Campaign to Retain Judge Costeck
2026 Island County Election

Welcome to the my site / website for the Campaign to Elect Judge Ronald Costeck to the Island District Court and Municipal Courts serving Coupeville, Oak Harbor, and Langley. Learn about your current Presiding Judge, and his judicial philosophy and approach to fostering a community-oriented court. Discover why Judge Costeck's eight years on the bench and his prior experience as a Prosecutor, Civil & Criminal Attorney, and Adjunct Professor provide the balanced perspective essential for the fair and impartial adjudication of cases.

NON-PARTISAN

A District Court Judge is a nonpartisan position. This means the role must remain free from political affiliation and bias. Nonpartisanship ensures impartial justice—justice grounded solely in the rule of law, guided by legal principles rather than political philosophies. A judge’s duty is to protect constitutional rights and serve as a check on the legislative and executive branches of government.

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN TO DISPLAY THE AMERICAN FLAG

The American flag is a symbol that belongs to no single person or political party—it belongs to all of us. For many, it represents freedom, unity, and national identity. To me, it represents something even deeper: the foundational principles upon which our nation was built. It embodies the ideals that countless individuals have served to protect.

The flag, and all that it represents, is rooted in our nation’s founding principles and built upon the service and sacrifice of government officials, military members, emergency responders, and engaged citizens who have worked to preserve those ideals. These are the very principles the judiciary is entrusted to uphold and defend.

Despite our differences, our nation was formed through a coming together of people committed to freedom and self-governance. The Constitution reflects a deliberate effort to balance governmental powers—ensuring they serve the people while preventing misuse or overreach. It protects essential rights such as free speech, assembly, and due process—rights that must be safeguarded for all. This is what the flag means to me.

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ABOUT JUDGE RONALD COSTECK

Bringing Experience to the Bench

Judge Ronald Costeck has served on the Island County bench since 2018. Following a unanimous appointment by the Island County Commissioners in 2024, he has served as the Island County Presiding Judge.

Prior to his judicial tenure, Judge Costeck developed a balanced perspective through a diverse legal career. After his admission to the Washington State Bar in 1998, he served as a Deputy Prosecutor, handling cases ranging from misdemeanors quality-of-life crimes to serious felonies. In 2005, he founded a successful private practice operating across Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties and their associated city courts. This multi-jurisdictional experience provided him with a broad understanding of effective court operations and judicial philosophies. This would not have occurred had he only practiced in a single jurisdiction.

In addition to his work in prosecutors' offices, Judge Costeck gained extensive experience in criminal defense, family law, and complex civil litigation. This diverse background is essential for a neutral magistrate, allowing him to better balance community safety concerns with the rights of individuals that have to navigate a courtroom. Having served in nearly every legal capacity, he possesses a deep understanding of diverse perspectives and the individual experiences and paths that has brought them into his courtroom. This allows Judge Costeck to apply the law while ensuring every voice is heard.

Judge Costeck's civil experience as a lawyer, commissioner and judge is particularly valuable and necessary to the proper operation of a District Court, where over half of all cases are civil. Many local businesses and residents navigate civil claims without an attorney in the Island County District Court. The judge's experience is backed by having zealously advocated and handled over one hundred trials, representing the State of Washington, civil and criminal clients over his career. Judge Costeck’s command of civil litigation and courtroom procedure ensures that community members and businesses receive a full and fair hearing.

Beyond the bench, Judge Costeck is a passionate educator. He has served as an adjunct professor at university. He lectured and instructed classes and programs for law enforcement and various institutions, including Lummi Tribal College, Skagit Valley College, and Whatcom Community College. Most recently, he has coached the Oak Harbor High School Mock Trial team and provided presentations for the U.S. Navy. Judge Costeck has also served on the Education Committee for the District and Municipal Courts Judges Association (DMCJA). He brings this dedication to his role in District Court, ensuring the law and his decisions are clearly communicated to attorneys and litigants alike.

Norma Allian

Island County District Court Administrator

I have known Judge Costeck since I was first hired as an Island County Clerk. I was eventually promoted by the prior Presiding Judge to the position of Court Administrator, where I am responsible for the operations of the court.

During my tenure, I have been amazed by the number of people who approach the front counter to inquire about Judge Costeck. These inquiries are consistently followed by comments on how the Judge eased their stress, listened attentively, and remained fair. On the "name change" calendar in particular, litigants often mention how he made the experience a special day for them.

On several occasions, individuals we have not seen in years have returned specifically to thank the Judge for helping them change their lives for the better. These accounts are remarkably similar: his professionalism, fair treatment, and no-nonsense approach provided the foundation they needed to move forward. This is a side of the bench that is rarely seen by the public but is witnessed by the clerks.

For the staff, he is a Judge with "big shoulders" who stands up for what is right, ensures the court's efficient operations, and advocates for a living wage for his staff. Unlike many before him the Judge has taken a strong stand despite the political backlash.

I requested to write this letter not because he is my boss, but because as a longtime member of this community, I believe the voters should know the character of the person they are electing.

Christina Elliott

Attorney, Law Office of Andrew F. Scott & Associates PLLC

As a practicing attorney in Island County, I see firsthand how important it is that Judge Costeck continues in his role. His work here is only just beginning, particularly his strong advocacy for veterans, active-duty military members, and others whose needs might otherwise be easily overlooked. Judge Costeck also brings a rare level of efficiency to a busy court, ruling promptly and fairly. In court, I appreciate his deep knowledge and consistent application of the law. I also appreciate his holistic approach to each case, carefully looking into the facts to see each party as a person rather than a case number. For these reasons, I endorse Judge Ron Costeck for Island County District Court in his re-election campaign.

Niles McDonald

Administrative Law Judge

I have represented hundreds of clients in Judge Costeck’s courtroom, as a former attorney for Island County Defense.

In my experience he demonstrates a compassion for those in his courtroom and an appreciation for the actual impact of the courts on the community. He accomplishes this without sacrificing the quality of his legal decision making or his commitment to justice.

When he was on the bench, I knew I would have consistent rulings that always followed the letter and spirit of the law, unadulterated by passion, rage, or ego. Judge Costeck was consistently respectful of victims, defendants, and third parties in his courtroom. He could explain complex law to a layman without disrupting court proceedings in a way I strive to emulate to this day. He is also consistently engaged with the legal system beyond the courtroom, actively furthering his own legal education and improving the legal community as a whole, all to better serve the people. Island County could not do better than Ron Costeck. Only examples that I can imagine are in fiction.

As someone who grew up on Whidbey Island, whose family lives in Island County, and who cares greatly for the community, I wholeheartedly endorse Judge Ron Costeck.