Supreme Court Justice Faces Re-Election | Spokane News

Spokane News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now! · Jul 11, 2026 · 2m

Colleen Melody, newly appointed to Washington’s Supreme Court, is now running for re-election — a move sparking debate over whether the state’s judiciary is becoming too politically influenced. With six of nine justices initially appointed by the governor, Melody and fellow appointee Justice Theo Angelis are vying for seats as their terms wind down. Critics, including seasoned attorneys, warn that appointment-heavy courts risk eroding public trust and prioritizing policy over constitutional fidelity. But Melody counters that appointments offer greater accountability than lifetime federal…