SEATTLE—King County Superior Court Judge Jaime Hawk on Wednesday announced her candidacy for the Washington State Supreme Court. A longtime federal public defender and civil rights attorney before becoming a judge, Hawk has rooted her career in public service and a deep commitment to equal access to justice for all. She seeks the position being vacated by current Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, who is not seeking re-election.
“Our Supreme Court needs justices with broad experience, an understanding of how the laws of our state impact people and families, and a commitment to ensuring equal treatment under the law,” said Judge Hawk. “I’ve spent my career dedicated to making the promise of justice real. On the Supreme Court, I will protect your rights and freedoms, and the rule of law.”
Governor Jay Inslee appointed Judge Hawk to King County Superior Court. She was subsequently elected twice. Previously, she built a legal career including service as a state and federal public defender in eastern Washington and as an attorney with the ACLU of Washington.
Judge Hawk previously lived and worked in central and eastern Washington, including Grant and Spokane Counties. She has practiced law around the state, and was also an adjunct professor of law at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, where she earned her law degree.
Hawk begins her campaign with strong support from top elected leaders and over 50 current and former judges, including Governor Bob Ferguson, Justice Helen Whitener, retired Justice Mary Yu, and Court of Appeals (Div. 1) Chief Judge Cecily Hazelrigg.
“Judge Hawk is a tenacious and principled fighter for justice and the rights of all people,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “She will bring a needed voice to our Court at a time that requires champions for the freedoms and protections guaranteed in our state Constitution. She will be an excellent State Supreme Court Justice.”
There are five Supreme Court positions on the ballot this year. The upcoming retirement of Justice Montoya-Lewis, and recent retirements of Justices Barbara Madsen and Mary Yu, could result in the loss of a majority-women Court that has brought important balance and diverse perspectives to the bench in recent years.
“In a year when we are losing diverse women’s voices on our highest Court, Jaime Hawk will bring important experience as a respected judge, longtime civil rights attorney, and champion for the rights of all people to the Supreme Court,” said Justice Helen Whitener. “She deserves our vote.”
“Judge Hawk is a proven champion for diverse and marginalized communities in our state,” said former Justice Mary Yu. “At a time when immigrants, women, and communities throughout our state are under pressure from federal threats, Jaime Hawk will ensure that our state laws are upheld and that all people will be treated fairly in our justice system.”
Throughout her tenure on the King County Superior Court, Judge Hawk has presided over a wide range of complex cases, earning a reputation for fairness, thoughtfulness, and commitment to the law. In addition to her work in the courtroom, she has led community engagement and access to justice initiatives, regularly speaking with young people about the legal system and civic participation.
“Washington deserves a Supreme Court justice who understands the real-world consequences of judicial decisions — on families, on communities, and on the most vulnerable people in our state,” said Judge Hawk. “I am honored to ask for Washingtonians’ support in this race.”
Judge Hawk’s campaign will focus on upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional rights, expanding access to justice, and ensuring an independent and impartial judiciary for Washingtonians.
For more information, visit judgehawk.com.
Source: Judge Hawk for Justice
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
