Catherine “Cat” McDowall is seeking reelection as Seattle Municipal Court Judge, Position 1, in the November 3, 2026, general election. King County Elections lists her as the sole candidate in the nonpartisan race.

In her current voter-pamphlet statement, McDowall says she joined Seattle Municipal Court in 2020 after temporary judicial service in Seattle Municipal Court, King County District Court and King County Superior Court’s juvenile division. She also describes earlier work as a civil attorney and senior deputy prosecuting attorney.

McDowall lists a law degree from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.

Her statement says she currently presides over the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, which combines accountability and individualized treatment. She also lists service on the District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association’s Board of Governors, co-chairing its Rules Committee and co-directing Seattle Youth Traffic Court.

McDowall emphasizes impartial decisions, preparation and respectful treatment of everyone in court. These professional details and descriptions of her record are attributed to her current candidate statement.

Source: King County Elections, 2026 general-election candidate list and Cat McDowall statement (https://info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/Vote/contests/candidates.aspx?candidateid=1652225&cid=186704&lang=en-US&pamphletson=true).

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.