A prosecutor for the people of Cowlitz County.
Every year of Nicole's nine-year legal career has been spent right here — representing victims, standing up for our community, and building programs that make Cowlitz County stronger and safer.
Nine years on the front lines of justice.
Nicole Knowles is a dedicated public servant and a proven community leader. She has tried over 50 cases in District and Superior Court, ranging from misdemeanor offenses to the most serious of crimes.
She has devoted her career to prosecuting Cowlitz County's most serious crimes and protecting our community's most vulnerable members. Nicole served as Cowlitz County's Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for child sexual abuse cases for five years, where she helped ensure access to justice for our community's child victims.
She also currently serves as Lead Prosecutor for the City of Longview, where she leads a small team of attorneys in the prosecution of misdemeanors in District Court.
Nicole's judicial acumen has been on display throughout her time serving as judge pro tem on the Cowlitz County District Court. She demonstrates the integrity, prudence, and wisdom that are so critical in this role.
Nicole exemplifies the values of Cowlitz County and is committed to helping protect what we love about our amazing community.
Roots and a future right here.
Nicole grew up in Ridgefield with her parents, Pat and Tami Hughes, and two younger siblings, Tyler and Hailey. Anyone who knew her growing up knew she wanted to be a lawyer. She shadowed a local attorney with two classmates in middle school, saw what appeared to be a very boring proceeding, and she was immediately captivated. She grew up just down the road from Cowlitz County, back when Ridgefield had a much smaller population, and she may have even played against some of you on the basketball court. She graduated Ridgefield High School and dedicated herself to her studies for the next seven years, obtaining her undergraduate degree and law degree.
Nicole met her husband, Brandon Knowles, while attending law school at Gonzaga University School of Law over twelve years ago. They have been married for six years and are now raising two young children — a four-year-old son and a baby daughter. They have set down permanent roots in Cowlitz County and they are thrilled to be raising their children in the community that Nicole has served for almost a decade.
"I am truly fortunate to have such an amazing husband and family — because of their love and support, they have helped me be the best version of myself both personally and professionally. I am extremely excited at the opportunity to continue my public service to Cowlitz County. I have the skills, passion, and integrity for this position and I ask for your vote this November."
Trained for the work.
- 2008Ridgefield High SchoolGraduated
- 2012Seattle UniversityB.A. Political Science, Legal Studies specialization
- 2015Gonzaga University School of LawJuris Doctor (J.D.)
Invested in the place we call home.
Nicole actively volunteers in Cowlitz County and has served on the board of directors as Secretary for the Children's Justice & Advocacy Center since 2023.
Just four months after stepping into her role as lead prosecutor for the City of Longview, she was a driving force in establishing and running the Cowlitz Municipal Therapeutic Court — a program that offers accountability paired with treatment, helping people break the cycles of re-offense and giving individuals and families a real chance at a different future.
Graduate of the Citizens Police Academy in 2018.
