Former Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson announced Monday that he is coming out of retirement to run for Position 5 on the Washington Supreme Court. His announcement, first reported by The Reflector, places a familiar judicial figure back into a statewide race that will appear on Cowlitz County ballots later this year.

According to publicly available filings with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, Larson has registered his candidacy for the seat. Position 5 is one of the court’s nonpartisan posts, elected statewide, with terms lasting six years. The seat is currently held by Justice Barbara Madsen, who has served on the court since 1992.

Larson previously sought a position on the state’s highest court in earlier election cycles and served more than a decade as a municipal court judge before retiring. His return to electoral politics adds another contested race to Washington’s judicial landscape as campaign season intensifies.

For voters in Longview, Kelso, and across Cowlitz County, statewide judicial contests typically draw less attention than local races. Yet the outcomes shape how the state interprets constitutional protections, statutory limits on government authority, and judicial oversight of executive and legislative action.

Why this matters for Southwest Washington

The Washington Supreme Court frequently issues decisions affecting taxation authority, land-use regulations, public records requirements, and criminal procedure—all of which carry direct consequences for counties and municipalities along the I‑5 corridor. A change in court membership can influence long-term legal precedents that guide local governance and law enforcement practices.

Larson’s decision to re-enter the field also contributes to a broader pattern of increased activity in judicial races statewide, a trend influenced by debates over public safety policy, separation of powers, and the role of courts in addressing statewide initiatives.

Candidacy declarations for the Position 5 race will continue to develop as the state approaches the official filing period in May. Additional candidates may still enter the race, and the ballot will not be finalized until after filing closes.

Sources

The Reflector: “Dave Larson coming out of retirement to again run for Washington state Supreme Court”

Washington Public Disclosure Commission: Campaign filings