Judicial candidate Dave Larson frames Supreme Court run as defense of judicial independence

Dave Larson, a municipal judge and candidate for the state Supreme Court, told attendees he is running to protect judicial independence and restore the courts' role as a steadying force in government. "The courts are supposed to be the lighthouse in the storm and not a ship lost at sea," Larson said, arguing that recent partisan pressures have shifted how courts operate.

Larson summarized a long career in the law—"41 years now," including "23 years as a trial lawyer" and "18 years" as a municipal court judge in Federal Way—saying those experiences convinced him the judiciary must strengthen public trust. He warned that partisan influence and appointment of politically connected individuals risk undermining the judiciary's independence and urged voters to consider the institutional stakes in the Supreme Court races.

Larson said he has received recognition for protecting judicial independence, including a 2018 award from a judges' association. He framed his campaign as service rather than power: "I'm a servant, not a master," he said, and said the courts must remain a backstop that protects constitutional rights. He directed listeners to his campaign website for more information.