Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has endorsed Sheryl Gordon McCloud in her campaign for Position 9 on the Washington Supreme Court.

McCloud, a lawyer who has lived on Bainbridge Island since 1986, is running against Richard B. Sanders for a seat on the high court. Sanders is a former justice who was defeated in a re-election bid in 2010.

Both McCloud and Sanders are hoping to fill the vacancy left by Justice Tom Chambers, who will retire in January.

In an Oct. 11 announcement, the governor said she was backing McCloud.

“I am proud to support Sheryl Gordon McCloud for election to the Supreme Court,” Gregoire said in the announcement.

“Sheryl has had a stellar career arguing cases before the Supreme Court, and her expertise on Constitutional issues is known nationwide. She will make a superb addition to our state’s highest court.

“I am impressed with Sheryl’s devotion to contributing hundreds of hours every year to provide free legal services to those who would otherwise have limited access to the judicial system without her help,” Gregoire added. “We need a justice system that is a level playing field, and Sheryl McCloud helps us ensure that it is.”

The governor also said McCloud will be smart and experienced addition to the Supreme Court.

“There will be significant issues of constitutional magnitude headed to the Supreme Court in the next few years, and Sheryl will bring just the right combination of intellect, experience, and calm judicial demeanor to the court,” Gregoire said. “She is also a consensus builder and holds the respect of both current and former Justices. Sheryl is committed to fairness and has a clear understanding of the impact of Supreme Court decisions on the lives of ordinary people.

“I don’t take endorsements lightly, but I am proud to endorse Sheryl Gordon McCloud,” Gregoire concluded.

McCloud said she was honored for the governor’s endorsement.

“I’m especially gratified that she emphasized my background of service, my commitment to fairness, and my track record of pursuing equal access to justice for all regardless of whether they can afford to hire a lawyer,” McCloud said. “Those are some of the most important values that a person can bring to the state Supreme Court.”

McCloud also noted the other major endorsements she has earned during her campaign.

“Gov. Gregoire joins many others who serve the entire state, such as the Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court and three other current Supreme Court Justices (including our neighbor, Justice Wiggins); the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association; the Washington State Council of Firefighters; the Washington Education Association; and the Washington State Labor Council, to name just a few. She also joins friends and neighbors much closer to home, such as the Suquamish Tribe, the Kitsap County Democrats, several Kitsap Superior Court and District Court judges, Sen. Derek Kimer, Sen. Christine Rolfes, Rep. Drew Hansen, Rep. Sherry Appleton, and Commissioners Rob Gelder and Josh Brown,” she said. “I am honored to be in such good company.”