Summary:
Matthew Segal, a Seattle attorney and former King County Superior Court judge, has been appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Segal aims to emphasize transparency and fairness in the commission's work overseeing campaign and election reporting, and will serve a term running through 2030. His appointment fills one of two vacancies on the five-member commission.
Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed Seattle attorney and former King County Superior Court judge Matthew Segal to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, placing him on the state body responsible for overseeing campaign finance and political transparency.
Segal said he intends to emphasize transparency and fairness in the commission’s work overseeing campaign and election reporting.
“Now more than ever it’s important that we act with transparency and that we get it right when it comes to campaigns and elections,” Segal said, adding that he looks forward to serving as a fair and neutral voice on the commission while prioritizing education and guidance for filers.
Segal brings experience from both private practice and the judiciary. A graduate of Seattle University School of Law, he began his legal career clerking for Washington State Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Johnson before entering private practice. He later became a founding partner at Pacifica Law Group and has also served as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law.
His appointment fills one of two vacancies on the five-member commission. He replaces Allen Hayward, who resigned in January 2025, and will serve a term running through 2030. Segal is expected to participate in his first commission meeting on May 28.
The Public Disclosure Commission, created by voter-approved Initiative 276 in 1972, oversees campaign finance reporting and political transparency in Washington.