Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Patrick Connolly seeks reelection to his seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election.

The race is nonpartisan. Connolly, a registered Independent, said on his campaign website that he believes a judge should represent everyone fairly, impartially and without bias.

Candidate information

  • Hometown: Cypress, California
  • Education: Bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in business administration, University of San Diego (1988); juris doctor, University of San Diego School of Law (1991)
  • Bar admission: California, June 1992
  • Party registration: Independent (no party preference)

Experience and public service

Connolly has served as a judge on the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2008, according to Ballotpedia. He has also served as presiding judge of the Master Calendar and Community Collaborative Court at the Compton Courthouse, according to his campaign website.

Before joining the bench, Connolly worked as a deputy district attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. He said on his campaign website that he served as a homicide and gang prosecutor, trying only the most violent cases.

The California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly admonished Connolly on March 23, 2016. The commission found he engaged in conduct reflecting embroilment and abuse of authority with a criminal defense attorney, including improper ex parte communications and excluding the attorney from a hearing. In 2010, Connolly received a private admonishment from the same commission for his use of profanity in a judicial profile interview and in chambers discussions with attorneys, according to the commission's public record.

On the issues

Judicial philosophy: Connolly described himself as "an independent and principled judge who applies the law fairly, runs a disciplined courtroom, and gives every case careful attention," according to his Ballotpedia questionnaire response. He said he brings decades of experience as both a prosecutor and a judge, with a career defined by accountability, public safety and respect for the law.

Endorsements

Connolly lists endorsements from several organizations, according to a CityWatch LA interview and Ballotpedia. The Los Angeles County Bar Association rated him "Well Qualified," according to CityWatch LA.

  • Long Beach Police Benefit Association
  • Los Angeles Police Protective League
  • International Longshore and Warehouse Union
  • Metropolitan News-Enterprise (editorial board)
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association ("Well Qualified" rating)

Candidate responses were drawn from Connolly's campaign website, his Ballotpedia questionnaire and a CityWatch LA interview. Positions attributed to the candidate reflect his own statements.