Grays Harbor Superior Court Judge Vini Samuel filed for the 2024 election on Monday with the support of community members, judges and elected leaders.

“It’s an honor to serve the people of Grays Harbor,” said Samuel, who started practicing law in Grays Harbor in 1997 and was appointed judge this January. “I will do my best to uphold the traditions and standards of those coming before me — and those serving the bench and bar so well today.”

Samuel is endorsed by the county’s two other Superior Court judges — Katie Svoboda and David Mistachkin — along with retired judges David Edwards and Steve Brown of Grays Harbor, retired judges Joel and Elizabeth Penoyer of Pacific County, and Grays Harbor District Court Judge Megan Valentine, according to a news release.

Local leaders supporting her include U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, state Rep. Steve Tharinger, state Rep. Mike Chapman, former state Rep. Brian Blake, County Commissioner Vickie Raines, retired County Auditor Vern Spatz, retired County Coroner Lane Youmans, and state Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Samuel served as the first woman mayor of Montesano for eight years while maintaining a full-time law practice. The press in India widely reported that she was the first Indian-American woman to serve as mayor in the United States.

She’s also been endorsed by current Montesano Mayor Tyler Trimble along with city council members David Skaramuca, Dawn Thomas, Ian Cope, Val Jester, Clint Bryson and Rollin Caryl.

“I support Vini for judge,” said Montesano resident Marjorie Crass, “because she has consistently shown her dedication to public service. She has the motivation, strength, and determination to help us keep moving our justice system forward.”

Last Saturday, Samuel’s campaign had a Kentucky Derby Campaign Kickoff, and her campaign can be reached at vinisamuel.com.