Seattle Trial Court Turnover Gives Biden Rare Chance to Restock

Two retirement announcements from judges on the federal trial covering Seattle give President Joe Biden a unique opportunity to replace an entire bench in a district that’s home to Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft.

Chief Judge Ricardo Martinez and Judge Richard Jones of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington both announced plans recently to take senior status. For roughly two years, they were the only active judges on the seven-seat court.

The opportunity to completely refresh the bench in any district—let alone one that’s an important venue for large technology companies as well as environment and tribal ...