In the upcoming election (Nov. 3, 2026), sixty-two California Court of Appeal Justices statewide will be on the ballot for retention elections as will two Supreme Court Justices (Groban and Evans). (See Ballotpedia's CA Intermediate appellate court elections 2026 page.)
Because the public (and some members of the bar) are unfamiliar with appellate retention elections, please share the following basic information and recommendation to vote yes to retain:
- The California system for selecting justices (Supreme Court and Court of Appeal) is different than the federal system. CA justices are thoroughly vetted prior to appointment (by JNE), to ensure competency and a demonstrated willingness to abide by the rule of law. Confirmation hearings for CA justices are not partisan—hearings are the same whether the Governor who nominates is a Democrat or a Republican. The hearings are about assessing competence. Unlike federal judges, CA justices stand for a retention election every 12 years. The only question is: Should this justice be retained?
- Uncontested retention elections and 12-year terms are meant to strike a balance between judicial independence—allowing justices to do their work free of popular sentiment or political partisanship— and accountability to Californians. Accordingly, voters should vote “yes” unless they believe a particular justice has demonstrated unfitness to continue serving.
- This year, 16 Second District Court of Appeal Justices are up for retention election: Michelle Kim, Gregory Weingart, Anne Richardson, Mark Hanasono, Rashida Adams, Helen Zukin, Audra Mori, Armen Tamzarian, Brian Hoffstadt, Ken Yegan, Tari Cody, Gonzalo Martinez, Natalie Stone, John Shepard Wiley Jr., Matthew Scherb, and Victor Viramontes. The Second District Court of Appeal is divided into eight divisions, of which seven hear appeals from the Los Angeles Superior Court and one hears appeals from superior courts in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
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