Judges’ races have been injected with more politics. Here’s what to know.

California’s June primary saw attack ads, partisan messaging and big-money PACs reshape what are typically low-key judicial contests. Judges and consultants warn the shift could erode public trust in the courts.

We examined the shift in tone and approach in elections for judges in Sharon Bernstein’s story “Are attack ads and big money bringing politics into how we vote for judges?”

Here are key takeaways:

• Placer County voters received text ads styled as “PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT” messages attacking Judge Leon Dixson by tying him to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who appointed him. Dixson defeated Rocklin Mayor Dave Bass 58% to 42%.
• Judicial candidates face strict rules barring statements on how they would rule, false claims about opponents and unreviewed campaign materials. Violations can trigger sanctions from the Commission on Judicial Performance.
• Los Angeles consultant Crystal M. Litz called this cycle the “most vitriolic” judicial campaigning she’s seen, with attacks coming from both the left and right. She traces the shift to backlash following the 2020 police killing of George Floyd.
• Money is flowing in, too. Dixson raised $160,000, including $45,000 from a PAC tied to the California Judges Association. A PAC linked to progressive group La Defensa donated nearly $570,000 to judicial candidates in the 2023-2024 cycle.
• In Yolo County’s open-seat race, Sacramento County Court Commissioner Ryan Davis narrowly defeated Deputy District Attorney Diane Ortiz 51% to 49%.