LACBA urges California voters to retain all appellate justices

The Los Angeles County Bar Association is backing “yes” votes for every California Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justice on the November 3 ballot. The group says all 64 justices have shown the competence and integrity needed to stay in office, underscoring the stakes for judicial independence and public accountability.

Why it matters: - LACBA’s endorsement could help shape how voters approach California’s judicial retention elections on November 3. - The vote affects 64 appellate justices statewide, more than half of California’s appellate judiciary. - Retention elections decide whether sitting justices keep their seats, making the contests a check on both judicial independence and public accountability.

What happened: - The Los Angeles County Bar Association strongly encouraged California voters to vote “yes” for every incumbent Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justice on the November 3, 2026 ballot. - The endorsement covers two California Supreme Court justices and 62 Court of Appeal justices statewide. - LACBA released its statement on October 2, 2026. - The association posted the statement here.

The details: - LACBA said all 64 justices have demonstrated the fitness, competence and integrity required to continue serving. - None of the justices has disciplinary issues before the Commission on Judicial Performance. - Appellate justices serve 12-year terms and face retention elections instead of contested races. - Voters decide whether each justice remains in office. - Judicial nominees undergo nonpartisan vetting by the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation before appointment. - LACBA also issues a Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee report on the remaining contested Los Angeles County Superior Court races.

Between the lines: - The endorsement reflects a pro-retention stance that favors continuity on the bench over turnover. - LACBA is framing the election as a test of both performance and institutional stability, not just individual judicial records. - The emphasis on vetting and discipline-free service signals an argument that the incumbents have already cleared the main checks built into California’s judicial selection system.

What's next: - California voters will decide the retention races in the November 3, 2026 election. - LACBA’s evaluation work continues on the contested Los Angeles County Superior Court races. - The outcome will determine whether the incumbent appellate justices keep their seats for another term.

The bottom line: - LACBA wants voters to keep every incumbent appellate justice on the bench, arguing the current slate has met the standards for continued service.