Endorsement letters in full
Endorsement from David L. Edwards, Retired Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge
ENDORSEMENT OF JUDGE MEGAN M. VALENTINE
I am proud to endorse Judge Megan M. Valentine for election to the Grays Harbor County District Court.
Throughout my years serving on the Superior Court bench, I learned that the qualities that matter most in a judge are experience, integrity, fairness, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. Those qualities are not developed overnight. They are earned through years of legal practice, public service, and a demonstrated commitment to treating every person who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect. Judge Megan Valentine possesses those qualities.
Since joining the District Court, Judge Valentine has demonstrated the professionalism and work ethic that our community expects from its judges. She approaches each case carefully, listens to all parties, and applies the law fairly and consistently. Her commitment to ethical judicial conduct and impartial decision-making helps ensure that every person appearing before the court receives a fair hearing, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Judge Valentine has also shown a willingness to tackle difficult administrative and operational challenges facing the court system. Effective courts require more than legal knowledge; they require leadership, organization, and a commitment to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary. She has demonstrated those qualities while serving the citizens of Grays Harbor County.
The public deserves judges who are prepared, knowledgeable, and dedicated to the fair administration of justice. Judge Valentine’s educational achievements, extensive legal background, and record of public service have prepared her well for that responsibility. More importantly, she has shown the temperament, ethics, and judgment necessary to serve with distinction.
I encourage the voters of Grays Harbor County to support Judge Megan M. Valentine for District Court. She is an experienced, fair, and ethical judge who has earned the trust and confidence of the community she serves.
Sincerely,
David L. Edwards, Retired Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge
Endorsement from Stephen E. Brown, Retired Grays Harbor County Superior & District Court Judge
Hon. Stephen E. Brown (Retired) — Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge, 2014–2021 · District Court Judge, 1987–2014
5 August 2026
Endorsement of Judge Megan Valentine’s Re-election
I fully endorse Judge Megan Valentine’s re-election.
There is so much more to being a judge than deciding cases. Since taking the bench in 2021, she has worked hard on your behalf to improve the administration of justice in Grays Harbor County. Judge Valentine “founded District Court’s Post-Conviction DUI Court — providing enhanced supervision and treatment centered on reducing traffic fatalities in Grays Harbor — and secured full state funding to sustain it.”* Evidence-based practices incorporated into the criminal justice system have proven to make our community safer and more productive. I led the planning and implementation of our Superior Court’s Adult Felony Drug Court and Family Recovery Court, which incorporated evidence-based practices to make recovery a possibility and a choice for our community members. Our community needs Judge Valentine’s continued leadership in this area.
Judge Valentine has led improved court operations, including “free public case search, electronic filing, and a new court computer system. Probation supervision has been expanded to include pretrial services, increased EHM monitoring, behavioral health programs, and a Victim Impact Panel keeping victims’ voices at the center of accountability. She also made her courtroom a pilot for the statewide Fairness in the Court and Civil Protection Order projects.”* Having been the judge who led the creation of District Court Probation and our first local Victim Impact Panels, I believe we need Judge Valentine’s continued leadership and vision in these areas.
Based on my thirty-four (34) years’ experience as a trial court judge in Grays Harbor County, which included being president of the Washington State District and Municipal Court Judges Association (2010–2011), I believe that Judge Valentine is the best choice for Grays Harbor County District Court.
Stephen E. Brown (Retired), Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge (2014–2021), Grays Harbor County District Court Judge (1987–2014)
* https://re-electjudgevalentine.org/about
Endorsement from Katie Svoboda, Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge
Judicial Endorsement for Judge Megan Valentine, Grays Harbor District Court Position #2
As a sitting judge, I understand the responsibility that comes with serving on the bench and the importance of fairness, integrity, and impartiality in every decision. Our courts must be places where every person is treated with dignity and respect, where the law is applied fairly, and where access to justice is more than an ideal—it is a daily responsibility. Public confidence in the judiciary is built through careful decisions, transparent proceedings, and equal treatment under the law.
I was born and raised here, and I have spent my career serving the people of Grays Harbor as both an attorney and a judge. During that time, I have worked with both candidates in this race and have seen their work and ethics firsthand. That experience gives me a clear basis for my wholehearted endorsement of Judge Megan Valentine’s reelection.
Judge Valentine brings to the bench sound legal judgment, unwavering integrity, and a deep understanding of the people and communities she serves. She does not simply meet the basic demands of judicial office; she consistently looks for ways to make the court more effective, fair, and accessible. Her strong work ethic is evident in the care she brings to each proceeding and in her determination to ensure that every person who appears before her is heard and treated with respect.
Judge Valentine has also built meaningful partnerships with local and tribal courts to improve the efficiency and fairness of proceedings. That collaboration matters. It helps reduce barriers, strengthens coordination among courts, and improves the experience of people navigating the justice system. Her commitment extends beyond Grays Harbor as well: she is engaged at the state level, working to advance practical, systemic improvements that benefit courts and the communities they serve.
Judge Valentine’s educational and professional accomplishments are impressive, but her character and service to this community are even more compelling. She brings humility, diligence, and compassion to her work. Whether handling a difficult case, addressing the needs of someone unfamiliar with the legal system, or working to improve court operations, she demonstrates the judgment and professionalism that voters should expect from a judge. Her conduct on and off the bench reflects the high standards of integrity that sustain public trust in our courts.
Grays Harbor deserves a judge who is prepared, principled, hardworking, and committed to equal justice. Judge Megan Valentine has earned the community’s trust through her integrity, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and dedicated service. I urge voters to reelect her to Grays Harbor District Court Position #2 so she can continue strengthening our courts and serving the people of Grays Harbor with fairness, professionalism, and distinction.
The integrity of our courts and the public’s trust in justice depend on the principles we uphold every day. Judge Megan Valentine has upheld those principles—and she has earned the opportunity to continue serving our community.
— Judge Katie Svoboda, Grays Harbor Superior Court
Endorsement from Leona Colegrove, Chief Judge, Quinault Tribal Court
06/16/26
RE: Endorsement of District Court Judge Megan Valentine
To Whom It May Concern:
As Chief Judge of the Quinault Tribal Court, I am honored to offer my enthusiastic endorsement of Judge Megan Valentine for reelection to the District Court bench. Over the course of our professional relationship, I have come to know Judge Valentine as a thoughtful, principled, and dedicated judicial officer who understands that effective justice requires collaboration, mutual respect, and a commitment to serving all members of our communities.
From the perspective of a Tribal Court Judge, meaningful partnerships between Tribal and state courts are not always easy to build. They require a willingness to listen, learn, and engage with one another as equal partners in the administration of justice. Judge Valentine has consistently demonstrated those qualities. She has shown genuine respect for Tribal sovereignty and a sincere appreciation for the government-to-government relationship that exists between the Quinault Nation and other governmental entities. Her actions have reflected an understanding that Tribal Courts are not merely service providers, but sovereign judicial institutions entrusted with protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of our people.
Throughout her service on the District Court bench, Judge Valentine has made the effort to understand the work of the Quinault Tribal Court and the unique challenges facing Tribal communities. She has taken the time to visit our Wellness Court, observe our proceedings, and engage directly with the innovative and culturally informed approaches we use to address substance use disorders, behavioral health concerns, and other underlying issues that contribute to criminal justice involvement.
What has impressed me most is that Judge Valentine's commitment has extended beyond simply learning about our programs. She has actively supported collaborative solutions that recognize the value of Tribal justice systems. In appropriate cases involving Tribal members facing charges in District Court, Judge Valentine has been willing to consider participation in the Quinault Wellness Court as part of determining the most effective disposition of those matters. This approach reflects a sophisticated understanding that accountability and rehabilitation can work hand in hand and that lasting public safety is best achieved when courts address the root causes of criminal behavior.
Judge Valentine recognizes that Tribal communities often possess resources, cultural connections, and treatment opportunities that can play a critical role in an individual's recovery and long-term success. Rather than viewing Tribal and state courts as separate systems operating in isolation, she has embraced a collaborative model that allows both jurisdictions to work together in pursuit of shared goals. Her willingness to foster that partnership has strengthened the relationship between our courts and has created opportunities for individuals to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
As Chief Judge, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of this collaborative approach. Judge Valentine's openness to innovation, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and commitment to government-to-government cooperation have helped build trust between our institutions and improved outcomes for the people we collectively serve. These efforts reflect not only sound judicial judgment but also a deep understanding of what justice looks like in practice.
For these reasons, I am proud to offer my unequivocal and wholehearted endorsement of Judge Megan Valentine for reelection to the District Court bench. Throughout my years in the judiciary, I have had the opportunity to work with many judges, and Judge Valentine stands out as a judicial officer who understands that justice is most effective when it is grounded in fairness, accountability, respect, and meaningful collaboration. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving her community while recognizing the importance of Tribal sovereignty and the critical role Tribal courts play in strengthening public safety and improving outcomes for our citizens.
Judge Valentine has earned my respect not only as a judge, but as a trusted partner in advancing justice across jurisdictions. Her willingness to build bridges between Tribal and state courts, to engage in government-to-government collaboration, and to support innovative approaches such as Wellness Court reflects the kind of leadership our communities need. She understands that lasting solutions require cooperation, mutual respect, and a commitment to helping people succeed.
I strongly encourage voters to support Judge Megan Valentine. Her integrity, professionalism, judicial temperament, and commitment to equal justice under the law make her exceptionally qualified to continue serving on the bench. I am confident that she will continue to serve with distinction, honor, and dedication, and I can think of no better person to continue in this important role.
Respectfully,
Leona Colegrove, Chief Judge, Quinault Tribal Court
Endorsement from Andrea Vingo, Judge, Grays Harbor County District Court, Position 1
July 5, 2026
Judge Megan Valentine has shown that she is a hardworking, principled, and forward-thinking District Court judge. Her leadership on the county budget and the DUI Therapeutic Court has made our community safer and our justice system more fair.
As a fellow Grays Harbor County District Court Judge, I have worked closely with Judge Valentine and have seen her strong commitment to serving the people of this county. She comes to court prepared, treats everyone with respect, and follows the law carefully. I am proud to endorse Judge Valentine for Grays Harbor County District Court, Position 2, and strongly support her re-election.
Judge Valentine helped launch and guide Grays Harbor County’s DUI Therapeutic Court. This program is designed to reduce drunk driving by using close supervision, treatment, and accountability instead of repeat jail sentences. In her court, participants follow clear treatment plans, return for regular reviews, and take part in proven programs that deal with the real causes of impaired driving. This approach leads to safer roads, stronger families, and better long-term outcomes for our community.
Besides her work on the bench, Judge Valentine has taken on difficult administrative duties, including key budget responsibilities that most people never see. She works with county leaders to secure funding for therapeutic courts and to make sure these programs use taxpayer money wisely. She is willing to do the detailed, behind-the-scenes work needed to keep our courts running smoothly and to support new programs that actually help people.
Because of her tireless work on DUI Therapeutic Court, her careful handling of the court’s budget, and her consistent, principled approach in all parts of her job, I strongly endorse Judge Megan Valentine for re-election. Our community will be well served by keeping her on the District Court bench so she can continue improving justice and safety in Grays Harbor County.
Andrea Vingo
Endorsement from Robert & Linda Hunter, Former Teachers, Aberdeen School District
June 20, 2026
As life-log friends of Megan Valentine, we fully endorse her for the position of Grays Harbor District Court Judge (Dept. 2). Knowing Megan since she first moved to Grays Harbor in the ninth grade, we have shared many wonderful holidays and outings. Our memories of those times highlight Megan’s love for family, her sense of humor, her cooking expertise, and the way she made others feel comfortable.
Megan Valentine’s academic success has been stellar. Her years at Montesano High School, University of Washington, and Cornell University prove she is knowledgeable, attentive to details, and up to the challenge. Her success in school led her to become an accomplished lawyer in private practice. Having proven herself in many local Grays Harbor cases, Megan was appointed to be District Court Judge in 2021.
We have followed Megan’s career as both a lawyer and judge. She has been consistently thorough in her research, and has always adhered to the rule of law. Megan Valentine is a valuable asset to her community and is highly regarded by her peers.
Please vote for Megan Valentine, Grays Harbor District Court Judge, as she is the exceptional choice.
Sincerely,
Robert and Linda Hunter, Aberdeen School District Teachers (RET)
Endorsement from Dick & Janine Stone, Former Mayor of Montesano & Longtime Residents
To the Voters of Grays Harbor County:
We are honored to endorse Judge Megan Valentine for re-election as Grays Harbor County District Court Judge.
As longtime residents of Montesano, we have had the privilege of knowing Megan as a classmate to our daughter in High School through her service to our community in many different roles. Janine came to know Megan through her service as President of the Friends of the W.H. Abel Memorial Library, where Megan's commitment, organization, and ability to bring people together made a lasting impression. Her leadership was thoughtful, inclusive, and always focused on strengthening our community.
As a former Mayor of Montesano, Dick has known many individuals in positions of public responsibility. Effective public servants earn the trust of their communities by listening carefully, making fair decisions, and leading with integrity. Megan has consistently demonstrated those qualities. Whether serving on the Montesano City Council, volunteering in community organizations, or now serving as our District Court Judge, Megan approaches every responsibility with professionalism, preparation, and respect for the people she serves.
Megan continues to demonstrate the qualities that make an exceptional judge and community leader: integrity, sound judgment, compassion, and a willingness to serve others before oneself. We respectfully encourage our fellow citizens to join us in voting to re-elect Judge Megan Valentine as Grays Harbor County District Court Judge.
Sincerely,
Dick Stone, Former Mayor, City of Montesano
Janine Stone, Montesano, Washington
Endorsement from Pamelia Valentine, Megan's Mother-in-Law
July 23, 2026
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for my daughter-in-law, Megan Valentine, who is running for re-election to the District Court, Department 2 in the November election. As a member of our family, I have witnessed, firsthand, her dedication, passion, and commitment to serving the people of Grays Harbor County. She decided upon this future path as a young adult and has unflinchingly pursued that goal through law school, graduating from Cornell University, serving as a county prosecutor, having her own practice and finally as a district court judge in this county. She has always had my unwavering support.
Megan Valentine has been deeply involved in critical issues in many different venues and has advocated for families, for vulnerable children, and for those struggling with substance abuse challenges. She has worked with a wide variety of individuals to make our communities stronger and more resilient. She is a wise mentor and a caring, loving mother to her daughters. She understands, firsthand, what it means to live in and raise a family in our local community. Megan has the gift of great insight, along with her unique perspective, and a genuine desire to listen as well as learn about the diverse needs of the people of Grays Harbor County. She works tirelessly to make positive changes to give all citizens a brighter and more secure future.
Megan Valentine has shown the qualities necessary to be re-elected as a judge and continue to serve in our county’s District Court. She demonstrates honesty, integrity, compassion and a strong work ethic. I wholeheartedly endorse her and encourage everyone to support her campaign.
Thank you for considering my endorsement of Megan Valentine. Together, we can help her achieve her vision for our bright future.
Pamelia Valentine, Megan’s Mother-in-Law
Endorsement from Linda Foster & Heather Warsaw, Community Members
We are proud to support Judge Megan Valentine for reelection
We are offering this endorsement on our own initiative because we’ve both had the opportunity to know Megan through our work and have seen firsthand her commitment to fairness, professionalism, and public service.
Throughout our interactions with her, we have been consistently impressed by her integrity, humility, and genuine care for the people she serves. She approaches every challenge thoughtfully, treats everyone with respect, and never loses sight of the responsibility entrusted to her as a judge.
Megan is the kind of leader who earns trust through her actions, not her words. We have complete confidence in her character, her judgment, and her unwavering commitment to the fair administration of justice.
We are proud to support her as private citizens because we believe she is the right person to continue serving our community.
This endorsement reflects only our personal views. It is made solely in our capacities as private citizens and does not represent the views of Grays Harbor County District Court or any other public agency.
Linda Foster | Heather Warsaw
