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 received his law degree from the University of Washington and worked for the Pierce County Deputy Prosecutor’s Office immediately upon graduation. Committed to public service, Neil served 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 on patrol — responding to 911 calls, traffic enforcement, 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

DISTRICT COURT

  • The Hon. Kevin McCann

  • The Hon. Karla Buttorff

  • The Hon. Jeanette Lineberry

  • The Hon. Lloyd Oaks

  • The Hon. Claire Sussman

  • The Hon. Pedro Chou, Court Commissioner

SUPERIOR COURT

  • The Hon. Michael Schwartz

  • The Hon. Susan Adams

  • The Hon. Sabrina Ahrens

  • The Hon. Ingrid McLeod

  • The Hon. Joseph Evans

  • The Hon. Angelica Williams

  • The Hon. André Peñalver

  • The Hon. Diana Kiesel

  • The Hon. Philip Thornton

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

COURT OF APPEALS

  • The Hon. Linda CJ Lee, Div. 2

  • The Hon. Meng Li Che, Div 2

MUNICIPAL COURTS

  • 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

ORGANIZATIONS

  • City of Fife Police Guild

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.

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