle, she worked for over a decade in marketing and communications for nonprofits and foundations until becoming a Mercer Island City Councilmember. Tana serves as Chair of the Human Services, Youth and Early Learning Committee and on the Appropriations Committee, and is known for her passage of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act and the Fair Start for Kids Act. She is the founder of the Mom's Caucus, serves as co-President of the National Assocation of Jewish Legislators and on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. In 2021, Tana received the inaugural Marian Wright Edelman Award from the Women's Commission. |
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Alicia Rule |
Alicia Rule and her family have been part of Whatcom County for five generations. Professionally, she is a social worker and therapist in private practice and has worked to help adoptions, in the schools helping kids who are struggling, support people living with disabilities, children who have been abused, sexual abuse survivors and hospice care. Currently, she owns Rule and Associates, a small therapy practice. She also launched and served as the past president of the Blaine Downtown Development Association, working with small business owners to help attract family wage jobs. Currently, Alicia is serving her second term as a State Representative. |
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Nicole Macri |
First elected to the State House in 2016, Nicole has been a legislative leader in housing justice, health care access, and in enacting protections for LGBTQ people and people with disabilities. She has introduced and passed policies to protect renters and increase health care affordability and access, and works to prioritize behavioral and reproductive health and long-term care in the State budget. Nicole is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, serves on the Health Care and Wellness Committee, and co-chairs the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Outside the Legislature, she is Deputy Director of the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) which provides housing, integrated health care, and other social services in the Seattle area. In 2019, Nicole was named one of Seattle’s most influential people by Seattle Magazine and again in 2021 by Seattle Met magazine. In 2022, Nicole received the Human Right to Housing Award from the National Homelessness Law Center. |
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Darya Farivar |
Darya Farivar (she/they) is proud to serve as the State Representative for the 46th LD in Lake City. She is the youngest member of the House of Representatives and the first-ever Middle Eastern woman elected to the legislature. As the daughter of immigrants who fled Iran because of the revolution, she keeps her heritage close to her heart and believes in the leadership of those most impacted. In the legislature, she focuses on the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness, and the criminal legal system. Darya believes deeply in disability justice and works as the Community Engagement Manager at Disability Rights Washington. Off the clock, she serves on the board of directors at the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, volunteers for Peyvand a cultural non-profit, and is the former Chair of the Seattle Women’s Commission. She received her degree in communicative disorders with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies from the University of Redlands. |
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Debra Entenman |
Debra Entenman is a graduate of Seattle University with a B.A. in Political Science. As a non- traditional student. At age 41 Debra began her career in politics and government, volunteering with the Children’s Alliance, working for the House Democratic Caucus session aid leading to 12years of employment with the office of Congressman Adam Smith; the last three as District Office Director. Debra has supported reproductive rights, protection of a woman’s health data and Medicaid funding for doulas and midwives to improve African American maternal health outcomes. |
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Vandana Slatter |
State Rep. Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue) has been serving since 2017, working on progressive legislation to increase access to education, reproductive rights & healthcare, workers rights, address climate change, grow affordable housing, and create an inclusive and innovative economy for all. Vandana previously served on the Bellevue City Council, the State Board of Pharmacy and was formerly a member of SEIU. She has always championed access to medicine, innovation, education, and the opportunity to serve in public office, especially for women and BIPOC individuals. In the legislature, Vandana has passed nation-leading policies including aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, health data privacy, postsecondary education and apprenticeships for first generation students, multimodal transportation investments, behavioral health workforce, student loan forgiveness, and opportunities for women and all workers to strengthen and fully participate our economy.
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Amy Walen |
my Walen was educated in Australia and earned a Law Degree and a degree in Political Science. She is a cancer survivor, step-mother and dog lover. After the acquisition of a business in Kirkland, Amy became involved in community, and ran for Kirkland City Council in 2009. She served on the City Council for 9 years, with 4 as Mayor. Amy was a champion for creation of affordable housing, support for seniors, education and expansion of parks and open spaces. Amy served as President of the Sound Cities Association, representing cities in King County and supporting regional efforts to end homelessness, to develop transit and tackle climate change. After determining that state action was required to go further in housing policy and to address preventable gun violence, Amy ran for the state legislature, and won a seat in the 48th legislative district. During her 6 years in the State House, Amy has been a bold leader. She currently chairs the Consumer Protection & Business Committee. |
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Annette Cleveland |
Annette Cleveland currently serves as state senator representing the 49th Legislative District encompassing the City of Vancouver and portions of Clark County. She was elected in November 2012. In addition to her public service, Ms. Cleveland has over 39 years of experience in advertising, communications, government affairs, community relations and strategic planning. Her career includes serving as a Congressional staff person for over a decade, and 14 years in health care working for a hospital-based health care system. As a wife and mom, Annette's priorities include support of the pillars of a healthy community; access to quality education, quality jobs and quality health care. As Chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee over the past 8 years, her focuses are on access to reproductive health care, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. Annette is passionate about sound policy, service to others and mission driven work.v |
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Sharon Wylie |
Sharon Wylie has served in the Wa State House since 2011. She has been politically active in women’s and civil rights issues for more than 40 years. She serves on the Transportation,Finance and is a chair of the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee. In addition she is on the State Arts Commission and Economic Development Finance Authority. In the 90’s she served two terms in the Oregon House of Representatives. Sharon Wylie has worked as a management and human resource consultant, non-profit manager, owned a small business and was a city administrator. She has been married for more than 40 years and has two daughters and four grandchildren. Gardening, oil painting and spending active time in the forest and mountains are important in her life. Sharon was trained and served as a facilitator for the National Institute for Civil Discourse and had provided training for state legislators for values-based leadership and working across the aisle. |
COUNTY POSITIONS |
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Melanie Bacon |
Melanie Bacon is the incumbent Island County District 1 Commissioner, a position she has held since January 2021. Prior to running for political office she spent thirty years working in Human Resources and Compensation. A Vietnam-era Army Veteran, Ms. Bacon has spent most of her life working on and advocating for women's issues, including reproductive rights, the Equal Rights Amendment, protection for victims of domestic violence, childcare, school safety, affordable housing, and equitable treatment for all residents in all governmental policies, practices, and laws. Where once she advocated for women's issues as an observer, she is grateful to be able now to make positive change for women from a position of power. She appreciates the endorsement she received in 2020 from the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, and hopes to be endorsed once again for this campaign. |
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Heidi Eisenhour |
Elected to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners in 2020, Heidi Eisenhour is an experienced non-profit executive having served as Chief Operating Officer at the Northwest Maritime Center and Executive Director at Jefferson Land Trust previously. A longtime advocate for natural resource conservation, Heidi grew up in a commercial fishing family on a 50’ troller in the Port Townsend boatyard and on the Pacific Ocean. Over her first term as a Commissioner she has served on committees focused on diverse issues including solid waste, marine resources and behavioral health. She has also played an active role in statewide forestry issues. Heidi has lived in Jefferson County since 1981 and attended both Chimacum and Port Townsend Schools. She graduated from The Evergreen State College with a degree in Environmental Science in 1994. |
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Carolina Mejia |
Carolina Mejia, a dedicated resident of Thurston County for over a decade, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Pre-Law minor from Christian Brothers University. With experience in law and as a Judicial Assistant in Thurston County Superior Court, Carolina's commitment to advocacy extends to her roles as Chair of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners and Vice Chair of the Board of Health. Her initiatives have empowered marginalized communities, particularly women entrepreneurs, reflecting her unwavering dedication to equity and inclusion. First elected in 2021, Carolina's leadership and advocacy exemplify her commitment to serving her constituents with integrity and compassion. |
JUDICIAL POSITIONS |
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Sheryl Gordon McCloud |
Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud was elected to the Washington Supreme Court in 2012 and re-elected in 2018 after more than 25 years as an accomplished lawyer serving clients across the state. As a Supreme Court Justice, she co-Chairs the Court’s Gender & Justice Commission. She also serves as the Court’s liaison to the Washington State Bar’s Council on Public Defense. She is a long time member of the Court’s Rules Committee, responsible for rules governing trials throughout the state – such as rules targeting race discrimination in jury selection. In addition, she speaks regularly at legal and community events throughout the state on topics ranging from the importance of an independent judicial branch to current noteworthy cases. Her dedication and expertise as a Justice have been recognized by groups ranging from Washington Women Lawyers to the Cardozo Society. Justice McCloud's decisions decisions reflect careful attention to constitutional and individual rights. |
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Maureen McKee |
Judge Maureen McKee obtained a BA degree from Oberlin College and JD degree from Cornell Law School. Prior to law school, Judge McKee was committed to public service, working as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer in Chicago and at the YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities in New York. Upon graduating from law school, Judge McKee joined The Defender Association in Seattle where she was a public defender for over 15 years. In the fall of 2018, Judge McKee was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the King County Superior Court. Since her appointment, Judge McKee has presided over family law, dependency, civil commitment, civil and criminal matters. She strives to ensure that every litigant who comes before her is treated with respect and dignity. |
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Haydee Vargas
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Judge Haydee Vargas is a native Spanish speaker and a proud member of the Latina/o/x community. She has served honorably as a public servant, both as a public defender for indigent King County residents for 18 years, and then as a judge in King County Superior Court for 2 years. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked hard to attend college and law school as the first member of her immediate family. With the help of scholarships, financial aid, and working while going to school, Judge Vargas was able to achieve her dream of getting a four-year degree, a law degree, and successfully practice as a public defender and then as a judge. Judge Vargas remains an active volunteer in the community including mentoring attorneys, serving as a moot court judge, at youth law forums, and at local K-12 schools where her children attend. |
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Averil Rothrock |
Judge Rothrock joined the King County Superior Court bench on October 28, 2018. She has twice been elected to the position, in 2019 and 2020. Judge Rothrock is a lifelong resident of King County and a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle. She obtained a B.A. cum laude from Colorado College, and obtained her J.D. cum laude from Willamette University College of Law. Before becoming a judge, Judge Rothrock represented clients for 24 years of private practice at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt. Judge Rothrock developed significant experience in the appellate courts. Judge Rothrock served as Chief Juvenile Court Judge in 2022. In 2024, Judge Rothrock's peers elected her Assistant Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court. Judge Rothrock has served on the SCJA Family and Juvenile Law committee for 5 years and volunteered for the Gender and Justice Commission working on revisions of the civil protection order statutes. |
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Elizabeth Berns |
Judge Berns graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a B.S. in Environmental Health and Law. In 1993, she received her J.D. from the University of Puget Sound School of Law. Judge Berns began her legal career working with the State Attorney General’s Office, Division of Labor & Industries. She then opened her own practice supporting individuals, families, and businesses in the areas of workers’ compensation, estate planning and probate, business and intellectual property, and family law. In 2009, Judge Berns began serving her community as a Pro Tem Judge and Commissioner in Municipal, District and Superior Courts. Judge Berns joined the King County Superior Court Bench in January 2013. She provides judicial education and training in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the impact of trauma exposure. She has co-authored chapters in several Bench Guides for Judges, and has held multiple leadership positions on the Court. |
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Coreen Wilson |
Coreen Wilson was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench by Governor Inslee in December 2022. Prior to becoming a judge, she was a civil trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in the courtroom. She has tried more than 40 cases and has litigated thousands more, including the nation's first binding civil jury trial to be litigated over Zoom. She is an executive board member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, has been named a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics Magazine, and has been named a Top Attorney in Washington State by Seattle Met Magazine. As an instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, she has taught at the Women in Trial Seminar, assisting young attorneys who identify as female in developing their trial advocacy skills. She has published a number of articles in a variety of legal journals and has presented at seminars across the country. As a judge, she continues to mentor young women developing their legal careers. |
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Heather Shand |
Heather Shand is a proud member of a long-time Skagit Valley family and currently serves our Superior Court as a Commissioner. Building on her years of judicial experience, she is now a 2024 candidate for Skagit County Superior Court Judge where she seeks to fill the vacancy created by the announced retirement of Judge Brian Stiles. Heather is a member of Skagit Rotary and has been the recipient of two Paul Harris Awards for her service to the community. She is a Board Member of the Skagit Women Alliance Network (SWAN), founding board member of Skagit Legal Aid, founding board member of Hoop for the Valley, and former board member of the Children’s Museum of Skagit County and the Skagit Symphony. Commissioner Shand lives in Conway with her teenage daughter, Addison, and contributes time to various youth sports. She believes in the importance of teaching our children how to make positive choices to successfully deal with life’s challenges. |
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Cindy Larsen |
Judge Cindy Larsen was elected to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2016. She is a life-long Washington resident, earning both her BA and Law Degree at the University of Washington. Judge Larsen has served Snohomish County as a law clerk, deputy prosecuting attorney, and judge for over 28 years. Judge Larsen has been a strong leader in our community and in the state-wide Superior Court Judges Association. She volunteers as a Mock Trial Judge and has taught the Street Law program at Cascade High School. Judge Larsen is particularly passionate about areas of law that impact children. She focused on crimes against children and Juvenile Court when she was a Deputy Prosecutor and served over 3 years as Family Drug Treatment Court judge, working to help parents struggling with substance use disorders to reunite with their children. Judge Larsen lives in Everett with her husband Jeff and has raised three grown children, Lauren, Jake and Grace. |
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Anna Alexander |
Judge Anna Alexander was elected as the clear choice for Superior Court Judge because of her exceptional experience and record of accomplishment for the citizens of Snohomish County. Judge Alexander has earned a strong reputation for work ethic, integrity, and fairness in her courtroom. She is trusted to make intelligent, timely decisions in complicated matters, saving litigants valuable time and resources and enhancing the overall efficiency of the court system. Judge Anna Alexander is respected for her fairness and independence. That's why she has strong support from her community. Judge Alexander is endorsed by judges at every level of the courts-the Washington Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior, District and Municipal courts. Judge Alexander's diversity of legal experience -- in all areas of the law -- is needed on the bench. Anna Alexander has the values, knowledge and commitment to our community we expect from our public officials -- especially our judges. |
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Whitney Rivera |
Judge Whitney Rivera was appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2024. She previously served for more than three years as the Edmonds Municipal Court Judge. Judge Rivera grew up in Snohomish County and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and literature from the University of Washington. She earned her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Rivera was a public defender for 14 years. She was primarily a trial attorney. She also did appellate work and has argued cases before the Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. Judge Rivera served as the supervisor of the misdemeanor unit at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association, where she trained and supervised new attorneys. Judge Rivera has mentored many young women just starting their legal careers and has spent many hours in classrooms encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in the legal field and public service. |
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Jennifer Langbehn |
Judge Jennifer Langbehn was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to fill a vacant seat on the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2018. She successfully retained her seat by election in 2019, was re-elected in 2020, and now stands for re-election in 2024. Judge Langbehn is a Washington native who graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2005 and had a 13-year career representing Snohomish County parents and families in dependency and termination actions, adoptions and other family law matters. She also served as an Arbitrator and a Superior Court Commissioner pro tempore. Since joining the bench, Judge Langbehn has served in a number of leadership positions, including chairing the Superior Court’s Family Law Committee in 2019 and 2020, and chairing the Court Operations committee since 2021. In 2021, she was honored to be ranked 1st in the quadrennial Snohomish County Bar Association Judicial Evaluation. Judge Langbehn and her husband live in Everett with their two sons. |
