Judicial Questionnaire – 2026 Revision
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: Neil Horibe
Position Sought: Pierce County District Court
Are you an incumbent for this position? Non-incumbent
Home Legislative District: 27th LD
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: Nic Van Putten
List social media sites: https://www.facebook.com/neilforjudge/ https://www.instagram.com/people4neilhoribe/
Part I – Candidate Background
1. Please describe your qualifications, education, employment, past community and civic activity, as well as any other relevant experience.
As a current Industrial Appeals Judge since 2019 and as a Pierce County District Court Judge Pro Tem since 2021, I have the judicial experience necessary to serve as District Court Judge. In these roles, I preside over hearings, rule on evidentiary issues, and issue decisions based on the law and the facts.
Prior to taking the bench, I served for 13 years as a Pierce County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, handling the wide range of cases that come before the District Court, as well as series felony offenses including murder.
I earned my law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 2005. I am a member of the Asian Bar Association of Washington and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and I have supported community legal education through volunteer work, such as the YMCA Mock Trial program.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
I am running for District Court Judge because I am committed to public service and believe my experience and background uniquely prepares me for this role. I have seen the justice system from every level, including as a judicial officer, and I am ready to continue serving the people of Pierce County from the bench.
3. What do you believe are the most important qualifications for a judge or justice?
The most important qualifications are integrity, judicial temperament, and a deep understanding of the law. A judge must be impartial, must listen carefully, and must apply the law fairly to the facts of each case. It is also critical that a judge communicate decisions clearly so that all parties understand the outcome and feel they were heard.
Finally, it’s hard to know how to vote for judges. That’s why the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association provides judicial qualification ratings, and I’m honored to share that I’ve been rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” – their highest rating.
4. What priorities are you seeking to address with your campaign?
My campaign is focused on ensuring that the District Court remains fair, efficient, and accessible to the public. This includes maintaining timely case resolution, improving access to court services, and ensuring that all participants are treated with dignity and respect.
5. What is the code of conduct for your campaign?
As a judicial candidate, I and everyone who is helping with my campaign strictly follow the Washington Code of Judicial Conduct. My campaign focuses on my qualifications, experience, and commitment to fair and impartial administration of justice.
Part II – Access to Justice
1. If elected, how will you work to improve access to justice, particularly for communities and constituencies that do not understand the American legal system?
I am the grandchild of Japanese-Americans who were taken from their homes and forcibly interned without trial during World War II. I strive to be the kind of judge who they deserved, but never received.
I believe that access to justice begins with ensuring that all participants understand court processes and feel heard. In my current roles, I prioritize clear communication and take time to explain proceedings and rulings.
I also support continued use of tools such as remote hearings and simplified processes in areas like small claims court, which allow individuals to participate without needing extensive legal resources, because justice for only those who can afford it is not justice.
2. Is Washington relying too much on court fees to cover the cost of operating our judicial system? How do you believe our courts should be funded?
Yes, I believe that courts should be better funded by the State and Counties so that court fees do not exacerbate inequitable access to justice.
3. Would you, if elected, bring restorative justice as a goal to your court room? If yes, describe how that could look.
Yes, District Court already incorporates therapeutic and restorative approaches, and I fully support using these tools when appropriate. The Pierce County District Court’s therapeutic courts use evidence-based methods, and include the collaborative efforts of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and therapeutic providers to create a treatment plan for defendants. Restorative justice and a focus on the underlying causes of an offense are key components of these programs.
Rehabilitation and addressing the reasons for recidivism are key concerns for all courts, but are particularly important for District Courts. As a practical matter, municipal and county district courts serve as most people’s initial interaction with the justice system. If a violation is proven, the court’s goal is to respond in a way that ensures this initial interaction is the only interaction for folks who have had a misstep. It is in the interest of everyone: the community, victims, and the perpetrator to prevent recidivism. The court should use all the resources at its disposal to address the underlying issues (i.e. chemical dependency, anger management, mental health) so people can positively participate in their communities and families.
I support the continued use of these tools to address the reasons why a person committed an offense and reduce recidivism, while maintaining accountability and public safety.
4. What ideas can you offer to make our judicial system more open, transparent, and responsive?
One of the first duties of a judge is to make sure everyone can meaningfully understand and participate. The responsibilities of the Pierce County District Court include a significant number of cases (particularly civil matters) involving unrepresented litigants. At the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, I am regularly called upon to preside over matters where folks are representing themselves without the aid of an attorney. This can often include matters where unrepresented litigants also need the aid of an interpreter, which can be particularly challenging for inexperienced judges. I have successfully navigated these challenges as an Industrial Appeals Judge since 2019, both as a hearings judge (similar to a trial judge in a Superior Court bench trial) and as a judicial mediator. I believe my extensive experience in these cases makes me well suited to ensure everyone appearing in my courtroom has a fair and effective opportunity to understand, participate, and be heard.
Where possible, I believe the court should consider expanding the resources it makes available online. Providing online glossaries of commonly used terms, sample forms for unrepresented litigants in civil matters, and videos explaining court processes are an efficient way to give litigants the resources they need to appear in court prepared to proceed effectively.
5. What are your thoughts on how our courts could permanently incorporate virtual options for court hearings?
Virtual proceedings have expanded access to justice by allowing participation for those who face barriers such as transportation, work obligations, or childcare. I conduct remote hearings on a regular basis, and I believe courts should continue to incorporate virtual options to expand access to justice.
6. Justice delayed is justice denied, what are your thoughts on how to catch up on the current backlog of cases awaiting trail? Additionally what changes to the current court system would you implement to ensure speedy justice?
While I don’t believe the Pierce County District Court has a significant backlog of criminal cases, making sure matters progress smoothly and efficiently is the responsibility of all judicial officers. Having experienced and knowledgeable judges who are willing to work diligently to make the court available to conduct hearings effectively is a key way to ensure a backlog doesn’t develop. To the extent a backlog develops in a particular type of case, I believe the bench must work together to dynamically shift courtroom resources to resolve it.
7. What judicial reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC individuals in our communities?
Ensuring equity requires treating every person with dignity and respect and applying the law fairly and without bias. Judges must remain aware of both explicit and implicit bias and commit to ongoing education and self-reflection. At the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, I am a member of the agency’s Impact Team (formally called the Pro-Equity Anti-Racism Team) and previously served a term as the Team Chair.
It is also important that courts remain accessible and welcoming to all members of the community. Building trust in the justice system requires consistent fairness, transparency, and respect for every individual who appears before the court.
By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.
Printed Name: Neil Horibe
Date: 05/04/2026
