On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Los Angeles Times reported that judicial elections in Los Angeles have taken an unusual turn, marked by accusations of misconduct and internal conflict. Two races on the June ballot have sparked heated debate and raised questions about the extent to which members of the local bench will go to protect their own.

One of the central figures in this controversy is 84-year-old Judge Robert Draper, who is seeking reelection. Despite his long tenure, Draper has spent the last three years relegated to a room at the Santa Monica courthouse without a computer or caseload, described by some as a “closet.” In 2023, then-Presiding Justice Samantha Jessner stated that Draper was “unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a judge” due to deteriorating mental and physical health. This information was conveyed in a letter to the state’s Commission on Judicial Performance.

Draper has denied any wrongdoing, asserting his fitness for the bench despite a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He is also contesting accusations of sexual harassment and improper, biased comments. A hearing that could lead to his removal began in late April.

The other contested race involves Judge Pat Connolly, 61, a former prosecutor. Connolly’s opponent, Deputy Dist. Atty. Paul Thompson has labeled him a “rogue judge.” Connolly has faced multiple disciplinary actions during his 18-year judicial tenure for inappropriate comments toward litigants and exhibiting bias against a defense attorney.

Thompson, known for his role in securing a rape conviction against Harvey Weinstein, purchased the domain name “patconnolly4judge.com,” which now redirects to one of the commission’s admonishments of Connolly.

The Los Angeles County Bar Assn. has issued its ratings for the judicial candidates, with Connolly receiving the highest grade of “well qualified.” Thompson and Khan Valbuena were rated as “qualified,” while Draper was among the few labeled “unqualified.”

In 2022, Judge Eric Taylor reported a significant change in Draper’s behavior, including sending “abusive” and “incoherent” emails containing racist and profane language. Draper has also been accused of sexual harassment, making racist remarks, and displaying callous behavior.

Draper’s attorney, Ashley Posner, has suggested that the complaint against him is part of a broader campaign to force his retirement, accusing the L.A. County Superior Court’s leadership of ageism.

The race between Connolly and Thompson has also focused on alleged misconduct. Connolly’s past admonishments include complaints about yelling at attorneys for appearing remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and telling a recently acquitted defendant that he knew the man was guilty.

Tensions have risen among L.A. County judges, with some expressing concerns about potential retaliation for supporting candidates. L.A. County Superior Court Judge Scott Yang claimed he was pressured by other judges to withdraw his endorsement of Thompson. He characterized the actions of his colleagues as exhibiting a “gangster mentality.”

 

 

Source: Los Angeles Times