~ The Tacoma City Council has recently appointed Sergio C. Flores as the new Tacoma Municipal Court Judge for Department No. 2. This decision comes after a proactive recruitment process initiated in late 2025 by former Mayor Victoria Woodards. Judge Flores will serve in this position until the general election in November 2026, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Drew Henke. His term will run through December 31, 2026.

Mayor Anders Ibsen, who sponsored Resolution No. 41829 to appoint Judge Flores, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating that it is a step towards maintaining a strong and responsive judiciary. He also emphasized the importance of having individuals who not only possess a strong understanding of the law but also have a deep connection to the community they serve.

"I have known Judge Flores since 2007, and throughout his career he has demonstrated a consistent and outstanding dedication to public service," said Mayor Ibsen. "He brings a unique combination of professional rigor, lived experience, and innovative thinking that will serve the people of Tacoma well. I am proud to welcome him back to Tacoma and to the bench."

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Presiding Judge Steve Krupa also welcomed Judge Flores to the bench, noting his established reputation within the court system.

"Judge Flores truly loves our Court and the City of Tacoma, and he is dedicated to making it a better place for all," said Presiding Judge Krupa.

Judge Flores has been serving as a Judge Pro Tempore in the Tacoma Municipal Court since September 2022. He has also worked as a prosecutor for both Tacoma and Auburn cities and as an investigator for Tacoma's Employment Standards Office. During his time as a prosecutor in Auburn, he played an instrumental role in creating the Auburn Community Court, which has now been replicated in other jurisdictions across the Puget Sound region.

In his personal statement submitted to the City Council, Judge Flores reflected on his journey as an immigrant and the values instilled in him by his parents.

"The most important lessons in life I learned from my parents," said Judge Flores. "From them, I learned the value of having the right tools, applying oneself fully, working hard, practicing patience, and always helping others. These principles - perseverance, determination, and kindness - were instilled in me from a young age."

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Judge Flores immigrated to the United States from Mexico at the age of 10 and became the first in his family to graduate from college. He emphasized that his background will inform his approach to justice.

"My journey - from immigrant child to community advocate, prosecutor, and pro tem judge - has taught me to be self-reliant and creative, to meet challenges with persistence and patience, and above all, to lead with compassion," said Judge Flores. "These qualities, shaped by lived experience and honed through public service, reflect the kind of judge I strive to be."

More information about Judge Flores can be found on the Tacoma City Council's website.

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