City Of Seattle - Municipal Court Judge Position No. 5 · King County

For more than twenty years, Gabe Rothstein has advocated for poor and underserved communities. People who often feel unheard. Before becoming a public defender, Gabe volunteered with the Housing Justice Project and the Unemployment Law Project, helping Seattle residents facing eviction and protecting workers’ rights to unemployment benefits. In 2005, Gabe became a public defender–a role he continues to hold with pride. Since then, he has represented thousands of people, many of whom were both survivors of abuse and individuals caught in the criminal legal system. He has tried more than seventy cases to verdict. This work has taught Gabe that too many people leave court feeling unheard. He is running for judge to change that. Every person who enters the courtroom–victims, defendants, and those who cannot afford an attorney–deserves dignity, respect, and fairness. Seattle Municipal Court is the people’s court, and everyone deserves to be listened to and heard. Public defense is Gabe’s full-time work, but he also serves as a pro-tem judge in municipal and district courts throughout Washington. He chairs the Washington State Bar Association Character and Fitness Board, which evaluates applicants seeking admission to the practice of law. On evenings and weekends, he takes calls from the Youth Access to Counsel Line, ensuring that children can speak with a lawyer before being questioned by police. He also serves on the board of the Holman Recovery Center an in-patient substance abuse treatment facility. Gabe believes in treatment, the accountability that comes with recovery, redemption, and second chances. Endorsements: The Stranger, The Progressive Voter Guide, King County Democrats, 32nd, 34th, 37th, 43rd, and 46th District Democrats, SEIU 925 Public Defense Chapter, Stonewall Democrats, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Supreme Court Justices Gordon McCloud and Melody, Representative Chipalo Street, Representative Rebecca Saldana, and many other judges and community leaders.

Seattle Municipal Court needs experienced judges with sound judgment and a commitment to access, fairness, and dignity, who are not focused on politics and ideology. With your vote, I will deliver fair, pragmatic, and equitable outcomes that build trust and public safety. For 34 years, I have served as a public servant–as a felony and misdemeanor prosecutor, municipal attorney, civil litigator, King County Ethics Board member, and Judge Pro Tem. I became a lawyer to eliminate inequities and unfairness in our justice system. I am focused on protecting the community while providing defendants with the opportunity for diversion, services, treatment, and support. As the son of a first-generation immigrant mother and a union autoworker father in Detroit, I learned the value of hard work, integrity, and caring for others, which I have demonstrated professionally and through youth mentorship, community service, and coaching. I am thankful and proud to be endorsed by caring, skilled, and respected jurists, based on my experience, character, and sincere commitment to justice. Judiciary: Washington State Supreme Court Justices Sal Mungia, Mary Yu (ret.), and Barbara Madsen (ret.), and the most present and retired King County judges than any candidate in this race, including Presiding Judge Rothrock, Assistant Presiding Judge Thorp, former Presiding Judge Shah, and Judges Galvan, Amato, Hawkins, Gipe, Chief Presiding Judge York, and retired Judges McCullough, Kondo, and McKenna. Seattle Municipal Court: Presiding Judge Anita Crawford-Willis, former Presiding Judge Faye Chess, and retiring Judge Willie Gregory. Media & Community: The Seattle Times Editorial Board and 32nd LD Democrats. I am the only candidate in this race with the highest possible rating for Seattle Municipal Court - Exceptionally Well-Qualified from the Cardozo Society, the Latina/o Bar, and Joint Asian Bar Associations. I would be honored to be your judge. Learn More: https://newsomforjudge.com/