Pierce County District Court Judge Pos 4 | Election day is November 3, 2026

Experience.
Integrity.
Community.

Neil Horible in a dark suit, blue shirt, and red tie standing outdoors in front of large stone columns, smiling at the camera.

Industrial Appeals Judge and former Deputy Prosecutor Neil Horibe is running to serve our community with fairness, respect, and a deep knowledge of the law.

THE CANDIDATE

Meet Neil Horibe

Neil is driven to serve. He has seen the justice system at its best, but understands what it can look like at its worst. During World War II, his grandparents were taken from their homes and forcefully interned along with many other innocent Japanese Americans, so he knows the harm that can be done when the system fails.

Neil currently works as an Industrial Appeals Judge at the Washington State Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, hearing cases related to the Department of Labor and Industries. Neil also serves as a Pierce County District Court Judge Pro Tem, which means he has experience presiding over cases in the very court he is running to join. Neil is ready to step up and serve the people of Pierce County as their next District Court Judge on day one.

Neil received his law degree from the University of Washington and worked for the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office immediately upon graduation. He served the people of Pierce County as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for more than a decade, trying cases in both District Court and Superior Court. Committed to public service, Neil also volunteered as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Fife. In that role, he learned what it means to serve the community’s needs as one of its first responders.

"I promise to always listen carefully, rule based on the law and the facts of the case, and to treat every person with dignity and respect. I humbly ask for your trust and your vote."

UW Law Graduate

Dedicated to legal excellence and continuous learning. He graduated as a member of the prestigious Order of Barristers national honor society.

Community Mentor

Regular volunteer for the YMCA High School Mock Trial competition.

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Legal & Judicial Experience

PROUDLY SERVING THE PUBLIC AS A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

Presides over complex cases involving workers compensation, safety citations, crime victim claims, and other issues. Takes sworn testimony, receives evidence, rules on objections, and issues written decisions — much like the responsibilities of a trial judge. Neil has also served as a judicial mediator during pre-hearing proceedings and reviewed the decisions of his fellow judges when they are challenged.

Industrial Appeals Judge

Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals

Handles the full responsibilities of a District Court Judge when called to serve, presiding over civil and criminal hearings in the very court in which he is now a candidate.

District Court Judge Pro Tem

Pierce County District Court

Over a decade litigating felony and misdemeanor cases — narcotics, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and murder. Included specialized work in the domestic violence unit at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office

Reserve Police Officer

City of Fife Police Department

Hundreds, if not thousands, of hours spent as a volunteer Reserve Police Officer — responding to 911 calls, medical emergencies, and community events. Neil understands what it means to be a first responder and to serve the public directly. Recipient of the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified”

by the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

BROAD SUPPORT

Trusted by Our Community

“Our District Court is the Court with which most Pierce County residents have contact. The Court implements the Rule of Law. People have a right to feel safe, and have a full and fair hearing in the courtroom. Neil has the experience and judicial temperament to do just that.”

THE HONORABLE LLOYD OAKS — RETIRING PIERCE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, POSITION 4

JUDICIAL OFFICERS

  • The Hon. Linda CJ Lee, Court of Appeals Div. 2

  • The Hon. Meng Li Che, Court of Appeals Div. 2

  • The Hon. Bradley Maxa, Court of Appeals Div. 2

  • The Hon. Michael Schwartz, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Susan Adams, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Sabrina Ahrens, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Ingrid McLeod, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Joseph Evans, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Angelica Williams, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. André Peñalver, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Diana Kiesel, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Philip Thornton, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Doris Walkins, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Matthew Thomas, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Jennifer Andrews, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Stanley Rumbaugh, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. TaTeasha Davis, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Grant Blinn, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Alicia Burton, Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Clarence Henderson Jr., Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Meagan Foley, Court Commissioner (Ret.), Pierce County Superior Court

  • The Hon. Karla Buttorff, Pierce County District Court

  • The Hon. Kevin McCann, Pierce County District Court

  • The Hon. Jeanette Lineberry, Pierce County District Court

  • The Hon. Lloyd Oaks, Pierce County District Court

  • The Hon. Claire Sussman, Pierce County District Court

  • The Hon. Pedro Chou, Court Commissioner, Pierce County District Court

  • The Hon. Kevin Ringus, Fife Municipal Court

  • The Hon. Tim Lewis, Lakewood Municipal Court

  • The Hon. James Orlando, Fircrest Municipal Court

  • The Hon. Dee Sonntag, Tacoma Municipal Court

  • The Hon. Sergio Flores, Tacoma Municipal Court

  • The Hon. Steven Krupa, Tacoma Municipal Court

OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS

  • Mayor Anders Ibsen, City of Tacoma

  • Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell, City of Tacoma

  • Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh, City of Tacoma

  • Council Member John Hines, City of Tacoma

  • Julie Anderson, Former Pierce County Auditor

  • Bruce Dammeier, Former Pierce County Executive

  • Doug Richardson, Former Pierce County Council Chair

  • TJ Wilcox, Port of Tacoma Commissioner

ORGANIZATIONS

  • City of Fife Police Guild

  • The 26th Legislative District Democrats- Approved

  • The Puyallup Police Association

  • Pierce County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild Local 1889

Ready to bring integrity and experience to the bench?

Neil is ready to serve. Join us in making Pierce County safer and more fair for everyone.