Southeast Electoral District - Judge Position No. 5 · Pierce County

Joshua C. Harris is an experienced attorney, Army veteran, Puget Sound business owner, and parent committed to civility, compassion, and equality before the law. Born and raised in Western Washington, Harris served in the Washington Army National Guard and deployed to the Middle East attached to 5th Special Forces Group. Those experiences taught him discipline, sound judgment, and accountability under pressure. Following military service, Harris founded a King County-based security company, making daily decisions affecting employees, clients, and public safety across the country. Harris is appointed to the WSBA Board of Bar Examiners and appointed by the Governor to the Pierce County Boundary Review Board. He has completed judicial training for service as a Pro Tem Judge through the District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association and the WSBA. His legal practice includes employment, business, tax, and administrative law, alongside litigation and mediation management. He has also represented indigent clients through a Federal Low Income Tax Clinic. Harris believes judges must listen carefully, apply the law fairly, and treat every person with dignity. A courtroom should be defined by respect–not intimidation. A Kent resident, he will bring calm judgment and equal justice to Southeast King County.

Heather M. Barker has served as a Judge Pro Tem in King County District Court since 2022. She presides over both civil and criminal matters, including Mental Health and Veterans Courts. Through her judicial service, Heather has earned the trust of defense and prosecuting attorneys alike–and the endorsement of every judge in King County District Court’s Southeast Division. An attorney for twelve years, Heather has owned a civil litigation firm for over a decade. She brings courtroom experience and business leadership. Born and raised in Kent, and now raising her family in Renton, the Southeast Division is Heather’s hometown. She is a mom and proud spouse of an Army Veteran. Since graduation, she has drafted free estate plans for Washington first responders. She also volunteers with the YMCA Mock Trial program. Heather believes that fair, thoughtful justice builds stronger, safer communities. She is committed to protecting public safety from the bench by carefully balancing accountability with rehabilitation. She is rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by the King County Bar Association. Endorsed: King County Police Officers Guild; National Women’s Political Caucus; IAM&AW 751; ATU 587; King County & 5th, 11th, 30th, 31st, 33rd, 37th, and 47th LD Democrats; 35+ local judges.