Dave Larson

Dave Larson was born in Tacoma, Washington. He earned a high school diploma from Federal Way High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Puget Sound in 1980, and a law degree from the Seattle University School of Law in 1984. His career experience includes working as a judge. Larson has been affiliated with the following organizations: District and Municipal Court Judges Association, Kiwanis Club, Federal Way School District Air Force JROTC Advisory Board, and Civil Air Patrol Squadron at McChord AFB.[1][2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Judge Dave Larson is the only candidate in this race that has served as a judge. His 16 years as a judge and 23 years as a trial lawyer make him the best prepared and most qualified candidate for this position. He is rated "Exceptionally Well-Qualified" by multiple bar associations. He is a Washington native that has been living in South King County for the past 57 years. We desperately need his proven leadership on the Supreme Court.

His leadership has been recognized statewide and nationwide because he develops solutions, solves problems, and has improved our courts. As a lawyer, his peers rated him as “AV Preeminent” through Martindale-Hubbell. This means that lawyers and judges felt that he deserved the highest possible rating which, "is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him...at the highest level of professional excellence."

Judge Larson is involved and highly respected in youth and adult civics education. He was a 2014 recipient of the Washington Judge’s Foundation Judge William Nevins Award, an award given to judges with a long-term commitment to youth education and public understanding of both the law and the role of the judiciary in American society. In addition, he was recognized as a “Hero” of Federal Way Public Schools in 2018 and again in 2022, and the readers of the local newspaper selected him as “Best Community Leader” in 2022. He is the recipient of numerous other awards and recognitions as well.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The people of this state need Judge Larson. Crime is out of hand and the Supreme Court has been silent, and, in some cases, has made matters worse. As the only candidate who has actually been in the "trenches," Judge Larson's innovative and effective approaches have been recognized statewide and nationwide. Many of his ideas have been adopted by the legislature. His common-sense strategy has earned support from judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, police chiefs, sheriffs, mayors, legislators, and the very people who work directly with those suffering from addiction and untreated mental illness. His intellect, courage, and desire to stand up for what is right for our courts and communities are exactly what we need.Judge Larson has proven throughout his entire career that he will uphold our state and federal constitutions and the individual rights they protect. A vote for him will be a vote for the confidence we desperately need in our courts. Our state and nation are divided, and our Supreme Court has become too political. Judge Larson wants to make our Court the trusted institution it is supposed to be by bringing us together with trust and confidence. He has tried to unite us by reaching out to Democrats and Republicans, Labor and Business, and to citizens in Eastern and Western Washington because everyone deserves to have trust and confidence in our Supreme Court regardless of their political beliefs, economic status, or geographic location.Judge Larson has and will continue to follow our state and federal constitutions as written. He will not legislate from the bench. Our State Constitution is the best in the nation with strong protections for your rights that are worthy of being upheld as written. He has a proven record of standing up for your individual rights, even when not popular to do so, and we desperately need that leadership on our Court. Judge Larson will be a fair and impartial Justice. We need our courts to be a politically neutral forum that people can trust to be fair and impartial, and that requires someone to stand up and be willing to uphold the principles that build trust and confidence in our courts. Judge Larson is that someone, and he is that Justice.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The response to the criminal justice crisis, public defender crisis, civics education, and how to properly structure government to best serve the people. Crime is a top priority; it is out of hand in our communities and the Supreme Court has been silent, and, in some cases, has only made matters worse. Judge Larson has worked closely with the legislature and local government and has been recognized statewide and nationwide for his common-sense and effective approaches to criminal justice. Finally, he created a presentation for members of the public called, "How Freedom Works" which teaches the fundamentals of freedom and government. He wants to use his position to improve how we govern ourselves in Washington State.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father, my football coach, and three lawyer mentors. My father showed me integrity and a solid work ethic and my football coach instilled an "attitude makes the difference" approach to life. My first lawyer mentor taught me how to be thorough, my second lawyer mentor taught me how to be tenacious, and my third lawyer mentor taught me how to control it.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The "political philosophy" of a judge should be that politics should have no place in the decisions made by a court. A liberal judge, a moderate judge, and a conservative judge should be able to make similar decisions about the law if they each adhere to the notion that politics are reserved for the legislative and executive branches, and not the courts. As stated above, I must respect and follow Art. I, Sec. 1, by recognizing that my role as a judge is that of a servant of the people; I am not a master of the people. I serve at the consent of the people and my primary job is to protect individual rights by making sure that the state and federal constitutions are followed by the legislative and executive branches. I recommend that people read the state and federal constitutions if they want to know what will be at the foundation of my decisions.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Needed characteristics for elected officials include humility, integrity, and a servant's heart. The reason those traits are important is because our form of government relies on elected officials to act as servants of the people, not masters of the people. The very first provision in our state constitution emphasizes the need for government officials to understand the nature of government and their role as servants. Art. I, Sec. 1 provides, "All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights." Many of the issues we face today are caused by the fact that too many people running for office are seeking power for themselves and the people who support them. In reality, our form of government relies on people seeking the responsibility of office; the responsibility to serve others.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Humility, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the public. Too many people are motivated by seeking power in elected office. I am motivated by seeking responsibility in elected office. I will tell a story to demonstrate how I feel about elected office. I was with several high school students along with some other elected officials. One of the students asked, "When did you feel closest to your position?" The other elected officials talked about special projects, programs, laws that they passed, and other accomplishments within the scope of their official duties. When it got to me, I talked about being in the back of the line at a chili cook-off. A person I knew came up and spoke with me for a few minutes and called me "judge". When that person left, the person behind me said, "You're a judge just cut up in front of the line." I turned to the person and said, "When I don't have my robe on, I'm like anybody else." The reason I told the story to the students is to emphasize that my number one position is that of fellow citizen. I simply play a role in my position as judge, and I am no more special than anyone else. I am a servant, and not a master. These qualities should not be rare within government. I hope to bring that ethic to our state’s highest court.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The primary job of a Supreme Court Justice is to make legal decisions consistent with common sense and fairness that is achieved by complying with the meaning and purpose of the state and federal constitutions. Supreme Court Justices also need to act as leaders to support the lower courts and the proper administration of justice. The Supreme Court sets the rules and the tone for the lower courts (see response regarding court rules below).

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to have been known as someone who strived for a justice system that fulfilled its true purpose by delivering dignity and respect to all who enter the halls of justice.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination and funeral of President John F. Kennedy. I was five years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Picking up litter on the freeway for the Washington State Department of Transportation as part of a program called "Weekend Warriors." It was every Saturday the Spring of my senior year in high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy because it chronicles people who took tough stands in the face of adversity.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superman because of "Truth, Justice, and the American Way." "American Way" was replaced with "a Better Tomorrow" in 2021, but we will have a better tomorrow if we follow the intended American way of valuing truth and justice.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Adagio for Strings after recently seeing the movie, Platoon.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Being resisted when I suggest change to people in positions of power, but I keep moving forward because I know in history that anytime positive meaningful change has occurred, somebody had to pay a price for suggesting the change. I'm not afraid to be that person.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The Supreme Court creates court rules for all courts in this state. Court rules set procedures used in courtroom proceedings, procedures used in discovery before court proceedings occur, rules affecting the admissibility of evidence at court proceedings, rules for pursuing appeals, rules for how trial courts are managed, ethics rules for lawyers, ethics rules for judges, and many other types of rules. These rules set the tone for the trial courts, for judges, for lawyers, and for the public who use our court system.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My legal philosophy is grounded in my oath as a judge. The oath of a Supreme Court Justice is similar to a trial judge's oath and provides as follows: "I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Washington, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of judge of the supreme court of the State of Washington to the best of my ability." The law creates the boundaries that all of us need to operate within, but dignity and respect serve as the foundation of justice. Dignity and respect are as essential to humans as eating, drinking, and sleeping. Injustice is created in our interactions with each other, and the law and the courts need to focus on restoring justice when it is breached. However, sometimes the courts aggravate disputes by failing to recognize its core purpose as the peace keeping branch of government. We also lose focus in the judiciary when we fail to understand the part of human nature that craves justice through the delivery of dignity and respect. Court rules and court proceedings need to follow the principles of procedural justice. The four principles of procedural justice are dignity and respect, voice (being heard), neutral and transparent decision-making, and judges and lawyers adhering to trustworthy motives in what they do. The system breaks down and confidence is lost if the judiciary allows itself to depart from these principles.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

Former Chief Justice Gerry Alexander.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes. A judge's heart (empathy) and mind (intellect) must be in balance. Too much of one or the other causes judges to make bad decisions.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

So far, I have been rated "Exceptionally Well Qualified" by each bar association evaluating me this year.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

Our lack of any uniform strategy to address crime, addiction, and untreated mental illness in our communities. We are facing out of control crime in our communities. Instead of helping our communities, the current supreme court’s decisions have undermined efforts in the trial courts and in our communities to address this unprecedented crisis. Our trial courts are an essential tool used to protect the health and welfare of our communities and they need to be supported, not undermined. Our Supreme Court needs to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

The "Blake" case decided in 2021 is a prime example of what it means to be a part of the problem - the majority of justices made arguments in their decision that the lawyers did not make in their arguments, and subsequently declared our drug laws unconstitutional. Those same drug laws had been upheld by the Supreme Court on two previous occasions. The Blake decision put our state on its head because it essentially legalized drugs in Washington for two years. Much of the increased crime rates we’re seeing can be tied back to Blake, and it will take time before we completely recover from that decision.

I have worked successfully with the legislature on common sense strategies that will reduce crime with compassion without sacrificing personal accountability, all of which are supported by judges, lawyers, legislators, mayors, police chiefs and sheriffs, those who advocate for people suffering from addiction and untreated mental illness, other leaders across our state, and the citizens who elect them. I want to bring that much needed leadership to our Supreme Court to work with the legislature and local government on solutions for the crime we are witnessing in our communities.

We also need to provide therapeutic alternatives to family law cases. Although there is cause for hope, too many children and families are adversely affected by the current approach to divorce and family law.

How does your state’s supreme court serve as part of the state government’s checks and balances?

The Washington Supreme Court has the final say on how the State Constitution is interpreted and enforced. Its purpose is to serve as a check on the power of the other two branches and to make sure that our form of government is preserved.

Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?

It depends, because sometimes politics is injected into the process. I am in favor of forming a "Judicial Elections Commission" who would rate candidates in a non-partisan/bi-partisan manner using established criteria. The JEC would also serve to educate the public on what traits to look for in a judge so people could decide for themselves on how the various candidates rate for them. The JEC would also sponsor and promote debates and forums to help voters better understand judicial elections.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I like situational comedy instead of one off jokes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by judges, lawyers, mayors, law enforcement officials, legislators, people in the recovery community, and others. A list will be provided upon request.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

All forms of transparency are essential, not just financial transparency. Public disclosure laws were adopted by citizen initiative and those laws need to be given full force and effect by the courts as written. It all goes back again to Article I, Sec. 1 of the State Constitution because transparency and accountability are mandatory, not an option. The government belongs to the people, not to government officials.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

This is not an issue for the judicial candidates to weigh in on. Ethics rules prohibit judges from giving opinions on matters that might come before the Court.

Campaign website

Larson’s campaign website stated the following:

Meet Judge Dave Larson

Judge Larson has served as the presiding judge for Federal Way Municipal Court for 14 years. In his 16 total years on the bench, he has earned a strong reputation as a fair and accomplished judge. Before becoming a judge, he was a highly rated trial lawyer for 23 years, trying cases in both state and federal courts.

Judge Larson has worked closely with legislators and others across the state and nation to coordinate and develop real strategies for not only our state’s criminal justice system, but for the communities they serve. He intends to bring that desperately needed leadership to our state’s highest court so that we can work together with other branches of government to tackle the troublesome issues facing our communities and state as a whole.

Judge Larson brings a balance that we need in our courts now more than ever – he believes in upholding the constitution and uses common sense solutions to address problems.

One of the problems he is the most passionate about fixing is rising crime rates. Judge Larson’s approach to this uses both compassion and accountability as effective tools with those accused of crime. He has long devoted himself to the improvement of the justice system and judicial independence, earning him the President’s Award from the District and Municipal Court Judges Association in 2018 in addition to several other awards.

His values, legal knowledge, and balanced approach to justice set him apart and has earned him the past and current support of Democrats and Republicans, Business and Labor groups, Judges and attorneys from across the state, and people just like you.

Judge Larson respects and follows our state constitution, and unwaveringly believes in upholding the rights of the people.

He’s the Justice we need – now more than ever.

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—Dave Larson’s campaign website (2024)[9]

Dave Larson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.