Mary Fairhurst

Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis has been appointed as the first Native American justice to serve on the Washington Supreme Court. Courtesy of office of Gov. Jay Inslee

Governor Jay Inslee Appoints First Native American To Washington Supreme Court

In a barrier-breaking appointment, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has selected a Whatcom County judge to serve as the first known Native American justice on the state Supreme Court since its founding in 1889.

Justice Debra Stephens speaks from the bench during a Washington Supreme Court hearing in Olympia, Wash. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, Stephens was elected by her fellow members of the state Supreme Court to be the new chief justice. CREDIT: Ted S. Warren/AP

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Debra Stephens Elected As New Chief Justice Of Washington Supreme Court

Stephens, 54, will replace current Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst, who announced last month she will retire from the high court in January to focus on her health as she fights a third bout of cancer.

Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst addresses a joint session of the Washington Legislature. Fairhurst, who is battling colon cancer, has announced she will retire from the court in January. Courtesy of Washington State Supreme Court

Local News

Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stepping Down Due To Cancer

The chief justice of the Washington state Supreme Court, Mary Fairhurst, will retire in January as she continues to battle her third bout of colon cancer since 2008.