The Temple of Justice in Washington state. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Only about 1,000 votes separate two candidates vying for a seat on the Washington state Supreme Court.
Dave Larson, who had 49.78% of the vote, was leading Sal Mungia, who had 49.73% of the vote in Tuesday’s results. Larson had 1,116,230 votes while Mungia had 1,115,134 votes.
More votes will be counted throughout the week, possibly solidifying a winner or a need for a recount in the race. A machine recount is required when the difference between candidates is less than 2,000 votes and also less than half of 1% of the total number of votes cast for both candidates.
Although the position is nonpartisan, the candidates have supporters affiliated with the two major parties.
Mungia is a trial and appellate court lawyer who has experience as a former law clerk for the state Supreme Court and as the former president of the state Bar Association. He had the endorsement of eight of the nine current justices, Gov. Jay Inslee and other Democratic elected officials across the state. He also had some outside financial support from progressive groups like Fuse and the 45th Legislative District Democrats.
Larson is a judge for the Federal Way Municipal Court, where he’s served for 16 years. He also spent 23 years as a trial attorney. During his time as a trial lawyer, Larson was active in the state and local bar associations. Larson has the endorsement from the Republican Party as well as some financial backing from Republican activists, like retired business owner Steve Gordon.
Washington State Supreme Court justices serve six-year terms and face mandatory retirement at age 75. This year’s open seat is left by Justice Susan Owens who will retire at the end of the year.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven González and Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud are also up for reelection this year but are running unopposed.