Big money pours into Washington Supreme Court races amid millionaires tax debate

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]Rarely do justices on the state's highest court get these kind of campaign contributions, but this year seven candidates have already raised more than six figures, led by state appeals court judge Ian Birk. I think it reflects the fact that people realize that it's important and the state Supreme Court matters. He's facing King County Superior Court Judge Shaun O'Donnell.

[00:00:21]>> And we've never had really a chance for a reset like this. They're both running for position four to fill the seat of retiring Justice Charles Johnson. Both judges say they're allowed to seek endorsements, but restricted from soliciting campaign donations. O'Donnell counts police chiefs and sheriffs in his corner along with former Governor Christine Gregoire and early donors include a cross-section of consultants, retired citizens, and the developer of the Leavenworth Adventure Park. While Kirk's donor list includes several private attorneys in a campaign that has already included endorsements from the Washington Education Association's Political Action Committee and state Senator Jamie Pedersen, the architect of the millionaires tax. Should people read anything into who's donated to your campaign or to your opponents? I think they can read in that people are supporting me. And I hope I get more support in terms of endorsements and and most importantly, people's votes. You know, we disclose publicly who has contributed to campaigns for a reason because people are interested in it and it's a fair thing for people to people to look at.

[00:01:22]It is big money with big stakes headed into the fall.