Pierce County District Court Judge Pos 4 | Election day is November 3, 2026
Experience.
Integrity.
Community.
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
JUDICIAL OFFICERS
The Hon. Linda CJ Lee, Court of Appeals Div. 2
The Hon. Meng Li Che, 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. 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
OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Anders Ibsen, City of Tacoma
Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell, City of Tacoma
ORGANIZATIONS
City of Fife Police Guild