Experience, integrity, and service: a message from Harry Steinmetz,
Candidate for King County District Court Judge, Southwest Division, Position 4
Dear Southwest King County Residents,
For 36 years, I have served in our legal system as an Administrative Law Judge, Judge Pro Tem, prosecutor, and defense attorney. I have also worked as a staff attorney for the Washington State Senate, an investigative officer for the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the owner of my own law firm.
Beyond my legal career, I have been elected twice to the Des Moines City Council. My wife and I have called Southwest King County home since 1999, where we raised our family, built lasting relationships, and invested in our community.
I am running for King County District Court Judge because I believe our community deserves a judge with substantial legal experience, sound judgment, integrity, and a deep commitment to fairness and impartiality.
Why Experience Matters in District Court
District Court decisions have real consequences for individuals, families, businesses, and neighborhoods. The people who appear before the court may be facing criminal charges, traffic violations, civil claims, protection orders, landlord-tenant disputes, or debt matters.
For many, the courtroom can be unfamiliar and intimidating. Some people represent themselves without an attorney. They deserve a judge who listens carefully, manages proceedings effectively, applies the law fairly, and ensures that everyone has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
My career has given me experience from several sides of the justice system. As a prosecutor, I represented the public. As a defense attorney, I advocated for individuals. As a Judge Pro Tem and Administrative Law Judge, I was entrusted with listening to the evidence, evaluating arguments, applying the law, and making decisions.
These roles have reinforced my belief that judges must be prepared, impartial, respectful, and mindful of the responsibility that comes with judicial authority.
A Commitment to Fairness and Public Service
An effective judge must do more than understand the law. A judge must also recognize the importance of fair procedures, careful decision-making, and respect for every person who comes before the court.
My experience as an elected Des Moines City Council member has strengthened my understanding of public service, local government, and the challenges facing our communities. I understand that decisions made by public institutions affect residents, families, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Judicial leadership also requires collaboration. With 25 judges serving on the court, constructive working relationships are important to effective court operations, consistent policies, and services that meet the public’s needs.
My experience working with elected officials, community leaders, and diverse groups has prepared me to contribute to those efforts. I would bring a practical, collaborative approach to the court while respecting the independence of each judge and the obligation to decide cases according to the law and evidence.
Judicial Integrity and Public Accountability
Public confidence in the judiciary depends on judges who demonstrate integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and respect for others. The ethical standards governing judicial conduct apply both inside and outside the courtroom.
Voters should be able to expect that judges will treat court staff, colleagues, attorneys, and members of the public with dignity and respect.
In April 2026, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public reprimand of my opponent, Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, following a stipulated resolution of an ethics matter.
According to the Commission’s official case summary, Judge Masaniai stipulated that he violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, and Canon 2, Rules 2.3(A) and 2.8(B), of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The Commission’s summary describes an inappropriate personal relationship initiated by Judge Masaniai with a court clerk. It included unsolicited personal communications by phone and text message and unwanted hugging, without regard to the power differential between a judge and a member of court staff.
The Commission ordered a public reprimand and remedial training focused on sexual harassment and gender dynamics, along with review of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The official record is available through the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct:
https://www.cjc.state.wa.us/index.php?complaint=12986&page=activity§ion=search_discipline
Sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct have no place in the workplace, particularly within an institution entrusted with administering justice. Judicial authority carries a responsibility to maintain professional boundaries and uphold the ethical standards that protect public trust.
I believe accountability matters. My commitment is to a court where every person who works in or appears before the court is treated with fairness, professionalism, and respect.
A Broad Record of Support
I am honored to have earned the endorsement of Chief Judge Rebecca Robertson and a majority of King County District Court judges, along with support from Superior Court and Municipal Court judges.
I am also endorsed by Representative Jamila Taylor, Chair of the Washington State House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, and Representative Roger Goodman, Chair of the House Community Safety Committee.
My campaign has received support from mayors throughout Southwest King County, including:
- Sarah Moore — Burien
- Tom McCloud — Tukwila
- Eric Zimmerman — Normandy Park
- Yoshiko Grace Matsui — Des Moines
- Mohammed Egal — SeaTac
- Vic Kave — Pacific
- Jim Ferrell — Federal Way
- Nancy Backus — Auburn
I am grateful as well for the support of city council members, elected officials, attorneys, and community leaders throughout the region.
I have also received endorsements from the 30th, 33rd, and 34th Legislative District Democrats.
These endorsements reflect the confidence that people familiar with our legal system and communities have placed in my experience and qualifications. A complete list of endorsements and additional information about my campaign are available at https://www.steinmetzforjudge.com.
My Commitment to Southwest King County
Southwest King County has been my family’s home for more than 25 years. My wife and I raised our children here, sent them to public schools, built relationships, and participated in public service.
I understand the importance of local institutions that are accessible, fair, and worthy of public confidence. If elected, I will bring my 36 years of legal experience, my background in public service, and my commitment to judicial integrity to the District Court.
My responsibility will be to listen carefully, apply the law impartially, make decisions based on the evidence, and treat every person with dignity and respect.
I respectfully ask for your vote for King County District Court Judge, Southwest Division, Position 4.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my experience, my values, and my commitment to serving our community.
Harry Steinmetz
Candidate for King County District Court Judge
Southwest Division, Position 4
https://www.steinmetzforjudge.com
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