County

Judge of the Superior Court, Office No. 131

This person holds a countywide seat on the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This is the state trial court. The term is six years.

This race is headed to a November 3 runoff. One finalist is Deputy Public Defender Donna Tryfman, with 37.3%. The other is Deputy Alternate Public Defender David Ross, with 33.2%. Both finalists are career defense lawyers. All four June candidates were rated Qualified.

The winner serves a six-year term on the county's trial bench, assigned anywhere from criminal and civil to family and probate court. Trial judges rule alone — their decisions are checked mainly on appeal — so the person matters more than in almost any other down-ballot office.

Both finalists are career defense lawyers, so the usual prosecutor-versus-defender axis does not apply here — the choice is between two people who have spent their careers on the same side of the courtroom. What differs is length of service and the presence of one uncorroborated allegation against the more experienced candidate. Weigh depth of experience against how much weight you give a claim no outlet has been able to confirm.

Donna Tryfman

Donna Tryfman has been a Deputy Public Defender for about 29 years. She works in the Major Cases Unit. The establishment legal press called her the best choice among the four candidates. She has the deepest experience in the race.

David Ross

David Ross has been a Deputy Alternate Public Defender since 2000. They worked as a journalist before becoming a lawyer. Knock LA called Ross the most qualified progressive choice. Even the outlet that endorsed Ross's opponent credited Ross's judicial skill.

Your pick

A nonpartisan office: candidates do not run as Democrats or Republicans, and no party appears on the ballot.

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