GET ON THE LIST
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.
Read a letter from Sean about why he is running for the Supreme Court position 4.
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.
ENDORSEMENTS
Judge Sean O'Donnell has 164 endorsements from judicial officers at every level of court and from all across the state. Mayors, elected officials, victims' advocates, public safety officials, and community members all support his candidacy bringing the endorsement total to 322 (1/28/26).
NEWS: Former Governor Christine Gregoire has endorsed Judge O'Donell (1/28/26)
"I support Judge O'Donnell because he has uncommon common sense."
Jack Nevin
Brigadier General, US Army (ret), Pierce County Super Court Judge (ret)
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.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
Melinda Johnson Taylor, KCSC Family Court Operations Director (ret.)/Former Family Law Commissioner
"Judge O'Donnell championed the establishment of the specialized Civil Protection Order Court in King County. His knowledge of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Criminal and Family Law aided in his tireless efforts to secure funding, encourage dedicated staff and judicial officers, and ensure specialized training. His extensive legal knowledge and impassioned approach to justice make him an extraordinary judicial officer."
FIREARMS SURRENDER STATUTE
David Martin, Attorney
"I am speaking solely in my personal capacity: Judge O'Donnell's ruling in the Montesi case upheld the constitutionality of Washington's weapons-surrender statute, and because of that decision, hundreds -- if not thousands -- of firearms have been taken off the streets. A functioning justice system depends on judges who apply firearms laws with seriousness and fairness and keep the protection order system working safely and consistently."
VALUES & BELIEFS
Upholding our State Constitution which guarantees our civil rights, individual freedoms, 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 are elected in a non-partisan, state-wide race to serve six-year terms.
Justice Charles Johnson currently holds position 4 on the Supreme Court. Due to the constitutional requirement that judges may not serve after age 75, he will be unable to run in 2026. As a result, there will be an open election for his seat, and Sean O'Donnell is running for this position.
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.