Merchant Challenges Court’s Political Lean | Fort Wayne News

Fort Wayne News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 1, 2026 · 1m

Karim Merchant, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with 15 years representing everyday Washingtonians, is challenging Chief Justice Debra Stephens for a spot on the state’s highest court. Running on a no-nonsense platform, he vows to apply the law as written—not politics—and bring a much-needed voice from the trenches to the bench. Merchant criticizes the court’s growing politicization, inconsistent rulings, and “establishment culture,” arguing justices should interpret laws, not inject ideology. With deep roots as a public defender, he believes his lived experience offers a rare, grounded…