Legal/Judicial Experience: Appointed Grays Harbor Superior Court Judge by the Governor effective January 1, 2018. Before that, Ray Kahler was an attorney at Stritmatter Kessler for 21 years, representing individuals who had been injured. 

Other Professional Experience: No information submitted

Education: Judge Kahler graduated with honors from the University of Puget Sound and Harvard Law School.

Community Service: Judge Kahler has served on the board of the 7thStreet Theatre for 20 years.  He also served on the board of Evergreen Counseling Center and the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council.  Judge Kahler plays clarinet in the Grays Harbor Concert Band and at his church.

Statement: I strive to be respectful of people who appear in court and listen carefully. I work hard every day to be prepared and make decisions based on the facts and the law, with the underlying goal of doing justice. I am committed to working hard for the community as a judge and to improving the administration of justice in Grays Harbor County. It is an honor to serve the community as a Superior Court Judge.



Judge Kahler has been rated Well Qualified by the Washington Women Lawyers and the Washington State Veterans Bar Association. He has been endorsed by former Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge Mark McCauley, State Representative Brian Blake, State Senator Dean Takko, former House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, Westport mayor Rob Bearden, Montesano mayor Vini Samuel, former Hoquiam mayor Jack Durney, Grays Harbor County Coroner Lane Youmans, former Grays Harbor County Sheriff Dennis Morrisette, former Grays Harbor County Sheriff Mike Whelan, Daily WorldCitizens of the Year Linda Borth, John Hughes, Juris Macs, M.D., Mickey Thurman, and Harold Warren, and Washington Supreme Court Justices Mary Fairhurst, Charles Johnson, Barbara Madsen, Susan Owens, Debra Stephens, and Charlie Wiggins.