Anthony Bayne, also known as A.J., is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 87, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The nonpartisan race also includes David Dejute.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is seeking the bench, Bayne said: "I have the experience, preparation, and temperament to serve our community well from the bench."

Candidate information

Full name: Anthony Jeremiah Bayne, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise.

Party: "No party preference," Bayne said in our questionnaire.

Education: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "I earned my Juris Doctor from Trinity School of Law (formerly Simon Greenleaf University) in May 1994 and was admitted to the California Bar on December 1, 1994. I then earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, with Honors, from Washington School of Law in November 1998."

Family: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "I have been married to my wife for approximately 29 years, and together we have raised two adult children. Our youngest is currently attending Loyola Law School."

Family in government: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "Yes. My wife is an Administrative Law Judge for the New Motor Vehicle Board (of California)."

Experience and public service

Bayne said in our questionnaire: "I am a Deputy Public Defender IV with the Law Offices of the Los Angeles County Public Defender, the highest trial-attorney classification in the office. I have been a member of the California Bar since December 1, 1994, and have practiced law for more than 31 years, including nearly 26 years as a Deputy Public Defender. I also practiced law privately for about 5 years."

He added: "I have tried more than 100 criminal jury trials to verdict. I spent approximately 19 years assigned to the Compton Courthouse, one of the busiest courthouses in LA County. … Before becoming an attorney, I worked in aerospace."

Bayne has held no previous elected or appointed office, according to his questionnaire response.

On the issues

What sets him apart: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "The most meaningful differences are my courtroom experience, bar rating, and breadth of support. … The Los Angeles County Bar Association rated me 'Well Qualified' for Office No. 87 … I was the only Office No. 87 candidate to receive that rating; the others were rated 'Qualified.' … I finished first in the June primary with approximately 42% of the vote."

Impartiality: Asked how he would demonstrate impartiality after a career as a public defender, Bayne said in our questionnaire: "As a deputy public defender, my job has been to advocate for my clients. As a judge, my only obligation will be to the law, and I understand that difference. … I will treat every victim with dignity, ensure they are heard as the law provides, and explain my rulings clearly so everyone understands the basis for each decision."

Self-represented litigants: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "In my courtroom, I will speak in plain language, explain each step of the proceeding and what is expected, and make sure every party has a full opportunity to present their side."

Endorsements

The following endorsements are listed on the Blue Voter Guide and the Metropolitan News-Enterprise:

  • Unite Here Local 11
  • ILWU Southern California District Council
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee ("Well Qualified")
  • La Defensa
  • Metropolitan News-Enterprise

Bayne also cited endorsements in our questionnaire from former District Attorney Steve Cooley, the Association of Deputy District Attorneys and PORAC.

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been edited for content.