Patrick Murphy and Alexandrea Schodowski are running for the position of judge in the Clallam County District Court I, located in Port Angeles, WA. The election is this fall, 2026. This article takes a look at both candidates.
The current judge is Dave Neupert who is retiring at the end of his current term.
Quick facts
| Alex Schodowski | Patrick Murphy |
| – Licensed to practice in Washington: 2011 – Education: Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School, JD – Years in Clallam-Jefferson County: 15 – Legal experience: deputy criminal prosecutor (5 yrs); criminal defense attorney, private general practice (10 yrs) – Prior judicial experience: 10 years as part time (substitute) judge – Current position: partner, Schodowski Law Inc. PS, Port Townsend | – Licensed to practice in Washington: 2015 – Education: University of Washington, BA Political Science, Seattle University School of Law, JD – Years in Clallam County: 7 – Legal experience: Deputy prosecutor, District Court, Clallam County, 7 years, private practice in tax and family law (4 yrs) – Prior judicial experience: none – Current position: Deputy prosecutor, Clallam County |
Candidate statements
| Alex Schodowski | Patrick Murphy |
|---|---|
| I am seeking election as Clallam County District Court Judge to continue serving the community with fairness, professionalism, and integrity. Through years of experience both practicing before the courts and serving on the bench as a District Court Judge Pro Tem and Superior Court Commissioner, I have developed the practical experience and judicial temperament necessary for the role. I believe courts function best when judges are prepared, impartial, respectful, and grounded in the realities of the communities they serve. I am committed to applying the law thoughtfully, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring every person who enters the courtroom is heard and treated fairly. I believe I have the experience, temperament, and work ethic necessary to serve this community fairly and effectively from day one. | Our quality of life is at risk in both Port Angeles and Sequim, with shuttered businesses, increasing drug use and a rise in quality of life crimes. Clallam County District Court 1 needs a new, more effective direction. All residents need to feel secure in their homes and in public places. District Court provides the means to make sure all of us can live our daily lives in peace. Balancing firm accountability with restorative justice practices will improve the safety and well-being of Clallam County residents. As judge, I will give fair consideration to both sides. I will also ensure that firm and appropriate safeguards are in place at every stage of the judicial process. As your District 1 Judge, I will ensure these values are supported. Living in Sequim and working in Port Angeles gives me a more holistic perspective on the pulse of the greater community. I know the challenges that Clallam County faces first hand. These challenges require a district judge who both lives and works in the community and has a stake in the quality of life of all its residents. I will continue to renew that commitment daily. I respectfully ask for your vote |
Endorsements
| Alex Schodowski | Patrick Murphy |
|---|---|
| Clallam County District Court I Judge David Neupert: “As a Pro Tem Judge, Alex Schodowski has earned my trust to step into my courtroom and handle matters with fairness, preparation, and integrity. That is not a responsibility I take lightly. I am confident the people of Clallam County can trust her to serve as their next District Court Judge.” For more endorsements, see https://alexschodowski.com/#endorsements | Stephen Robley, Sergeant, Washington State Patrol (Ret.) |
Campaign material information
| “Alex is running for District Court Judge because she believes experience, fairness, reparedness, and steady leadership are essential to maintaining public trust in the courts. She is committed to treating every person who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect while applying the law fairly and impartially.” Alex has handled thousands of cases as a judge pro tem in Clallam County District and Superior Court. (A pro tem judge is a substitute judge, filling in when an elected judge is not available or has a conflict of interest.) | Prior experience: Certified Tax Preparer with the IRS Community service: Instructor, Sexual Assault Investigation Protocols; Member, General Advisory Committee on Competency Restoration and Mental Health Services. |
Information from candidate websites
| https://alexschodowski.com Alex has Represented clients in criminal defense, DUI defense, and personal injury law. She has been in private practice with her husband for the last 10 years. | https://www.votemurphyjudge.com “The District Court is often the first, and sometimes the only, interaction residents have with our judicial system. I am running to ensure that consequences are balanced with compassion; punishment with forgiveness; and accountability with rehabilitation.” |
Editor’s note: ClallamCountyBar.com does not endorse judicial candidates. We seek to provide neutral and balanced information for you to make your own decision. ClallamCountyBar.com is not associated with the Clallam County Bar Association.