About The Race

 

Who is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court, Office No. 116?

Two candidates are running in the June 2, 2026, Primary Election: incumbent Judge Patrick E. Connolly and Deputy District Attorney Paul A. Thompson.

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What does a Superior Court judge do?

Los Angeles County Superior Court judges preside over criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate cases. They manage courtrooms, rule on legal motions, conduct trials, and sentence defendants. Office No. 116 appears on every voter's ballot countywide.

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Is this a partisan race?

No. California judicial races are nonpartisan. No party affiliation appears on the ballot next to either candidate's name.

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About Judge Connolly

 

How long has Judge Connolly served on the bench?

Judge Connolly has served on the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2008, 18 years of judicial experience. He was previously reelected unopposed in 2014 and 2020.

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What did Judge Connolly do before becoming a judge?

He served as a homicide and gang prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, trying the most violent criminal cases in the county. He comes from a family dedicated to law enforcement — his father served as a Chief of Police, and his brother currently serves in law enforcement.

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Where does Judge Connolly currently serve?

Judge Connolly manages the master calendar at the Compton Courthouse and presides over Community Collaborative Court, an alternative-to-incarceration program that provides structured supervision and services to defendants facing challenging circumstances.

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Is Judge Connolly a Republican or a Democrat?

Neither. Judge Connolly is registered as an Independent. He believes a judge should represent everyone fairly, impartially, and without bias. Justice should never be political.

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About The LACBA Rating

 

What is the LACBA rating?

The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee independently evaluates every candidate in contested judicial races. Committee members review questionnaires, interview each candidate, and consult with attorneys who have appeared in their courtrooms. Candidates are rated Exceptionally Well Qualified, Well Qualified, Qualified, or Not Qualified based on professional ability, experience, competence, integrity, and temperament. The LACBA rating is widely considered the most trusted, independent assessment of judicial fitness in Los Angeles County.

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What is Judge Connolly's LACBA rating?

Judge Connolly is rated "Well Qualified" — the highest rating in the Office No. 116 race.

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What is his opponent's LACBA rating?

His opponent is rated "Qualified."

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Why does the LACBA rating matter?

Judicial races are low-information contests — most voters have limited ways to evaluate whether a candidate is fit for the bench. The LACBA rating is the one independent, nonpartisan assessment conducted by legal professionals with courtroom experience. It tells voters what the legal community already knows about each candidate's qualifications.

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About The Endorsements

 

Who endorses Judge Connolly?

Judge Connolly is endorsed by over 70 sitting and retired judges, including Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia and Assistant Presiding Judge Ricardo Ocampo. He is also endorsed by former District Attorney Steve Cooley, prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the Long Beach Police Officers Association, the Western States Carpenters, ILWU Locals 13, 63, and 94, the ILWU Southern California District Council, and elected officials across L.A. County.

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Why do endorsements from judges matter?

Judges work alongside each other every day. They see how their colleagues manage courtrooms, apply the law, and treat the people who appear before them. When over 70 judges — including the Presiding Judge who leads the entire L.A. County court system — endorse a colleague for reelection, it is the strongest possible statement of confidence in that judge's qualifications.

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Why do endorsements from both prosecutors and public defenders matter?

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have opposing roles in the courtroom, but they agree on one thing: Judge Connolly applies the law fairly. Endorsements from both sides reflect a judge who is not biased toward the prosecution or the defense — he follows the law regardless of which side you stand on.

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About Voting

 

When is the election?

The California Primary Election is June 2, 2026.

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When do mail ballots arrive?

Mail ballots begin shipping to voters on May 4, 2026. Most voters will receive their ballot within the first week of May.

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How do I return my ballot?

You have three options: mail it back (must be postmarked by June 2), drop it at any official ballot drop box in L.A. County, or vote in person at any vote center.

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When do vote centers open?

The first vote centers open May 23. All vote centers are open starting May 30 through Election Day, June 2.

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Where is Office No. 116 on my ballot?

Judicial races appear in the nonpartisan section of your ballot, typically near the bottom. Look for "Judge of the Superior Court, Office No. 116."

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Can I register to vote?

The last day to register online is May 18, 2026. You can also register in person at any vote center through Election Day using conditional voter registration.