David B. Walgren, a sitting Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, is on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot for the Walgren Seat on the court.

The nonpartisan race covers one of the county's trial-court seats. Walgren is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

  • Name: David B. Walgren
  • Office sought: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge (Walgren Seat)
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: Undergraduate degree, University of California, Los Angeles, according to Ballotpedia; juris doctor, UC Davis School of Law, 1995, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise
  • Hometown: Los Angeles native, according to the Los Angeles Times

Experience and public service

Walgren served approximately 16 to 17 years as a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, according to the Los Angeles Times. He rose through specialized units including the Hardcore Gang and Major Crimes divisions.

He was lead prosecutor, alongside Deborah Brazil, in the 2011 involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's personal physician, according to Wikipedia's account of the case. The jury returned a guilty verdict.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association named Walgren Prosecutor of the Year in 2012, according to the Los Angeles Times. That same year, then-Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him to the Superior Court bench, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise. Walgren has served on the bench since 2012, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise.

On the issues

Judicial philosophy and courtroom management

Walgren said his top courtroom priority is ensuring cases are handled fairly and efficiently, with timely decisions.

"I run a disciplined courtroom and focus on applying the law consistently so that outcomes are based on the facts, not delay or confusion," Walgren said in a candidate questionnaire published by the Los Angeles Times.

He also said the system works as intended when the court is fair, efficient and respectful.

Endorsements

The following rating was reported by the Los Angeles Times:

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee rated Walgren "Exceptionally Well Qualified" for the 2026 election.

Candidate questionnaire responses cited in this profile were published by the Los Angeles Times. The endorsement rating was reported by the endorsing organization, as noted by the Los Angeles Times.