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EXPERIENCE
INTEGRITY
COMPASSION
Judge Sean P. O’Donnell has spent decades working to make Washington safer and more just for all. He is a candidate for State Supreme Court with support from judicial officers at every level of court and from all across the state. Mayors, victims' advocates, and public safety officials all support his candidacy.
25 YEARS LEGAL EXPERIENCE
As King County Superior Court Judge for 13 years, Sean was appointed as both Chief Family Court Judge and Chief Criminal Judge. He was also elected as President of Washington’s State Superior Court Judges’ Association. Sean has focused on victims' rights, courthouse security and finding ways to make courts relevant and accessible for our communities. He has worked to make the courts safer and more modern.
As King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor for 12 years, Sean successfully prosecuted Washington State’s first-ever cases on human trafficking and the commercial sexual abuse of a minor. Sean was a member of the Green River Task Force, successfully prosecuting Gary L. Ridgway, the most prolific serial killer in Washington history.
PROTECTING VICTIMS
Mary Ellen Stone
Victims' Rights Advocate & retired CEO KCSARC
“For victims of sexual assault and rape, going through the legal process is a very difficult step to take and many survivors chose not to do so. However, when individuals do make the choice to participate, our legal system must treat them with respect. I know in Judge O'Donnell's courtroom this is the case.”
KNOWLEDGE & COMPASSION
Natalie de Maar
Owner & Managing Partner de Maar Law
“Judge O'Donnell's knowledge and compassion have spanned across generational lines, making him uniquely qualified to lead the Supreme Court forward to address the new and ever-changing issues the Court will face in the future, while balancing the history and sanctity of the Court as an important institutional bulwark of our State.”
SECURITY IN THE COURTS
Judge Rebecca Robertson
King County District Court
“As attacks on judicial independence become louder and more dangerous, Judge O’Donnell has stood on the front lines—fighting to secure critical funding for improving safety at Washington’s courthouses. His leadership has made courtrooms safer for jurors, staff, and the public across the state.”
VALUES & BELIEFS
Upholding our State Constitution which guarantees our civil rights, individual freedoms, reproductive rights, labor protections and our fundamental democratic rights.
Putting the needs of victims at the center of our justice system and ensuring everyone has access to justice regardless of gender, race, disability, or language.
Embracing the strongest standards of transparency, ethical conduct, and independence in our judiciary.
Keeping all Washingtonians safe and free from violence, harassment, or discrimination.
WHAT IS THE SUPREME COURT?
Washington State Courts 101
The State Supreme Court is the highest court in Washington State. It is the court of last resort for all state legal matters. It is responsible for interpreting Washington’s Constitution and Washington State law and for reviewing lower court decisions. Opinions and rules issued by the State Supreme Court have the same effect and importance as a law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. The State’s judiciary is a separate and co-equal branch of government. The Court is comprised of nine justices who serve six-year terms.
Since first elected in 2012, Judge O'Donnell has served on the King County Superior Court as Chief of both the Criminal and Family Courts. He has presided over criminal trials, civil disagreements, and complex family and mental health matters.