New report provides voter guidance for California's June 2 statewide election.

LOS ANGELES – April 27, 2026 – The Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee (JEEC) of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) has released its 2026 ratings report ahead of California’s June 2 Primary Election. The report offers a comprehensive assessment of Los Angeles Superior Court judicial candidates based on professional ability, experience, competence, integrity and temperament. The full report is available online.

PRINTABLE 2026 JUDICIAL RATING CARD PDF

This election cycle, JEEC committee evaluated candidates for contested offices, including incumbent judges. Committee members conducted background reviews, analyzed qualifications, and interviewed each candidate to assign ratings The process was comprehensive. Between 50 and 75 questionnaires were distributed to attorneys and judges familiar with each candidate, followed by telephone interviews with at least 25 members of the legal community. Each of the 35 committee members dedicated 60 to 80 hours to the evaluation process.

"Our goal is to provide Los Angeles County voters with a complete and impartial evaluation of every judicial candidate, because our judges uphold our rights and the rule of law," JEEC Chair Susan Schwartz said.

The new report states that the committee is comprised of attorneys from across the legal community who “have extensive trial and courtroom experience and a deep understanding of the qualifications needed to serve as an effective judicial officer.” The last day to register to vote for the June 2, 2026, Primary Election is May 18, 2026.

JEEC evaluations for candidates seeking the following Los Angeles Superior Court offices:

Superior Court Office No. 2

• Hon. Robert Draper: Not qualified
• Tal K. Valbuena: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 14

• Angie Christides: Qualified
• Irene Lee: Well qualified

Superior Court Office No. 64

• Francisco Amador: Not qualified
• Maria Ghobadi: Well qualified
• Rhonda Haymon: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 65

• Justin Clayton: Qualified
• Chellei G. Jimenez: Qualified
• Samuel W. Krause: Qualified
• Anna S. Reitano: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 66

• Benny Forer: Well qualified
• Cheryl C. Turner: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 81

• Dan Kapelovitz: Qualified
• Hon. David Walgren: Exceptionally well qualified

Superior Court Office No. 87

• Anthony (A.J.) Bayne: Well qualified
• David DeJute: Qualified
• Sharee S. Gordon: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 116

• Hon. Patrick Connolly: Well qualified
• Paul A. Thompson: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 131

• Carlos Dammeier: Qualified
• David Ross: Qualified
• Troy W. Slaten: Qualified
• Donna Tryfman: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 176

• Gloria Marin: Well qualified
• Zachary Smith: Qualified

Superior Court Office No. 181

• Ryan Dibble: Well qualified
• Thanayi Lindsey: Not qualified