OLYMPIA, WA — Respected attorney and advocate Theo Angelis, appointed one week ago to Washington State Supreme Court, today announced a powerful slate of early endorsements for his 2026 campaign to retain his seat on the state’s highest court. Following his appointment by Governor Bob Ferguson to succeed retiring Justice Barbara Madsen, Angelis is building a broad coalition of support that reflects his 25 years of legal experience and deep commitment to public service.
Angelis was appointed to serve out the remaining term of Justice Barbara Madsen, who is retiring. Madsen was among the first to endorse Angelis, joining political leaders, fellow Justices and judges statewide, as well as community and advocacy leaders providing critical early support.
“We need Justices on our State Supreme Court with the experience, intelligence, and independence to stand up for all Washingtonians,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “Theo Angelis is exactly the leader we need to ensure our voices are heard, laws are respected, and courts remain trusted. His election is a top priority for me this year, and he deserves our vote.”
“Theo Angelis brings tenacity and important perspectives to our State Supreme Court, rooted in his humble background and demonstrated commitment to justice,” said former Governor Chris Gregoire. “He is a proven advocate, a tireless worker, and champion for the people of Washington.”
Lt. Governor Denny Heck, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and over three dozen Democratic legislators have also endorsed Angelis, including the House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle). In addition, the Mayors of Tacoma and Olympia have provided early support.
“To protect our freedoms and hard won legal protections, we need Justices on our State Supreme Court with a diversity of legal experience, shared values, and a commitment to protecting the integrity of our judicial system,” said Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins. “Theo Angelis is a Justice we can trust.”
“Theo Angelis will bring a stellar legal background and a commitment to protecting the rights and access of all people to the State Supreme Court”, said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen. “He will be a strong voice for our laws, and values, and deserves our vote.”
Joining the validating endorsement from outgoing Justice Barbara Madsen are Justices Sal Mungia, G. Helen Whitener, and Charles Johnson. Angelis is also picking up support from judges at all levels of the judiciary across Washington.
“I know Theo Angelis to be an outstanding legal mind committed to public service and the rule of law,”said Justice Sal Mungia. “He brings proven commitment to justice and diverse experience to the Court and has earned our support.”
Prior to his appointment, Angelis pursued a diverse career in law and service, specializing in complex appellate and intellectual property litigation, and pro bono advocacy on behalf of asylum seekers and children. The son and grandson of immigrants and refugees, he will be the first Justice of Middle Eastern descent to serve the Washington State Supreme Court, and previously served as President of the Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington (MELAW).
His work has been recognized and awarded by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and he is a past recipient of the ACLU’s Humanitarian Award and the King County Bar Association’s Mentor of the Year.
“I am deeply honored by the trust so many respected leaders across our state have placed in me,”said Theo Angelis. “I promised—when my career began—to use the law to help those in need, to ensure the courts are accessible to all, and to seek justice. I look forward to continuing this work on the bench, and I will work day and night to earn the vote of every Washingtonian.”
Angelis is a graduate of Yale Law School, and prior to practicing law in Washington State served as a clerk on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. He lives in Seattle with his family.
A complete list of early legislative endorsements include:
State Senators
Jessica Bateman, LD 22
Mike Chapman, LD 24
Annette Cleveland, LD 49
Adrian Cortes, LD 18
Drew Hansen, LD 23
Bob Hasegawa, LD 11
Claudia Kauffman, LD 47
Deb Krishnadasan, LD 26
Marko Liias, LD 21
John Lovick, LD 44
Tina Orwall, LD 33
Jamie Pedersen, LD 43
Marcus Riccelli, LD3
June Robinson, LD 38
Sharon Shewmake, LD 42
Lisa Wellman, LD 41
Claire Wilson, LD 30
State House Members
Steve Bergquist, LD11
Lisa Callan, LD 5
Beth Doglio, LD 22
Mary Fosse, LD 38
David Hackney, LD 11
Laurie Jinkins, LD 27
Mari Leavitt, LD 28
Debra Lekanoff, LD 40
Greg Nance, LD 23
Timm Ormsby, LD 3
Lilian Ortiz-Self, LD 21
Lisa Parshley, LD 22
Strom Peterson, LD 21
Gerry Pollet, LD 46
Alex Ramel, LD 40
Cindy Ryu, LD 32
Osman Salahuddin, LD 48
Chipalo Street, LD 37
Joe Timmons, LD 42
Sharon Wylie, LD 49
Source: Friends of Theo Angeles
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
One Response
Never been a judge, donated heavily to democrats and not one R endorsement tell you all you need to know about how he will rule from the bench.