Updated Nov. 6, 2026, using the state’s unofficial results snapshot generated at 7:29 p.m. Pacific.
Sean O’Donnell led Ian Birk in the closest of Washington’s five Supreme Court races Friday evening, as voters chose justices for more than half the seats on the state’s highest court.
O’Donnell had 1,316,708 votes, or 50.89%, to Birk’s 1,261,260 votes, or 48.74%, in the Position 4 contest. His lead was 55,448 votes. Additional ballots remain to be counted, and the results are unofficial.
Where the five races stand
The Secretary of State’s statewide results showed:
- Position 1: Colleen Melody, 1,566,061 votes (59.57%); Scott Edwards, 1,056,343 (40.18%). Write-ins: 6,499 (0.25%).
- Position 3: Jaime Michelle Hawk, 1,501,519 votes (57.37%); David Stevens, 1,107,440 (42.32%). Write-ins: 8,107 (0.31%).
- Position 4: Sean O’Donnell, 1,316,708 votes (50.89%); Ian Birk, 1,261,260 (48.74%). Write-ins: 9,593 (0.37%).
- Position 5: Theo Angelis, 1,439,032 votes (55.26%); Dave Larson, 1,157,426 (44.45%). Write-ins: 7,632 (0.29%).
- Position 7: Debra L. Stephens, 1,643,899 votes (63.15%); Todd A. Bloom, 951,672 (36.56%). Write-ins: 7,429 (0.29%).
These are statewide totals, including votes from Snohomish and Island counties. Percentages may not add to exactly 100% because of rounding. Each position link opens the official race page, including county breakdowns.
Why the court matters
The nine-member Supreme Court is Washington’s highest court. Its decisions set precedent for courts across the state, and it has final rule-making authority for Washington’s courts. Those responsibilities extend to the courts serving our communities.
Regular Supreme Court terms are six years. This ballot also includes shorter terms: Positions 1 and 5 are two-year unexpired terms, as listed in the state’s candidate certification.
Counting continues
These results remain unofficial. Later ballot counts can change the totals and margins. Follow the official state results page for updates.
