Voting for Justice: What’s at Stake in Washington's Supreme Court Race?
With only 10 days until Washington State voters decide critical positions in the November 5th general election, one of the few nonpartisan races stands out: Position 2 on the Washington State Supreme Court. Following the upcoming retirement of Justice Susan Owens, there is a rare opportunity to fill this open Supreme Court seat. After a decisive August primary, the race is now between Sal Mungia and Dave Larson. In the primary, Mungia led with 43.43% of the 1,756,234 votes cast for this position, while Larson trailed closely with 36.45%.[1] This margin sets the stage for a highly competitive general election.
Statistics from the Washington Secretary of State reveal trends in voter turnout, especially in years when state and federal elections appear on the same ballot. In the 2024 primary on August 6th, 40.91% of registered Washington voters, totaling 1,994,096 individuals, cast ballots.[2] This turnout closely matches the 2022 primary, where 40.43%, or 1,941,933 registered voters, participated.[3] In the 2020 presidential election, 4,116,894 registered Washington voters turned out for both state and federal candidates, reaching a general election turnout rate of 84.14%.[4] Voter turnout is typically higher in general elections than in primaries, but within general elections, the number of voters varies widely between presidential and non-presidential election years. For reference, in 2023, only 28.89% of registered Washington voters, or 1,116,963 people, participated in the primary election,[5] while 36.41%, or 1,758,084 voters, participated in the general election.[6]
Given that the 2024 United States presidential election coincides with Washington’s 2024 general election, it is expected that voter turnout will increase, likely surpassing any year since at least 2020. With the convenience of having both federal and state candidates listed on the same ballot, it is likely that more voters will vote across all positions. This convenience alone may encourage voters to fill in more bubbles on the ballot, even when they have limited knowledge of a particular candidate's background or beliefs.
In judicial races, the electorate’s knowledge of candidates is often limited compared to more politically charged contests. This limited familiarity can lead voters to rely on superficial cues, such as a candidate’s name, rather than a nuanced understanding of judicial philosophy or qualifications. This tendency reflects cognitive biases, where voters use heuristics as mental shortcuts; when faced with unfamiliar names, they may gravitate toward those that seem more familiar or culturally resonant. Social psychology shows that name recognition plays a powerful role in guiding voter choice, especially in non-partisan judicial races, where voters may lack strong opinions or even basic knowledge on specific legal issues.
In the upcoming Washington State Supreme Court general election, name recognition is likely to be a significant factor in the race’s outcome. Reflecting on the names Salvador Mungia and David Larson, one may ask which sounds more common within Washington State or U.S. demographics? While "Salvador Mungia" reflects Spanish-speaking and Basque origins, the name is likely to resonate particularly with Washington’s growing Hispanic and Latino communities, which make up roughly 14.5% of the state’s population.[7] This segment’s influence may vary, however, as only a portion of this population comprises registered voters. In contrast, "David Larson" is a familiar combination among English-speaking and Scandinavian heritage communities, aligning with the 69% of Washington’s population identifying as non-Hispanic White.[8] This larger demographic group likely includes a proportionately higher number of registered voters, potentially enhancing the name's resonance across a broader voting base. Consequently, these differences in name familiarity and voter demographics may influence perceptions and voter choices in a state as diverse as Washington.
Sal Mungia, a seasoned attorney with nearly forty years in civil litigation, pro bono, and legal aid work, has established himself as a conscientious and respected figure in the legal community. His professionalism and poise have earned him leadership roles within many legal organizations and bar associations. Mungia’s campaign strategy focuses on raising visibility through statewide community events and general bird-dogging, actively engaging with diverse communities to communicate his unwavering commitment to justice and fairness.
Dave Larson brings a different background to the race, drawing on his extensive experience as a Municipal Court Judge and history of public service. Larson unsuccessfully pursued a seat on the Washington State Supreme Court in 2000, 2016, and 2020, which has contributed to his name recognition, especially in King County. His campaign emphasizes his judicial experience and community connections, aiming to leverage his established recognition.
Both candidates demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, impartiality, and confidence, along with a deep understanding of the law.
As you consider the candidates in the upcoming general election, particularly for the Washington State Supreme Court, I encourage you to conduct your own research on both candidates to understand their backgrounds, values and approaches to justice. Having observed Sal Mungia and Dave Larson in various settings, I believe both bring strong credentials to the race. However, due to his passionate dedication to equity, his composed and thoughtful approach to complex issues, and his longstanding commitment to justice and fairness, I am voting and rooting for Sal Mungia. It is worth noting that eight of the nine current Washington State Supreme Court Justices endorse Sal, underscoring his qualifications and respect among his potential future peers and collaborators. After careful consideration, I also strongly encourage other Washington State residents to vote for Sal Mungia to fill the vacant Position 2 on the Washington State Supreme Court, which is asked to review more than a thousand cases each year.[9] I am confident that a vote for Sal for Justice in this important 2024 general election will lead to an expansion of judicial diversity, creativity and integrity at the Temple of Justice in Olympia, Washington’s “court of last resort.”
Admin Services Coordinator at Seyfarth Shaw LLP
2moLove the perspective you put forth! Good job, my friend
Equity Research Analyst (Real Estate) at Bell Potter Securities
2moVery insightful Brad. Go Sal.
Owner, Evered Motors
2moVery helpful MM