Anthony Bayne is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 87, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces David Dejute in the nonpartisan race.

Asked why he is seeking the bench, Bayne said in our candidate questionnaire: "I have seen firsthand how much depends on the judge. I am seeking Office 87 because I have the experience, preparation, and temperament to serve our community well from the bench."

Candidate information

Full name: Anthony Jeremiah Bayne, also known as A.J., according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise.

Party: No party preference.

Education: Asked about his education, Bayne said in our questionnaire: "I earned my Juris Doctor from Trinity School of Law (formerly Simon Greenleaf University) in May 1994 and was admitted to the California Bar on December 1, 1994. I then earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, with Honors, from Washington School of Law in November 1998."

Family: Asked about his family, Bayne said in our questionnaire: "I have been married to my wife for approximately 29 years, and together we have raised two adult children." Asked whether anyone in his family works in politics or government, he said: "Yes. My wife is an Administrative Law Judge for the New Motor Vehicle Board (of California)."

Experience and public service

Asked about his work history, Bayne said in our questionnaire: "I am a Deputy Public Defender IV with the Law Offices of the Los Angeles County Public Defender, the highest trial-attorney classification in the office … I also practiced law privately for about 5 years."

He added: "I spent approximately 19 years assigned to the Compton Courthouse, one of the busiest courthouses in LA County. I am currently assigned to the Torrance Branch, where I represent clients charged with serious felony offenses and handle cases from arraignment and pretrial litigation through jury trial and sentencing. Before becoming an attorney, I worked in aerospace."

Bayne said on his Ballotpedia page that before becoming a lawyer he worked in the aerospace and defense industry, where he held a secret clearance.

On the issues

What sets him apart: Asked about the critical differences between himself and other candidates, Bayne said in our questionnaire: "The most meaningful differences are my courtroom experience, bar rating, and breadth of support."

He added: "The Los Angeles County Bar Association rated me 'Well Qualified' for Office No. 87 … I was the only Office No. 87 candidate to receive that rating; the others were rated 'Qualified.'"

On impartiality: Asked how he would demonstrate impartiality given his career as a public defender, Bayne said: "As a deputy public defender, my job has been to advocate for my clients. As a judge, my only obligation will be to the law, and I understand that difference."

He added: "I will treat every victim with dignity, ensure they are heard as the law provides, and explain my rulings clearly so everyone understands the basis for each decision."

On self-represented litigants: Asked what he would do for people without lawyers, Bayne said: "In my courtroom, I will speak in plain language, explain each step of the proceeding and what is expected, and make sure every party has a full opportunity to present their side."

Endorsements and ratings

The Los Angeles County Bar Association Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee rated Bayne "Well Qualified," according to the Blue Voter Guide.

The following endorsements were listed on the Blue Voter Guide and the Metropolitan News-Enterprise:

  • Unite Here Local 11
  • ILWU Southern California District Council
  • La Defensa
  • Metropolitan News-Enterprise

Candidate responses were collected through the South Bay Tide candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been edited.