Overview

The upcoming elections for the Los Angeles County Superior Court will take place on June 2, with 15 seats available. However, only 11 of these contests feature multiple candidates, making them competitive. Several candidates are running unopposed for certain offices.

Among the competitive races, three incumbents are defending their positions, while eight seats are open for new candidates. The election process allows candidates who secure over 50% of the primary votes to win outright, while those who do not will advance to the November ballot.

Key details

  • 15 seats on the L.A. County Superior Court are up for election.
  • Only 11 races are competitive with two or more candidates.
  • Binh Q. Dang (Office 39), Ann M. Maurer (Office 60), Mariela Torres (Office 141), and Candice J. Henry (Office 196) are unopposed.
  • Three competitive races involve incumbents.
  • Eight races are open to new candidates.
  • A candidate is seeking reelection despite being removed from hearing cases due to health concerns.
  • This candidate claims to have Parkinson’s disease but maintains his mental fitness.
  • Another judge faces criticism from a challenger regarding inappropriate comments, which were deemed so by an outside commission.
  • The commission found no ethical wrongdoing on the judge's part.
  • The L.A. County court system handles both criminal and civil cases across various locations.
  • The Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee has rated 28 candidates in contested races.
  • Ratings include categories such as “exceptionally well qualified” and “not qualified.”

Context

The Los Angeles County Superior Court plays a crucial role in the judicial system, addressing a wide range of cases from criminal to civil matters. The evaluations from the Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee provide insight into the qualifications of the candidates running for these important judicial positions.

What happens next

The primary election is set for June 2, where candidates will vie for their respective positions. Those who do not achieve a majority will face off again in the November ballot.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific candidates in the competitive races, including their backgrounds and platforms, are not confirmed. Additionally, the full evaluation report from the Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee is not detailed here.