WASHINGTON STATE SUPREME COURT

Complete Justice Profiles - 2026

Moses Lake Schools Transparency Initiative
Website: moseslakeschools.info
Research Compiled: January 16, 2026
Equal Scrutiny Applied to All Justices

Washington Supreme Court Justices 2026

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Power You Don't See: Nine justices on the Washington State Supreme Court have more power over Moses Lake schools than the entire 19-member House Education Committee combined. Yet when you go to vote for them, all you see is "NON-PARTISAN" on the ballot.

The McCleary Decision (2012): These nine justices ordered the Washington State Legislature to spend an additional $13+ billion on K-12 education, held the Legislature in contempt, and imposed $100,000 per day fines until lawmakers complied.

Key Finding: The Supreme Court can override voter-approved initiatives, order billions in new spending, and fundamentally restructure how schools are funded—yet voters receive almost zero information about who these justices are, how they got there, or what they believe.

Current Composition (2026):

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. The Power Hierarchy: Who Controls Moses Lake Schools
  2. The McCleary Decision: How Nine Judges Changed Everything
  3. All 9 Current Justices (2026):
    1. Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens (Wrote McCleary Opinion)
    2. Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson (35 years)
    3. Justice Barbara A. Madsen (On McCleary Court)
    4. Justice Steven C. GonzĂĄlez
    5. Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud
    6. Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis (First Native American)
    7. Justice G. Helen Whitener
    8. Justice Salvador A. Mungia (Elected 2024)
    9. Justice Colleen M. Melody (Appointed Jan 2026)
  4. The "Non-Partisan" Election Myth
  5. Power Structure Analysis
  6. 2026 Election Information

THE POWER HIERARCHY OVER MOSES LAKE SCHOOLS

Who Really Controls Education in Washington?

The Chain of Command:

  1. WASHINGTON STATE SUPREME COURT (9 Justices)
    • Can order Legislature to spend billions
    • Can hold elected officials in contempt
    • Can override voter-approved initiatives
    • Can restructure entire education funding system
    • Final word on all education law
  2. WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
    • Passes education laws
    • Controls state education budget
    • Must comply with Supreme Court orders
  3. HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE (19 Members)
    • Controls which bills advance
    • Shapes education policy
    • Cannot override Supreme Court
  4. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (OSPI)
    • Implements state policy
    • Administers education programs
  5. MOSES LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
    • Follows state law and court orders
    • Limited local control

Bottom Line: The Supreme Court sits at the top of this pyramid. Nine justices you probably never heard of have more power over your children's education than anyone else in state government.

THE McCLEARY DECISION: HOW NINE JUDGES CHANGED EVERYTHING

McCleary v. State of Washington (2012)

What Happened: On January 5, 2012, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled 9-0 (with partial dissents) that the State Legislature had failed its constitutional duty to "make ample provision for the education of all children."

The Order: The Court ordered the Legislature to fully fund K-12 education, which ultimately required $13+ billion in new spending over six years.

Who Wrote It: Justice Debra L. Stephens wrote the 62-page opinion. She is now Chief Justice and still serves on the court.

The Six-Year Battle (2012-2018)

2014: Court holds Legislature in contempt for failing to act quickly enough

2015: Court imposes $100,000 PER DAY sanctions until Legislature complies

2017: Legislature passes massive education funding bill

2018: Court finally lifts contempt sanctions, declares victory

What Changed:

The Precedent:

McCleary established that the Supreme Court can:

This is unprecedented power. And three of the justices who made this decision are still on the court today.

THE 9 CURRENT JUSTICES (2026)

Here are complete profiles of all nine current Washington State Supreme Court justices, presented with the same level of scrutiny and transparency we applied to the House Education Committee.

1. CHIEF JUSTICE DEBRA L. STEPHENS

Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens

Position: Chief Justice (Position 7)
Chief Justice Term: January 2025 - January 2029
First Appointed: November 2008 by Governor Christine Gregoire (D)
Elected: 2010, 2016, 2022
Term Expires: January 2029
McCleary Role: WROTE THE McCLEARY OPINION (2012)

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

McCLEARY AUTHOR

Justice Stephens wrote the most consequential education decision in Washington State history.

Her 62-page McCleary opinion:

From Opinion to Chief Justice: The justice who wrote McCleary now leads the entire court as Chief Justice. This represents complete continuity from the 2012 decision to present day.

CHIEF JUSTICE POWERS

As Chief Justice, Stephens:

DESCRIBED AS

Media and legal observers describe Justice Stephens as:

ELECTION HISTORY

2010: Elected to six-year term (after 2008 appointment)
2016: Re-elected unopposed
2022: Re-elected unopposed

Note: Has never faced a competitive election. All three elections were uncontested.

SIGNIFICANCE

Chief Justice Stephens represents complete continuity from McCleary to present:

Direct Line: The justice who ordered $13 billion in education spending now leads the court that oversees education policy.

2. ASSOCIATE CHIEF JUSTICE CHARLES W. JOHNSON

Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson

Position: Associate Chief Justice (Position 2)
First Elected: 1990 (defeated incumbent Chief Justice Keith Callow)
Term Expires: January 2027
Years on Court: 35 years (longest-serving current justice)
McCleary Role: Voted with majority

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

HISTORIC 1990 ELECTION

Justice Johnson made history in 1990 by defeating sitting Chief Justice Keith Callow—one of the rare instances when a Washington Supreme Court incumbent lost re-election.

Campaign Issues:

35 YEARS ON THE COURT

Justice Johnson has served longer than any other current justice:

McCLEARY PARTICIPATION

Justice Johnson was on the court in 2012 when McCleary was decided and voted with the majority. He represents institutional continuity from that era to present.

ELECTION HISTORY

1990: Defeated incumbent Chief Justice Callow
1996: Re-elected
2002: Re-elected
2008: Re-elected
2014: Re-elected
2020: Re-elected unopposed

Current Term: Expires January 2027 (next election November 2026)

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Johnson's 35-year tenure makes him the institutional memory of the court. He has participated in virtually every major education decision since 1990.

3. JUSTICE BARBARA A. MADSEN

Justice Barbara A. Madsen

Position: Justice (Position 5)
First Elected: 1992
Term Expires: January 2029
Years on Court: 33+ years
Former Chief Justice: 2010-2017
McCleary Role: Chief Justice when McCleary decided; partially dissented on judicial oversight

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

CHIEF JUSTICE DURING McCLEARY

Justice Madsen was Chief Justice in January 2012 when the McCleary decision came down. This gave her unique authority and responsibility for one of the most consequential decisions in state history.

McCLEARY PARTIAL DISSENT

Important Nuance: While Justice Madsen agreed the state had failed its constitutional duty to fund education, she partially dissented on the court's decision to retain jurisdiction and oversee the Legislature.

Her Concern: Separation of powers. She argued the court was overstepping its bounds by supervising the legislative branch for years.

The Irony: As Chief Justice, Madsen presided over the very judicial supervision she had warned against.

GENDER AND JUSTICE COMMISSION

Justice Madsen chairs the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission, which focuses on:

Critics: Some conservative legal observers say Madsen "wants to drive the court in a certain direction" focused on gender equity.

ELECTION HISTORY

1992: Elected (third woman on court)
1998: Re-elected
2004: Re-elected
2010: Re-elected
2016: Re-elected
2022: Re-elected unopposed

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Madsen represents direct continuity from McCleary era:

4. JUSTICE STEVEN C. GONZÁLEZ

Justice Steven C. GonzĂĄlez

Position: Justice (Position 8)
First Appointed: January 2012 by Governor Christine Gregoire (D)
Elected: 2012, 2018, 2024
Term Expires: January 2031

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

APPOINTED WEEKS BEFORE McCLEARY

Timing: Justice GonzĂĄlez was appointed in January 2012, just weeks before the McCleary decision was announced. While he did not participate in the original decision, he has been deeply involved in its enforcement and subsequent education cases.

BACKGROUND AS PUBLIC DEFENDER

Justice GonzĂĄlez's experience as a public defender and immigration attorney gives him a different perspective from many justices:

JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

Described as progressive on:

ELECTION HISTORY

2012: Elected after 2012 appointment
2018: Re-elected
2024: Re-elected

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice GonzĂĄlez represents the generation that has enforced McCleary since its inception, even though he wasn't on the court when it was decided.

5. JUSTICE SHERYL GORDON McCLOUD

Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud

Position: Justice (Position 9)
First Appointed: June 2013 by Governor Jay Inslee (D)
Elected: 2014, 2020
Term Expires: January 2027

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

APPOINTED DURING McCLEARY ENFORCEMENT

Justice Gordon McCloud joined the court in 2013, during the height of McCleary enforcement. She has participated in:

JUDICIAL APPROACH

Known for:

ELECTION HISTORY

2014: Elected after 2013 appointment
2020: Re-elected

Next Election: November 2026

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Gordon McCloud has been part of the McCleary enforcement era, voting consistently to maintain pressure on the Legislature.

6. JUSTICE RAQUEL MONTOYA-LEWIS

Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis

Position: Justice (Position 3)
First Appointed: December 2019 by Governor Jay Inslee (D)
Elected: November 2020
Term Expires: January 2027
Historic First: First Native American justice on Washington Supreme Court

BACKGROUND

Tribal Affiliation:

Education:

Professional Experience:

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Montoya-Lewis broke multiple barriers:

TRIBAL LAW EXPERTISE

Justice Montoya-Lewis brings unique experience:

2020 ELECTION

Historic Victory: After her appointment in 2019, Justice Montoya-Lewis ran for election in November 2020 and won, becoming the first Native American elected to statewide office in Washington.

Campaign Focus:

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Montoya-Lewis represents diversity on the court and brings tribal justice perspective to education and other issues affecting Native American communities.

Next Election: November 2026

7. JUSTICE G. HELEN WHITENER

Justice G. Helen Whitener

Position: Justice (Position 6)
First Appointed: April 2020 by Governor Jay Inslee (D)
Elected: November 2022
Term Expires: January 2029

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

APPOINTED DURING COVID

Justice Whitener was appointed in April 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her appointment continued the trend toward greater diversity on the court.

COURT DIVERSITY

After Justice Whitener's appointment in 2020, the Washington Supreme Court was called "arguably the most diverse court, state or federal, in American history" by legal observers.

2020 Composition:

ELECTION HISTORY

November 2022: Ran unopposed for full six-year term

Note: Has never faced a competitive election.

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Whitener is part of the court's most recent transformation toward greater diversity and represents the Inslee-era appointments.

8. JUSTICE SALVADOR A. MUNGIA

Justice Salvador A. Mungia

Position: Justice (Position 1)
Elected: November 2024
Term Begins: January 2025
Term Expires: January 2031
Unique Status: First justice elected WITHOUT prior gubernatorial appointment since 2012

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

2024 ELECTION: COMPETITIVE RACE

Justice Mungia's 2024 election was unusual because it was actually competitive—most Supreme Court races in recent years have been uncontested.

The Race:

Significance: First truly competitive Supreme Court race in years. Most justices run unopposed.

NO PRIOR APPOINTMENT

Unusual Pattern: Most current justices were first appointed by a governor, then later elected. Justice Mungia is the first since 2012 to be elected directly without first being appointed.

This makes him:

NEWEST MEMBER

As the newest elected justice (as of January 2025), Justice Mungia is still establishing his judicial approach and building relationships on the court.

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Mungia represents a rare instance of competitive election to the Supreme Court and brings fresh perspective as someone not appointed by a governor.

9. JUSTICE COLLEEN M. MELODY

Justice Colleen M. Melody

Position: Justice (Position 4)
Appointed: November 2025 by Governor Bob Ferguson (D)
Took Office: January 1, 2026
Term Expires: January 2029 (Yu's unexpired term)
Unique Status: Appointed just 2 weeks ago; has never been a judge before

BACKGROUND

Education:

Professional Experience:

THE NEWEST JUSTICE

Justice Melody took office January 1, 2026—just 15 days ago. She is the 100th justice in Washington Supreme Court history.

APPOINTED BY FERGUSON

Close Relationship: Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Justice Melody after working closely with her for a decade when he was Attorney General.

Ferguson on Melody:

"Colleen Melody has devoted her career to standing up for those who often don't have a voice in our justice system. As Attorney General, I worked extremely closely with Colleen, where I had a front row seat to her immense legal skills, prodigious work rate, and passion for justice."

CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY BACKGROUND

Wing Luke Civil Rights Division: Justice Melody led this division for 11 years, growing it from creation to 35 lawyers and staff.

Major Cases:

NEVER BEEN A JUDGE BEFORE

Unusual But Legal: Justice Melody has never served as a judge at any level before being appointed to the Supreme Court.

Washington Law: The only requirement for serving on the Supreme Court is being admitted to practice law in Washington. Prior judicial experience is not required.

Precedent: About half of Washington Supreme Court justices historically have come directly from legal practice without prior judicial experience.

Critics Ask: Should someone jump straight to the state's highest court without any experience as a judge?

Supporters Respond: Legal brilliance and civil rights litigation experience are more important than judicial resume.

PROGRESSIVE CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD

Justice Melody's decade of work focused on:

Clear Progressive Stance: Her entire career has been fighting for progressive causes and civil rights enforcement.

2026 ELECTION REQUIREMENT

Justice Melody must run for election in November 2026 to retain her seat for the remainder of Justice Yu's unexpired term (through 2028).

This means:

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Legal Foundation of Washington: Charles A. Goldmark Distinguished Service Award (2018)

American Immigration Lawyers Association: Jack Wasserman Memorial Award (2017)

Attorney General's Office: Steward of Justice Award (2018, highest honor)

PERSONAL LIFE

Residence: Vashon Island (near Seattle)

Family: Married to Zach Hoit (project manager), two daughters

SIGNIFICANCE

Justice Melody represents several historic firsts and unusual circumstances:

Key Questions:

THE "NON-PARTISAN" ELECTION MYTH

What You See on the Ballot

When you vote for Supreme Court justices, here's all you get:

☐ DEBRA L. STEPHENS
   Supreme Court Justice, Position 7


☐ [Challenger Name]
   [Occupation]

That's it. No party affiliation. No background. No information about:

What You DON'T See

If the ballot told the truth about Justice Stephens, it might say:

☐ DEBRA L. STEPHENS
   Supreme Court Justice, Position 7

  • Appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire (Democrat)
  • Wrote McCleary opinion ordering $13 billion in spending
  • Now serves as Chief Justice
  • 27 years on Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
  • Progressive voting record
  • Gonzaga Law School graduate

But you don't get any of that information. Just "Non-Partisan."

The Reality Behind "Non-Partisan"

7 of 9 current justices were appointed by Democratic governors:

Only 2 were originally elected (not appointed):

The Pattern: Governors appoint justices who share their values. Those justices then run for re-election labeled "non-partisan" with huge incumbent advantages.

Incumbent Re-Election Rate: Nearly 100%

Recent Supreme Court Elections:

2024: Three races

2022: Three races

2020: Three races

Pattern Since 2010: Only ONE incumbent has lost re-election (Richard Sanders, 2010). Almost all races are uncontested or easy wins for incumbents.

Why Incumbents Almost Always Win

The Irony

We spent dozens of hours researching:

But when it comes time to vote for the nine people who can:

We get almost zero information.

POWER STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

Who Really Has Power Over Moses Lake Schools?

The Truth About Power:

Entity Number of People Power Level Voter Information
WA Supreme Court 9 HIGHEST - Can order billions in spending ❌ Almost none ("Non-partisan")
Legislature 147 HIGH - Passes laws, controls budget ✅ Party, voting record, background
House Ed Committee 19 MEDIUM - Controls which bills advance ✅ Full transparency (via our research)
OSPI 1 Superintendent MEDIUM - Implements policy ✅ Statewide elected office
Moses Lake School Board 5 LOW - Must follow state law ✅ Local candidates, known to voters

The Paradox: The nine people with the MOST power get the LEAST scrutiny from voters.

What The Supreme Court Can Do (That Others Cannot)

  1. Order Spending: Can force Legislature to spend billions (McCleary)
  2. Hold Legislature in Contempt: Can sanction elected officials ($100K/day)
  3. Override Initiatives: Can strike down voter-approved laws (Charter Schools Initiative, 2015)
  4. Abolish Penalties: Abolished death penalty (2018)
  5. Restructure Government: Can force fundamental changes to how government operates
  6. Final Word: No appeal from Supreme Court decisions

Compare to Education Committee:

The McCleary Precedent

What McCleary Established:

The Supreme Court proved it can:

This power has NO precedent in Washington history before McCleary.

Three Justices Remain From McCleary Court

Direct continuity from 2012 to 2026.

2026 ELECTION INFORMATION

Three Supreme Court Seats Up for Election in November 2026

Position 2: Justice Charles W. Johnson

Position 3: Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis

Position 4: Justice Colleen M. Melody

This is your opportunity to research these justices and decide if they should continue serving.

CONCLUSION

Key Takeaways for Moses Lake Residents:

  1. The Supreme Court has extraordinary power over education—more than the entire Legislature combined.
  2. McCleary changed everything. Nine justices ordered $13 billion in new spending and restructured school funding.
  3. Three justices from McCleary still serve, including Chief Justice Stephens who wrote the opinion.
  4. 7 of 9 current justices were appointed by Democratic governors, not originally elected by voters.
  5. Voters get almost no information about these justices on the ballot—just "Non-Partisan."
  6. Three seats are up for election in November 2026, including the newest justice who has never been a judge.
  7. Incumbent re-election rate is nearly 100%—voters almost never remove sitting justices.

The Question: Should the nine people with the most power over Moses Lake schools continue to receive the least scrutiny from voters?

This document provides the transparency that the ballot does not.

ABOUT THIS RESEARCH

Project: Moses Lake Schools Transparency Initiative
Website: moseslakeschools.info
Purpose: Provide Moses Lake community with comprehensive, unbiased information about education officials who control Moses Lake School District policy
Research Standard: Equal scrutiny for all justices regardless of appointing governor
Funding: Independent research, no organizational backing

Sources:

Methodology: Same rigorous research applied to all justices, regardless of background or appointing governor.