David R. Shelvey, Esq. for Washington Supreme Court Position No. 7.
I didn't win this time, but I sincerely thank each and every one of the 107,635 Washington citizens who voted for me. I did better this time than last time. I'll be back!
I will be happy to serve Washington!
Questions a voter might ask this candidate: 1. Why are you seeking this seat, and what experience qualifies you to serve on the state's highest court?
For starters, this is two questions labeled as one. This is known in the legal field as a compound question. And BTW, I had nine people sign up, and consulted with seven of them.
1a) I am a person who likes challenges. Of the combined hundreds of emails, text messages, calls, and letters, a lot have the same theme, "How would I likely rule, and why?" This is why we have nine seats. Nine justices all being challenged to use heuristic reasoning to make the best, but maybe not perfect, decisions.
1b) When I sit down with an individual to discuss their legal question(s), they rarely start off asking me, "Before we get started, what are your qualifications?" They normally start with, "I am hoping you can help me." I do these clinics for free as a way to serve my community.
Why Elect Me?
I want to protect our freedoms and rights
I have been in the trenches and know your frustrations. I will listen to your concerns and act on them.
I do care a lot about the role artificial intelligence plays in today's work environment. While I support using AI to help employees work more efficiently, I worry about its impact on the overall workforce, especially younger adults. I find it troubling to see AI replace entry-level positions, since these roles are critical for young adults to start their careers. Therefore, we need to balance technological advancement while maintaining opportunities for the next generation of workers.
I received on social media a listing of veterans running for office, and I was not on the list. So here is my proof I should be on the list.
Who is David Robert Shelvey?
David Robert Shelvey is a Sumner, Washington-based attorney and a political candidate who has run for the Washington State Supreme Court, specializing in family law, estate planning, and taxation.
Professional Background
David Shelvey operates a solo law practice in Sumner, Washington, where he has made hundreds of court appearances, participated in dozens of trials, and authored five appellate briefs . Before attending law school in 2009, he worked as a paralegal in Tacoma for four years. His legal practice focuses on family law, estate planning, and taxation .
Education and Military Service
Shelvey received a high school diploma from Mount Rainier High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Herzing University in 2007, and obtained his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2012. He also completed further studies at the City University of Seattle in 2013 . Shelvey served briefly in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1981 to 1982 .
Political Career and Elections
David Shelvey ran as a nonpartisan candidate for Position 7 of the Washington State Supreme Court. In the primary election on August 4, 2026, he received 6.7% of the vote and did not advance to the general election, which was later scheduled for November 3, 2026 . He had previously run in the 2024 elections as well. Shelvey’s campaign emphasized judicial transparency, public accountability, and his interest in implementing potential term limits for justices .
Public Positions and Philosophy
Shelvey views judges’ roles as ensuring equality and justice under the law. He has expressed admiration for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, citing her determination and commitment to preventing discrimination . He supports respecting established laws, including constitutional decisions regarding firearms and rights, and emphasizes maintaining a balance between contemporary challenges and adherence to legal precedent . He has also voiced concern about the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs, advocating for attention to workforce implications while advancing technology .
Community Involvement
Outside of his law practice and campaigns, Shelvey has affiliations with local organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Tacoma Aerie #3 . He is active in community legal clinics, often volunteering his services to assist citizens with legal questions .In summary, David Robert Shelvey is a lawyer with extensive legal and appellate experience, a former U.S. Army Reservist, and an active participant in Washington judicial elections, aiming to serve as a justice with a commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and community engagement .
Source(s):
1. https://ballotpedia.org/David_Shelvey
2. https://davidshelvey.com/
3. https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/81945/race/32590/election/1435
