David Stevens
Non-Partisan | Washington
Candidate Profile
Originalist
BIOGRAPHY
Name
David Stevens
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2026
Election
Primary
Race
Justice of the Supreme Court, Seat 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Candidate did not provide
WORK & MILITARY
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AFFILIATIONS
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POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
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POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
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ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Republican Women's Club of Mason County
OTHER INFORMATION
In an interview with Teagan Levine, Stevens described himself as a "strict constructionist" who believes judges should "just read the law and apply it as it is."
Stevens stated that judges must decide cases based on the law and facts, even when "it doesn't accord with what I personally wanted," because "that's what you have to do." He emphasized that judges "call balls and strikes" and "do not play the game."
Stevens also criticized the Washington Supreme Court, arguing that judges appointed by "the same kind of Governor" issue rulings "based on ideology rather than on the state Constitution."
Stevens identified Justice Scalia and Justice Alito as his judicial heroes stating, “... my favorite would be Clarence Thomas. Second would be Anthony Scalia and Supreme Court Justice Alito." Further stating “I believe that... they have to follow the state constitution, which is very clear on certain subjects, like taxation, treating people equally, things of that nature."
When asked about alternative sentencing, Stevens stated, “I'm a big proponent of alternative sentences, I always have been." He noted that the Department of Corrections makes recommendations based on “input from the victim,” evidence, and case materials, and said it was “strange” when courts “don’t seem to follow those recommendations.” He added that such programs include first-time offender alternatives with supervision and treatment, concluding, “I like giving people chances.”
Regarding Washington Supreme Court decisions on drug statutes and the role of government, Stevens stated that the Washington Constitution’s rights are found in “Article 1,” which “admonishes us to have a recurrence to fundamental principles, to protect our individual rights and the integrity of government.” He added that the U.S. Constitution is “all about checks and balances,” explaining that the framers “didn't want power in one hand” and therefore created “a series of checks and balances.” He further noted that Washington’s Constitution also includes similar safeguards, but argued that “if the governor's appointing more than 75% of the judges, that those checks and balances are not working.”
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
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Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
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Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
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VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
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ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
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I voted in these primaries and general elections:
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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
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Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
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Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
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Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
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A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
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What is the proper role of a judge?
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When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned. Please comment on this topic.
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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
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2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
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