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Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 2

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  • Candidate picture

    Robert S. Draper
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Tal K. Valbuena
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What background, experience and/or education qualify you for this elected office? (You may use your candidate statement here if desired.)

What is working well in Los Angeles County courts? What needs improvement?

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Ballot Designation Deputy District Attorney, County of Los Angeles
Candidate's Political Party Democratic Party
Endorsement List URL http://www.talforjudge.com
Campaign Email TalForJudge@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://www.talforjudge.com
Campaign Instagram URL http://www.instagram.com/talforjudge
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/talforjudge
I bring a combination of lived experience, legal training, and public service to this role. I began my journey as an immigrant, working my way up from a dishwasher to becoming an attorney, which gives me a deep understanding of the challenges many people face when they come before the court.

Professionally, I have served in two distinct public roles, gaining experience in the courtroom as a Deputy District Attorney and in serving diverse communities as a County Commissioner. My work has focused on fairness, access to justice, and ensuring that every person is treated with dignity.

My education and legal training have prepared me to apply the law thoughtfully, while my life experience grounds me in the real-world impact of judicial decisions. Together, these experiences qualify me to serve as a judge who is fair, firm, and humane.
Los Angeles courts are staffed by many dedicated judges and court professionals who work hard every day to move cases forward under significant pressure. Innovations like collaborative courts, diversion programs, and remote access have helped expand access to justice and improve efficiency.

At the same time, there is more work to do. Many people still experience the system as confusing, slow, and intimidating—especially those from under-resourced communities. Delays, language barriers, and limited access to legal help can make it difficult for people to fully participate in their cases.

We should continue improving transparency, expanding language access and self-help resources, and ensuring that everyone who enters the courtroom feels heard and treated with dignity.