Case: Garcia v. Hobbs

3:22-cv-05152 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Filed Date: March 15, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On March 15, 2022, plaintiff — a registered Washington voter — brought suit in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington at Tacoma against the Washington Secretary of State. Plaintiff alleged that the state violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment in drawing its voting districts in 2021 by drawing districts based off of residents’ race. Plaintiff alleged that Washington had, in an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, ratified a redistricting plan where Legislat…

On March 15, 2022, plaintiff — a registered Washington voter — brought suit in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington at Tacoma against the Washington Secretary of State. Plaintiff alleged that the state violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment in drawing its voting districts in 2021 by drawing districts based off of residents’ race. Plaintiff alleged that Washington had, in an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, ratified a redistricting plan where Legislative District 15, in Yakima Valley, WA, would have a 50.02% population of Latino, voting-age population citizens. Plaintiff alleged that the districting lines drawn were motivated primarily by racial concerns, as demonstrated by the legislative boundaries which arbitrarily bisected city and community lines, as well as comments made by the voting members of the Commission. Plaintiff alleged that the redistricting here could not survive constitutional scrutiny as it was neither motivated by a sufficiently compelling state reason nor narrowly tailored enough to solely serve that interest. On that basis, requesting a three-judge district court, plaintiff sought injunctive relief to prevent defendant from giving effect to the drawn boundaries of Legislative District 15 and to require the creation of a new plan for drawing legislative districts in Washington.

The case was assigned to Judge Robert S. Lasnik. Judge Lasnik issued an order, requiring joinder adding the state of Washington as a necessary defendant to plaintiff’s claims.  On June 9, 2022, plaintiff filed an amended complaint as mandated, adding Washington state to the action.

Plaintiff filed a motion for summary judgment on March 8, 2023. The court, holding that the record did not establish that race was the predominating concern influencing districting in Legislative District 15, held that summary judgment was inappropriate at the time, and therefore denied plaintiff’s motion.

A three-judge court hearing, held by Chief District Judge David G. Estudillo, Judge Robert S. Lasnik, and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke, was held on June 8, 2023. On September 8, the court issued its decision. Writing the majority opinion, Chief District Judge Estudillo dismissed plaintiff’s Equal Protection claim as moot. The court observed that the judicial power of federal courts is restricted to cases and controversies. In the prior case of Soto Palmer v. Hobbs, No. 3:22-cv-5035-RSL, the court had found that Legislative District 15 violated §2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discriminatory results, and therefore invalidated the districting decisions made, requiring District 15 be redrawn. As a result, the court found that no additional relief could be provided by plaintiff, and therefore the case was moot.

Plaintiffs filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court issued a judgment on March 25, 2024 remanding the matter to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington and requiring the court to enter a fresh judgment, from which appeal could be taken to the U.S. Court of Appeals. The U.S. District Court issued an amended judgment, clarifying that the issues were considered per its earlier decision and the case was dismissed as moot. Following the U.S. District Court’s decision, on April 17, 2024, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the 9th Circuit. 

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Keren Yi (2/16/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63160753/parties/garcia-v-hobbs/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Acker, Caleb (Washington)

Gordon, Phillip M (Washington)

Holt, Dallin (Washington)

Attorney for Defendant

Franklin, Erica R. (Washington)

Griffith, Leslie Ann (Washington)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

3:22-cv-05152

Complaint

March 15, 2022

March 15, 2022

Complaint
14

3:22-cv-05152

Amended Complaint

June 9, 2022

June 9, 2022

Complaint
56

3:22-cv-05152

Order Denying Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

Order/Opinion

2023 WL 3045747

81

3:22-cv-05152

Order Dismissing Plaintiff's Claim as Moot

Sept. 8, 2023

Sept. 8, 2023

Order/Opinion

691 F.Supp.3d 1254

86

3:22-cv-05152

Transmittal Letter from USCA

Supreme Court of the United States

March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024

Other
88

3:22-cv-05152

Amended Judgment

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63160753/garcia-v-hobbs/

Last updated Aug. 5, 2025, 4:17 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT FOR THREE-JUDGE PANEL against defendant(s) Steven Hobbs (Receipt # AWAWDC-7474835) Attorney Andrew R Stokesbary added to party Benancio Garcia, III(pty:pla), filed by Benancio Garcia, III. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons Defendant Hobbs)(Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/15/2022)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons Defendant Hobbs

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March 15, 2022

March 15, 2022

Clearinghouse

Judge J Richard Creatura added. (SP)

March 17, 2022

March 17, 2022

PACER
2

Summons(es) Electronically Issued as to defendant(s) Steven Hobbs. (SP) (Entered: 03/17/2022)

March 17, 2022

March 17, 2022

PACER

Add and Terminate Judges

March 17, 2022

March 17, 2022

PACER
3

MINUTE ORDER REASSIGNING CASE. Case reassigned to Judge Robert S. Lasnik for all further proceedings as it is related to 3:22-cv-05035-RSL. Judge J Richard Creatura no longer assigned to case. Authorized by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (GMR) (Entered: 03/21/2022)

March 21, 2022

March 21, 2022

PACER
4

Notice of Filing Deficiency re 1 Complaint. ***Action Required*** Notice of Related Cases Omitted.See attached letter for more information and instructions. Notice of Related Case must be filed by 3/28/2022. (SP) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
5

NOTICE of Related Case(s) 3:22-cv-05035-RSL, by Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III. (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
6

WAIVER OF SERVICE of Summons upon defendant Steven Hobbs mailed on 3/17/2022 (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/24/2022)

March 24, 2022

March 24, 2022

PACER
7

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Karl David Smith on behalf of Defendant Steven Hobbs. (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 03/30/2022)

March 30, 2022

March 30, 2022

PACER

Attorney Leslie Ann Griffith added for Steven Hobbs per 7 Notice of Appearance (LH)

March 30, 2022

March 30, 2022

PACER

Add and Terminate Attorneys

March 31, 2022

March 31, 2022

PACER
8

ORDER REGARDING INITIAL DISCLOSURES, JOINT STATUS REPORT AND EARLY SETTLEMENT by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. Joint Status Report due by 5/3/2022. (AD) (Entered: 04/05/2022)

April 5, 2022

April 5, 2022

PACER
9

JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. Estimated Trial Days: 4-5. (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 05/03/2022)

May 3, 2022

May 3, 2022

PACER
10

MINUTE ORDER SETTING TRIAL DATE AND RELATED DATES. Length of Trial: 4-5 days. Bench Trial is set for 2/6/2023 at 9:00 AM in Courtroom 15106 before Judge Robert S. Lasnik. Joinder of Parties due by 6/6/2022, Amended Pleadings due by 8/10/2022, Expert Witness Disclosure/Reports under FRCP 26(a)(2) due by 8/10/2022, Discovery completed by 10/9/2022, Attorney settlement conference to be held by 10/23/2022, Dispositive motions due by 11/8/2022, Motions in Limine due by 1/9/2023, Pretrial Order due by 1/25/2023, Trial briefs and trial exhibits to be submitted by 2/1/2023. Authorized by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (VE) (Entered: 05/05/2022)

May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

PACER
11

MOTION for Joinder, filed by Defendant Steven Hobbs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Motion to Join Required Parties) Noting Date 5/27/2022, (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 05/12/2022)

May 12, 2022

May 12, 2022

PACER
12

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, by Steven Hobbs.(Griffith, Leslie) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

PACER
13

ORDER of Joinder re Defendant's 11 Motion for Joinder. Plaintiff shall, within seven days of the date of this Order, file an amended complaint adding the State of Washington as a defendant. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH) (Entered: 06/02/2022)

June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022

PACER
14

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by Benancio Garcia, III.(Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 06/09/2022)

June 9, 2022

June 9, 2022

Clearinghouse
15

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Andrew R. W. Hughes on behalf of Defendant State of Washington. (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 06/13/2022)

June 13, 2022

June 13, 2022

PACER
16

WAIVER OF SERVICE of Summons upon defendant State of Washington mailed on 6/10/2022 (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 06/13/2022)

June 13, 2022

June 13, 2022

PACER
17

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Cristina Sepe on behalf of Defendant State of Washington. (Sepe, Cristina) (Entered: 06/16/2022)

June 16, 2022

June 16, 2022

PACER
18

ORDER signed by Mary H. Murgia, Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2284(a), the Honorable Robert S. Lasnik, Senior District Judge for the Western District of Washington, has requested the appointment of a three-judge district court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2284(b)(1). Having received this statutory notification, the Honorable Lawrence Van Dyke, United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, is designated and appointed to sit with the Honorable Robert S. Lasnik and the Honorable David G. Estudillo, District Judge for the Western District of Washington, to hear and determine this matter as the district court for the Western District of Washington, at a time and place and in a manner to be agreed upon by the court. (VE) (Entered: 06/17/2022)

June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022

PACER
19

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 14 Amended Complaint, filed by Defendant Steven Hobbs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 7/15/2022, (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 07/07/2022)

July 7, 2022

July 7, 2022

PACER
20

DECLARATION of Karl D. Smith filed by Defendant Steven Hobbs re 19 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 14 Amended Complaint (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 07/07/2022)

July 7, 2022

July 7, 2022

PACER
21

ANSWER to 14 Amended Complaint by Steven Hobbs.(Smith, Karl) (Entered: 07/08/2022)

July 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

PACER
22

NOTICE of Change of Address/Change of Name of Attorney Andrew R Stokesbary. Filed by Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III. (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 07/28/2022)

July 28, 2022

July 28, 2022

PACER
23

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Erica R. Franklin on behalf of Defendant State of Washington. (Franklin, Erica) (Entered: 08/09/2022)

Aug. 9, 2022

Aug. 9, 2022

PACER
24

ANSWER to 14 Amended Complaint by State of Washington.(Franklin, Erica) (Entered: 08/09/2022)

Aug. 9, 2022

Aug. 9, 2022

PACER
25

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL: Attorney Leslie Ann Griffith for Defendant Steven Hobbs. (Griffith, Leslie) (Entered: 08/19/2022)

Aug. 19, 2022

Aug. 19, 2022

PACER
26

Stipulated MOTION to Modify Scheduling Order and Extend Trial Date and Related Dates, filed by Defendant State of Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Proposed Order) Noting Date 8/22/2022, (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 08/22/2022)

Aug. 22, 2022

Aug. 22, 2022

PACER
27

MINUTE ORDER SETTING AMENDED TRIAL DATE AND RELATED DATES; Length of Trial: 4-5 days. Bench Trial is continued to 6/5/2023 at 9:00 AM in Courtroom 15106 before Judge Robert S. Lasnik. Discovery completed by 2/5/2023, Attorney settlement conference to be held by 2/19/2023, Dispositive motions due by 3/7/2023, Motions in Limine due by 5/8/2023, Pretrial Order due by 5/24/2023, Trial briefs and trial exhibits to be submitted by 5/31/2023. Authorized by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (VE) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
28

ORDER granting Defendant's 19 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 14 Amended Complaint. The Answer filed on July 8, 2022, is hereby accepted. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

Aug. 31, 2022

Aug. 31, 2022

RECAP
29

MOTION Inquiry Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest, filed by Defendant State of Washington. Noting Date 3/3/2023, (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 02/14/2023)

Feb. 14, 2023

Feb. 14, 2023

PACER
30

DECLARATION of Andrew Hughes filed by Defendant State of Washington re 29 MOTION Inquiry Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5)(Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 02/14/2023)

Feb. 14, 2023

Feb. 14, 2023

PACER
31

MINUTE ORDER entered at the direction of Robert S. Lasnik. Oral argument on Defendant State of Washington's 29 MOTION for Inquiry Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest is scheduled for 3/7/2023 at 1:30 PM, before the Honorable Robert S. Lasnik, the Honorable David G. Estudillo, and the Honorable Lawrence J.C. VanDyke. The hearing will be held via Zoom videoconference. (VE) (Entered: 02/22/2023)

Feb. 22, 2023

Feb. 22, 2023

PACER
32

RESPONSE, by All Plaintiffs, to 29 MOTION Inquiry Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 02/27/2023)

1 Exhibit

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2 Exhibit

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3 Exhibit

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Feb. 27, 2023

Feb. 27, 2023

PACER
33

REPLY, filed by Defendant State of Washington, TO RESPONSE to 29 MOTION Inquiry Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 03/01/2023)

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

PACER
34

ORDER: At the hearing scheduled for March 7, 2023, the parties shall be prepared to respond to the Court's inquiries regarding the existence of potential and actual conflicts in this case and to discuss appropriate remedies if the Court finds that a conflict exists. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

March 3, 2023

March 3, 2023

RECAP
35

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Jason B. Torchinsky FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for All Plaintiffs (Fee Paid) Receipt No. AWAWDC-7912836 (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/03/2023)

March 3, 2023

March 3, 2023

PACER
36

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Phillip M. Gordon FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for All Plaintiffs (Fee Paid) Receipt No. AWAWDC-7912887 (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/03/2023)

March 3, 2023

March 3, 2023

PACER
37

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Dallin B. Holt FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for All Plaintiffs (Fee Paid) Receipt No. AWAWDC-7912899 (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/03/2023)

March 3, 2023

March 3, 2023

PACER
38

NOTICE of Errata Corrections for Deposition of Benancio Garcia III ; filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 STRICKEN Exhibit A (Errata Corrections))(Stokesbary, Andrew) Modified to strike Ehibit 1 on 4/20/2023 (LH). (Entered: 03/06/2023)

March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

PACER
39

ORDER re 35 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorney Jason Brett Torchinsky for Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). (JWC) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER

Order on Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER

Motion Hearing

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER
40

ORDER re 36 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorney Phillip M Gordon for Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). (JWC) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER
41

ORDER re 37 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorney Dallin Holt for Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). (JWC) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER
42

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge David G. Estudillo, and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke - Dep Clerk: Victoria Ericksen; Pla Counsel: Dallin Holt and Andrew Stokesbary for Plaintiff; Def Counsel: Andrew Hughes, Cristina Sepe and Erica Franklin for Defendant State of Washington; Karl Smith for Defendant Hobbs; CR: Sheri Schelbert; MOTION HEARING held on 3/7/2023 via Zoom videoconference on 29 MOTION for Inquiry Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest filed by State of Washington. The Court hears argument of counsel and takes this matter under advisement. (VE) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER
43

MOTION Strike re 38 Notice-Other Errata, filed by Defendant State of Washington. Noting Date 3/24/2023, (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 03/07/2023)

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER
44

PLEASE DISREGARD MOTION for Summary Judgment, filed by All Plaintiffs. Oral Argument Requested. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Table of Contents of Exhibits, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Exhibit, # 15 Exhibit, # 16 Exhibit, # 17 Exhibit, # 18 Exhibit, # 19 Exhibit, # 20 Exhibit, # 21 Exhibit, # 22 Exhibit, # 23 Exhibit, # 24 Exhibit, # 25 Exhibit, # 26 Exhibit, # 27 Exhibit, # 28 Exhibit, # 29 Exhibit, # 30 Exhibit, # 31 Exhibit, # 32 Exhibit, # 33 Exhibit, # 34 Exhibit, # 35 Exhibit, # 36 Exhibit) Noting Date 3/31/2023, (Stokesbary, Andrew) Modified on 3/8/2023 to strike docket entry and terminate motion - to be refiled (KB). (Entered: 03/07/2023)

March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

PACER

Notice of Docket Text Modification

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

PACER

NOTICE of Docket Text Modification re 44 MOTION for Summary Judgment: Modified on 03/08/2023 to strike docket entry and terminate motion at request of filer. Motion and exhibits to be refiled with updated exhibit descriptions. (KB)

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

PACER
45

MOTION for Summary Judgment, filed by All Plaintiffs. Oral Argument Requested. (Attachments: # 1 Table of Contents of Exhibits, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9, # 11 Exhibit 10 11, # 12 Exhibit 12, # 13 Exhibit 14, # 14 Exhibit 15, # 15 Exhibit 16, # 16 Exhibit 17, # 17 Exhibit 18, # 18 Exhibit 19, # 19 Exhibit 20, # 20 Exhibit 21, # 21 Exhibit 22, # 22 Exhibit 23, # 23 Exhibit 24, # 24 Exhibit 25, # 25 Exhibit 26, # 26 Exhibit 27, # 27 Exhibit 28, # 28 Exhibit 29, # 29 Exhibit 30, # 30 Exhibit 32, # 31 Exhibit 33, # 32 Exhibit 34, # 33 Exhibit 35, # 34 Exhibit 36, # 35 Exhibit 37, # 36 Exhibit 38) Noting Date 3/31/2023, (Stokesbary, Andrew) Modified on 3/8/2023 correct Exhibit title from 10 to 11 per counsels request (JF). (Entered: 03/08/2023)

March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

PACER
46

NOTICE of Conflict Affidavits Requested by Court ; filed by Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Benancio Garcia III, # 2 Exhibit Declaration of Jose Trevino, # 3 Exhibit Declaration of Alex Ybarra, # 4 Exhibit Declaration of Ismael Campos)(Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/09/2023)

March 9, 2023

March 9, 2023

PACER
47

ORDER re Washington State's 29 Motion Concerning Potential Conflicts of Interest. The Court finds that plaintiff has been adequately informed of the potential conflicts arising from counsels' representation of multiple individuals and that the clients' litigation positions are not directly adverse to each other. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

RECAP
48

NOTICE of Change of Address/Change of Name of Attorney Andrew R Stokesbary. Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/13/2023)

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

PACER
49

RESPONSE, by All Plaintiffs, to 43 MOTION Strike re 38 Notice-Other Errata. (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/20/2023)

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

PACER
50

REPLY, filed by Defendant State of Washington, TO RESPONSE to 43 MOTION Strike re 38 Notice-Other Errata (Sepe, Cristina) (Entered: 03/24/2023)

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

PACER
51

RESPONSE, by Defendant Steven Hobbs, to 45 MOTION for Summary Judgment . (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

PACER
52

RESPONSE, by Defendant State of Washington, to 45 MOTION for Summary Judgment . Oral Argument Requested. (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

PACER
53

DECLARATION of Andrew Hughes filed by Defendant State of Washington re 45 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S, # 20 Exhibit T, # 21 Exhibit U)(Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

PACER
54

REPLY, filed by All Plaintiffs, TO RESPONSE to 45 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 03/31/2023)

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

PACER
55

ORDER Striking Errata re Defendant's 43 Motion to Strike. The errata (Dkt. # 38 -1) is hereby STRICKEN. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

RECAP
56

ORDER denying Plaintiff's 45 Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

Clearinghouse
57

ORDER Expediting Briefing for Motion for Clarification filed in the Soto Palmer case. The Court hereby renotes the Motion for Clarification (Dkt. # 174) for consideration on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Responses and ounterproposals shall be filed no later than noon on Tuesday, May 9th. The Soto Palmer plaintiffs may file a reply by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10th. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

May 2, 2023

May 2, 2023

RECAP
58

RESPONSE by Defendant Steven Hobbs re 57 Order, Expediting Briefing Regarding Motion for Clarification (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 05/09/2023)

May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

PACER
59

DECLARATION of Stuart Holmes in Support of Defendant Secretary of State Steven Hobbs's Response to Plaintiffs' Motion for Clarification Regarding Trial Schedule re 57 Order, by Defendant Steven Hobbs (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 05/09/2023)

May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

PACER
60

RESPONSE by Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III re 57 Order, and by Defendant State of Washington (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 05/09/2023)

May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

RECAP
61

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Caleb Acker FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for All Plaintiffs (Fee Paid) Receipt No. AWAWDC-8020630 (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 05/24/2023)

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER

Order on Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER
62

ORDER re 61 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorney Caleb Acker for Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). (JWC) (Entered: 05/24/2023)

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER
63

MINUTE ORDER AUTHORIZING FOOD AND LIQUIDS entered at the direction of Judge Robert S. Lasnik. The Court will permit the attorneys and staff in this matter to bring food and liquids into the courthouse for the bench trial scheduled to begin 6/5/2023. (cc: USMO, Courthouse Security Officers) (VE) (Entered: 05/24/2023)

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER
64

Proposed Pretrial Order by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Soto Palmer Proposed Pretrial Order)(Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 05/24/2023)

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

PACER
65

TRIAL BRIEF by Defendant State of Washington. (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
66

TRIAL BRIEF by Defendant Steven Hobbs. (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
67

TRIAL BRIEF by All Plaintiffs. (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

PACER
68

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge David G. Estudillo and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke - Dep Clerk: Victoria Ericksen; Pla Counsel: Dallin Holt, Caleb Acker, Andrew Stokesbary and Jason Torchinsky for Plaintiff; Def Counsel: Andrew Hughes, Cristina Sepe and Erica Franklin for Defendant State of Washington; Karl Smith for Defendant Hobbs; CR: Debbie Zurn; BENCH TRIAL -- DAY 1 held on 6/5/2023. Exhibits 1-4, 6-121, 123, 126-137, 139, 141-146, 148-150, 152-159, 161-172, 174-198, 200-204, 206-210, 213-232, 234-238, 240-244, 246-283, 285-305, 307-309, 311-315, 317, 319-350, 352-363, 365, 367, 369-380, 382-390, 397-400, 402-404, 408-413, 418-436, 438-488, 490, 502, 505-531, 601-610, 1001-1020, 1043-1044, 1046, 1055-1056 and 1061-1065 were admitted on 6/2/2023 in the related matter Soto Palmer v. Hobbs, et al. v. Trevino, et al., Case No. 3:22-cv-05035-RSL. April Sims, Susan Soto Palmer, Brady Walkinshaw and Anton Gross are sworn and testify. Exhibit Admitted: 611. Bench Trial to resume on 6/6/2023 at 8:30 AM before Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge David G. Estudillo and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke. (VE) (Entered: 06/05/2023)

June 5, 2023

June 5, 2023

PACER

Bench Trial - Begun

June 5, 2023

June 5, 2023

PACER
69

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge David G. Estudillo and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke - Dep Clerk: Victoria Ericksen; Pla Counsel: Dallin Holt, Caleb Acker, Andrew Stokesbary and Jason Torchinsky for Plaintiff; Def Counsel: Andrew Hughes, Cristina Sepe and Erica Franklin for Defendant State of Washington; Karl Smith for Defendant Hobbs; CR: Debbie Zurn; BENCH TRIAL -- DAY 2 held on 6/6/2023. Joe Fain, Dr. Mark Owens and Dr. Matt Barreto are sworn and testify. Exhibit Admitted: 417. Bench Trial to resume on 6/7/2023 at 8:30 AM before Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge David G. Estudillo and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke. (VE) (Entered: 06/06/2023)

June 6, 2023

June 6, 2023

PACER

Bench Trial - Held

June 6, 2023

June 6, 2023

PACER
70

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Chief Judge David G. Estudillo and Circuit Judge Lawrence J.C. VanDyke - Dep Clerk: Victoria Ericksen; Pla Counsel: Dallin Holt, Caleb Acker, Andrew Stokesbary and Jason Torchinsky for Plaintiff; Def Counsel: Andrew Hughes, Cristina Sepe and Erica Franklin for Defendant State of Washington; Karl Smith for Defendant Hobbs; CR: Debbie Zurn; BENCH TRIAL -- DAY 3 held on 6/7/2023. Paul Graves, Alison O'Neil, Gabriel Portugal and Dr. John Alford are sworn and testify. Exhibits Admitted: 5, 140, 173, 368, 392, 393, 394, 395, 401, 405, 406, 407, 414, 415, 416, 437, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 503, 504, 532, 1060 and 1066. Upon the agreement of the parties, in lieu of further live testimony, counsel may present additional exhibits and deposition designations for the Court's consideration. Counsel is directed to submit written closing arguments no later than 7/12/2023. A deadline to submit proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law will be set by the Court. (VE) (Entered: 06/08/2023)

June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023

PACER
71

TRIAL WITNESS LIST (VE) (Entered: 06/08/2023)

June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023

PACER
72

TRIAL EXHIBIT LIST (VE) (Entered: 06/08/2023)

June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023

PACER

Three-Judge Court Hearing

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

PACER
73

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Trial - Day 2 held on 6/5/2023 before Judge Robert S. Lasnik.Parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days.Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Information regarding the policy can be found on the court's website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov.To purchase a copy of the transcript, contact court reporter Debbie Zurn, debbie_zurn@wawd.uscourts.gov, 206-370-8504. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/27/2023, (DZ) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
74

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Trial - Day 3 held on 6/6/2023 before Judge Robert S. Lasnik.Parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days.Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Information regarding the policy can be found on the court's website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov.To purchase a copy of the transcript, contact court reporter Debbie Zurn, debbie_zurn@wawd.uscourts.gov, 206-370-8504. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/27/2023, (DZ) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
75

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Trial - Day 4 held on 6/7/2023 before Judge Robert S. Lasnik.Parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days.Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Information regarding the policy can be found on the court's website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov.To purchase a copy of the transcript, contact court reporter Debbie Zurn, debbie_zurn@wawd.uscourts.gov, 206-370-8504. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/27/2023, (DZ) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
76

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Over-length Motions and Briefs, filed by Plaintiff Benancio Garcia, III. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 7/12/2023, (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

PACER
77

STATEMENT of Defendant Steve Hobbs re: Closing Argument re 70 Three-Judge Court Hearing,,,, by Defendant Steven Hobbs (Smith, Karl) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

PACER
78

TRIAL BRIEF Closing by Defendant State of Washington. (Hughes, Andrew) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

PACER
79

TRIAL BRIEF Closing by All Plaintiffs. (Stokesbary, Andrew) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

RECAP
80

ORDER granting Movants' 76 Motion for Leave to File Over-length Post Trial Brief. Signed by Judge Robert S. Lasnik. (LH)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

RECAP
81

OPINION AND ORDER Dismissing Plaintiff's Claim as Moot. Signed by U.S. District Judges David G Estudillo and Robert S Lasnik. (Attachments: # 1 Dissent)(MW)

Sept. 8, 2023

Sept. 8, 2023

Clearinghouse
82

JUDGMENT BY COURT. This case is dismissed as moot. (MW) (Entered: 09/08/2023)

Sept. 8, 2023

Sept. 8, 2023

PACER
83

NOTICE OF APPEAL to the United States Supreme Court (23-467) Ninth Circuit re 82 Judgment by Court, 81 Order by All Plaintiffs. $505, receipt number AWAWDC-8183043 (cc: USCA) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Opinion and Order, # 2 Exhibit Judgment)(Stokesbary, Andrew) Modified on 10/2/2023 to indicate corrected receiving court (PS). Modified on 3/5/2024 to add case number. (RE) (Entered: 09/28/2023)

1 Exhibit Opinion and Order

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Judgment

View on PACER

Sept. 28, 2023

Sept. 28, 2023

PACER

Notice of Docket Text Modification

Oct. 2, 2023

Oct. 2, 2023

PACER

NOTICE of Docket Text Modification re 83 Notice of Appeal, : Amended docket text to correctly identify receiving court. (PS)

Oct. 2, 2023

Oct. 2, 2023

PACER
84

NOTICE FROM US SUPREME COURT (23-467) re 83 Notice of Appeal. The petition for a writ of certiorari in the above entitled case was filed on October 31, 2023 and placed on the docket November 2, 2023 as No. 23-467. (RE) (Entered: 11/22/2023)

Nov. 21, 2023

Nov. 21, 2023

PACER
85

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Motion for Inquiry held on 3/7/2023 before Judge Robert S. Lasnik.Parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days.Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Information regarding the policy can be found on the court's website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov.To purchase a copy of the transcript, contact court reporter Sheri Schelbert, sheri_schelbert@wawd.uscourts.gov, 206-370-8507. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 2/23/2024, (Schelbert, Sheri) (Entered: 11/25/2023)

Nov. 25, 2023

Nov. 25, 2023

PACER
86

ORDER FROM US SUPREME COURT (23-467) The Court today entered the following order in the above-entitled case: The judgment is vacated, and the case is remanded to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington with instructions to enter a fresh judgment from which an appeal may be taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The judgment or mandate of this Court will not issue for at least thirty-two days pursuant to Rule 45. Should a petition for rehearing be filed timely, the judgment or mandate will be further stayed pending this Court's action on the petition for rehearing. (RE) (Entered: 03/05/2024)

March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory: Washington

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 15, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff is a Washington resident and registered voter, residing in Legislative District 15.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State of Washington, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Special Case Type(s):

Three-Judge District Court

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Non-settlement Outcome

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Voting:

Redistricting/district composition