CANDIDATE FOR KING COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, SOUTHWEST DIVISION, POSITION 4
Harry S. Steinmetz is a seasoned attorney, former judge, and dedicated public servant with more than three decades of legal and community leadership experience. He is running for King County District Court to bring integrity, fairness, and a deep understanding of the law to the bench.
TRUSTED. EXPERIENCED. ENDORSED.
ELECT
EXPERIENCE
Over a 36-year legal career, Harry has built a broad and balanced background across multiple areas of the justice system. He has served as a criminal defense attorney, representing individuals facing serious charges and ensuring their constitutional rights were protected. He has also worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, giving him insight into the responsibilities of the state in pursuing justice. This dual perspective has shaped his commitment to fairness and impartial decision-making.
Harry’s judicial experience includes serving as an Administrative Law Judge with the Washington State Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, where he presided over hearings, managed complex caseloads, and issued well-reasoned decisions in workers’ compensation cases. He has also served as a Judge Pro Tem, further demonstrating his readiness to serve on the bench with professionalism and sound judgment.
In addition to his legal career, Harry has a strong record of public service. As Deputy Mayor and City Councilmember for Des Moines, he worked on public safety, municipal budgeting, and long-term policy planning. His time in elected office strengthened his understanding of how legal decisions affect communities, families, and local government.
Harry also brings experience from working behind the scenes in government, including serving as an Investigator for the Commission on Judicial Conduct and as a Staff Attorney to the Washington State Senate Judiciary Committee. These roles gave him valuable insight into judicial ethics, accountability, and the legislative process.
EDUCATION
A graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law, Harry has remained committed to the legal profession through bar association involvement and ongoing professional development.
Harry is running for King County District Court because he believes the court plays a critical role in everyday life. From traffic infractions and misdemeanors to civil disputes and protection orders, District Court is often the public’s first interaction with the justice system. Harry is committed to ensuring that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
His campaign is grounded in the belief that justice requires both legal expertise and an understanding of the real-world impact of judicial decisions. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, on the bench, and in elected office, Harry Steinmetz is prepared to serve the people of King County with integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.
ENDORSEMENTS
STATE LEADERS
State Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove
State Senator Tina Orwall, 33rd Legislative District
State Senator Claire Wilson, 30th Legislative District
State Representative Roger Goodman, Chair, House Community Safety Committee
Washington State Legislature Rep. Jamila Taylor
JUDGES
King County Superior Court Judge Daniel York
King County Superior Court Judge Monica Cary
King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell
King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi
King County Superior Court Judge Ken Schubert
King County District Court Chief Judge Rebecca Robertson
King County District Court Judge Matt York
King County District Court Judge Lisa O’Toole
King County District Court Judge Yvonne Chin
King County District Court Judge Kirstin Shotwell
King County District Court Judge Brian Todd
King County District Court Rhonda Laumann
King County District Court Kuljinder Dhillon
King County District Court SW Division (retired) Judge Mark Eide
Seattle Municipal Court Magistrate Noah Weil
Seattle Municipal Court Judge Catherine McDowall
Seattle Municipal Court Judge Faye R. Chess
Tacoma Municipal Court Judge Dee Sonntag
Des Moines Municipal Court Judge Lisa Leone
The Honorable Anna Woods, Administrative Law Judge (retired)
Douglas County Superior Court Commisioner/ East Wenatchee Municipal Court Judge Clarke Tibbits
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Andre Penalver
Pierce County Superior Court Judge (retired) Frank Cuthbertson
Pierce County Superior Court Judge (retired) Ronald Culpepper
Pierce County Superior Court Judge (retired) Brian Tollefson
Pierce County Superior Court Judge (retired) Brian Tollefson
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Clarence Henderson
Pierce County District Court Kevin McCann
Pierce County Superior Court Phil Thornton
Pierce County Superior Court Tom Quinlan
Former Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton
Former Des Moines Mayor Matt Mahoney
ELECTED LEADERS
Des Moines Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui
Des Moines Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger
SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal
Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus
Burien Mayor Sarah Moore
Burien Deputy Mayor Hugo Garcia
Pacific Mayor Vic Kave
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell
Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod
Highline School Board President Joe Van
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney (retired) Diane Clarkson
Pierce County Public Defender Lisa Ann Contris
Attorneys: Les Tolzin, Noel Merfeld,
Amy Muth, Jim Oliver, Natalie Durflinger, Emily Gause
Des Moines City Council Member Robyn Desmoines
Des Moines City Council Member Jeremy Nutting
Des Moines City Council Member Pierre Blosse
Fmr. Des Moines City Council Member Susan White
Shoreline City Council Member Chris Roberts
Burien City Council Member Sam Mendez
Renton City Council Member Ryan McIrvin
SeaTac City Council Member Joe Vinson
SeaTac City Council Member Caitlin Konya
King County Council Member Stephanie Fain
Federal Way City Council Member Martin Moore
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
33rd LD Democrats
30th LD Democrats
My Opponent
JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS. IN THIS ELECTION YOU HAVE A CHOICE.
Judges must be held to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect.
In April 2026, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded my opponent, Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, after he stipulated violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct involving his conduct towards a court clerk.
https://www.cjc.state.wa.us/materials/activity/public_actions/2026/12896StipFinal.pdf
Judge Masaniai agreed that he violated Cannon 1, Rule 1.1 and 1.2 requiring a judge to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartially of the judiciary. He agreed he violated Rule 2.3(B) prohibiting judges from engaging in harassment and Rule 2.8(B) requiring judges to maintain appropriate courtroom decorum and be patient, dignified and courteous to all persons with whom they deal in their official capacity. The Commission ordered remedial training focused on sexual harassment and gender dynamics.
All communities in southwest King County agree sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable behavior.