Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Chris Culp said in a press release that he will seek re-election to what he said would be his final four-year term on the bench.
Culp was elected to the Okanogan County District Court in 1986 after four years in private practice. He was appointed to Superior Court when a new position was established in 2011. Culp was elected to full terms in his current position in 2012 and 2016. He was unopposed in those elections.
In the release, Culp said, “I know the citizens of Okanogan County have critical health-related concerns foremost in mind these days; however, it is important too that they know who their elected officials are and that they intend to continue to serve — especially in these difficult times. I am fortunate to work with a dedicated, professional staff and I’m proud of how we conduct our court in meeting the needs of the county.”
Culp said his first goal if he is re-elected to the non-partisan position will be to work to revitalize family treatment court, an intensive services and monitoring program designed to help parents and children in crisis.
“It will be critical to have experience and knowledge of court process to overcome the backlog of jury trials that have resulted from pandemic related restrictions. I feel a responsibility to help return the court to its normal operations,” he said.
Culp and his wife, Peg Callaway, have two grown children, Jason (JJ) and Ashley, who both live with their families in the Walla Walla area. He attended the University of Washington and earned his law degree at Gonzaga University. Culp noted that he is not related to Loren Culp, the police chief of Republic who is a declared Republican candidate for governor.
Okanogan County has two Superior Court judges, Culp and Henry Rawson. Rawson had not announced whether he will seek re-election.
