Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Lisa Foster
Phone: 206-561-6405
Email: lisa.foster@seattle.gov

Seattle Municipal Court Judges Re-Elect Anita Crawford-Willis as Presiding Judge and Damon Shadid as Assistant Presiding Judge; Judge Pooja Vaddadi Joins Executive Committee 

Seattle — On Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, a majority of Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) judges re‑elected Honorable Anita Crawford-Willis as Presiding Judge and Honorable Damon Shadid as Assistant Presiding Judge for a consecutive two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and ending Dec. 31, 2028. Honorable Pooja Vaddadi will join them as the third member of the Executive Committee, succeeding Honorable Willie Gregory, whose term on the bench ends on Jan. 10, 2027, when new judges are sworn in and Judge Gregory retires.

The Presiding Judge oversees court management and administration, including judicial assignments and supervision of the Court Administrator and the court’s non-elected Magistrates. The Assistant Presiding Judge fulfills those responsibilities when the Presiding Judge is unavailable.

In accordance with SMC Local Court Rule 10.2, the election was held during an executive session of the judges’ regularly scheduled monthly meeting. All seven sitting judges attended and voted.

During her first term as Presiding Judge, Honorable Crawford-Willis led several efforts to increase judicial capacity and strengthen internal operations. Under her leadership, the court hired and trained 12 pro tem judges and expanded its magistrate team from five to six. The Clerk’s Office also completed a reorganization focused on modernizing operations through cross‑training, with no loss of personnel.

“Our goal has been to build a court structure that reflects today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s,” said Presiding Judge Crawford-Willis. “By hiring additional pro tems, expanding the magistrate team, and reorganizing the Clerk’s Office without reducing staff, we’ve strengthened our ability to serve the public efficiently and equitably. I am grateful to my colleagues for their continued trust and look forward to advancing this work in the years ahead.”

“Additionally, we’re welcoming in three new judges in January, and we are making sure they are onboarded and well-equipped before they take the bench,” she added.

Assistant Presiding Judge Shadid echoed the commitment to continued progress and collaboration.

“I’m honored to serve another term alongside Judge Crawford-Willis,” Shadid said. “Together, we will continue working with court staff and justice partners to support a safe, accessible, and innovative court for the people of Seattle.”

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