Wash. Code. Jud. Cond. 4.2

As amended throough October 10, 2024

Rule 4.2 - Political And Campaign Activities Of Judicial Candidates In Public Elections

(A) A judicial candidate* in a nonpartisan, public election* shall:

(1) Act at all times in a manner consistent with the independence,* integrity,* and impartiality* of the judiciary;

(2) comply with all applicable election, election campaign, and election campaign fundraising laws and regulations of this jurisdiction;

(3) review and approve the content of all campaign statements and materials produced by the candidate or judicial candidate's campaign committee, as authorized by Rule 4.4, before their dissemination; and

(4) take reasonable measures to ensure that other persons do not undertake on behalf of the candidate activities, other than those described in Rule 4.4, that the candidate is prohibited from doing by Rule 4.1.

(B) A candidate for elective judicial office may:

(1) establish a campaign committee pursuant to the provisions of Rule 4.4;

(2) speak on behalf of their candidacy through any medium, including but not limited to advertisements, websites, or other campaign literature;

(3) seek, accept, or use endorsements from any person or organization.

Wash. Code. Jud. Cond. 4.2

Comments

[1] Paragraphs (B) permits judicial candidates in public elections to engage in some political and campaign activities otherwise prohibited by Rule 4.1.

[2] Despite paragraph (B), judicial candidates for public election remain subject to many of the provisions of Rule 4.1. For example, a candidate continues to be prohibited from soliciting funds for a political organization, knowingly making false or misleading statements during a campaign, or making certain promises, pledges, or commitments related to future adjudicative duties. See Rule 4.1(A) paragraphs (4), (10), and (12).

[3] Judicial candidates are permitted to attend or purchase tickets for dinners and other events sponsored by political organizations on behalf of their own candidacy or that of another judicial candidate.

[4] In endorsing or opposing another candidate for judicial office, a judicial candidate must abide by the same rules governing campaign conduct and speech as apply to the candidate's own campaign.

[5] Although judicial candidates in nonpartisan public elections are prohibited from running on a ticket or slate associated with a political organization, they may group themselves into slates or other alliances to conduct their campaigns more effectively.