Editor’s note: This story has been edited 3/16/26 to reflect that Theo Angelis will need to run in 2026 to retain his position as Justice. MBN regrets the error.
OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The state will have a new Supreme Court Justice soon.
Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Theo Angelis to take over Justice Barbara Madsen’s seat on the Washington Supreme Court Monday, March 9.
Angelis paid tribute to Madsen at the appointment ceremony Monday.
“Justice Madsen, you are a true trailblazer. You are a legend in the Bar for your pioneering work especially with the Gender and Justice [Commission]. The reforms you championed have made the courts better, fairer, more equal and more accessible,” Angelis said. “You are thoughtful, insightful and you have, above all, the courage of your convictions.”
Justice Madsen announced her retirement from the position last month, with plans to leave the court on April 3.
Madsen was the first woman popularly elected to the state Supreme Court in 1992. As she is leaving her elected office before her term is up, the governor has the ability to appoint a justice of his choosing.
A Seattle-based litigator, Angelis has a range of experience in several levels of court and specifically has a history of pro-bono work with children in immigration court. Ferguson also says Angelis is the first Middle Eastern-descended justice for the state.
Angelis will take over for Madsen this spring but will need to run later this year to retain the justice seat during the November election.
