** Rivera defeats Anderson in Snohomish County judge race

Judge Whitney Rivera has successfully retained her position on the Snohomish County Superior Court, defeating challenger Mary Anderson with 62. 7% of the votes. Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee earlier this year, Rivera is the first woman of Asian American Pacific Islander descent to serve in this role, a significant milestone for diversity in the judiciary. In her victory statement, Rivera thanked the community for their support and reaffirmed her commitment to public service. This loss marks the second consecutive defeat for Anderson, who previously lost by a narrow margin to another judge.

Both candidates emphasized the need for increased transparency and community engagement in the court system. The Snohomish County Auditor's Office expects to certify final results by November 26, with Rivera's campaign expenditures significantly exceeding Anderson's, totaling over $100,000.