Justin Allen Clayton, a public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 65. The nonpartisan race appears on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot.
Anna Slotky Reitano is also running for the seat, according to BallotReady election data.
Candidate information
- Name: Justin Allen Clayton
- Race: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 65
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Education: High school diploma, Palisades Charter High School; bachelor's degree, University of New Mexico (2006); juris doctor, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- Law license: Licensed to practice law in California since 2012, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise
- Endorsement: Los Angeles County Democrats, according to BallotReady
Clayton grew up in South Central Los Angeles, according to his Ballotpedia candidate response. His mother had him bused to Pacific Palisades for high school because it offered better academic programs, more financial resources and a safer learning environment, Clayton said.
Experience and public service
Clayton has spent 14 years as a public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, according to LA Progressive. He holds the title of deputy in charge, a supervisory role within the office, LA Progressive reported. The Metropolitan News-Enterprise listed his position as deputy public defender.
On the issues
Clayton's policy priorities and positions on judicial issues were not available in the candidate's public responses reviewed for this profile.
South Bay voters will see this race on their ballots.
Candidate information is drawn from the candidate's Ballotpedia questionnaire response, BallotReady election data, LA Progressive and the Metropolitan News-Enterprise. Statements attributed to the candidate reflect his own claims.
