Supreme Court Candidates Debate Income Tax & Judicial Bias + School District Religious Freedom Fight

Washington's girls' sports debate is intensifying after several Camas High School cross-country runners declined to compete in a race involving a transgender athlete. Superintendent Chris Reykdal is responding as voters prepare to decide a statewide girls' sports initiative. Meanwhile, Everett Public Schools has agreed to a $275,000 settlement and issued an apology following a religious freedom lawsuit involving LifeWise Academy. And Washington Supreme Court candidates Theo Angelis and Dave Larson are debating judicial independence, political contributions and Gov. Bob Ferguson's appointment process. In this October 19, 2026 edition of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines three major Washington stories involving education, elections, religious freedom and government accountability. STORY 1 — WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE Washington Supreme Court Position 5 candidates Justice Theo Angelis and Judge Dave Larson discuss judicial impartiality and the state's process for appointing judges. Angelis, who was appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, faces questions about previous campaign contributions and professional relationships involving Ferguson and state Sen. Jamie Pedersen. Pedersen sponsored Washington's income tax legislation, which raises questions about how the justice would approach a potential legal challenge to the tax. Angelis explains how he identifies potential personal biases when considering cases and why judicial independence is essential. Larson questions whether Washington's judicial appointment process creates an appearance of political bias and argues for a merit-based selection system. The debate comes as Washington voters prepare to elect five of the nine justices on the state's Supreme Court. The episode also briefly discusses a ballot printing error affecting more than 550,000 Snohomish County ballots. STORY 2 — CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' SPORTS CONTROVERSY Several Camas High School female cross-country runners declined to compete in a race involving a transgender girl who had previously competed in boys' races. The decision attracted widespread attention as Washington voters prepare to decide Initiative 638, a ballot measure concerning eligibility for girls' school sports. Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal responds to the controversy in an interview with KIRO Radio. Reykdal says students have a right to express disagreement while defending policies intended to include transgender athletes in school sports. Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kate Anderson offers a different perspective, arguing that transgender participation in girls' athletics can affect competitive opportunities, recognition and college scholarships. The Center Square also discusses a separate ongoing lawsuit involving a Puyallup student wrestler who is seeking an accommodation when competing against transgender athletes. The case includes allegations of inappropriate physical contact during a wrestling match. Those allegations remain part of ongoing litigation. The broader debate centers on fairness, inclusion, Title IX, student rights and Washington's upcoming girls' sports vote. STORY 3 — EVERETT SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREES TO $275,000 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SETTLEMENT Everett Public Schools has agreed to pay $275,000 and issue an apology following litigation involving LifeWise Academy, an organization offering off-campus religious instruction. The dispute involved district policies affecting students who left school for voluntary religious education with parental permission. The lawsuit also raised concerns about restrictions on students bringing LifeWise materials back to school. Everett School Board member Charles Adkins previously made critical comments about LifeWise Academy during a public meeting. First Liberty attorney Holly Randall discusses the settlement and the district's published apology. According to First Liberty, the $275,000 settlement will be paid from the school district's general fund. The case raises questions about religious freedom, students' First Amendment rights, school district liability and taxpayer-funded legal settlements. GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Keeping up with Washington state news shouldn't feel like a second job. The Center Square sends important Washington government and policy updates approximately twice a week, explaining what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or use the link in the description. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington elections, education, public policy, government accountability, religious freedom and taxpayer spending. #WashingtonNews #CamasHighSchool #GirlsSports #ChrisReykdal #EverettSchools #ReligiousFreedom #WashingtonSupremeCourt #WashingtonElections #TheCenterSquare