David Ross is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 131, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Donna Tryfman.

Asked why he is running, Ross said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running to be an independent judge who listens to all sides, is tolerant and open minded, and ready to deliver honest and transparent decisions on Day One … So many people complain that on their day in court the judge didn't listen to them. My promise is that even when one side loses, they will walk out of court knowing the judge heard their case."

Candidate information

Age: 68

Residence: Long Beach, California

Party affiliation: "Democrat"

Education: "Juris Doctorate, University of West Los Angeles School of Law. Bachelor's degree, Mass Communication, University of California, Davis"

Family: "My wife is a social justice filmmaker and writer, and my son is a local jazz pianist, composer and teacher."

Experience and public service

Asked about his work history, Ross said in our questionnaire: "I've been a Deputy Public Defender for 31 years in Riverside County and now LA County. I've litigated 116 jury trials, 2000+ contested preliminary hearings, and represented more than 10,000 people … I was a professor of legal writing and research at Western State University school of law and have been a Judge Pro Tem in several Los Angeles County courts. Previous to the law, I was a TV news reporter and documentary producer in Washington D.C., Tennessee and Kansas."

Ross has also served as an alternate public defender in Los Angeles County, according to BallotReady profile data.

Previous elected or appointed offices: "NA."

On the issues

What sets him apart: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Ross said in our questionnaire: "I bring a unique blend of legal and life experience that no one else in this race offers … I will gather the facts, follow the law, apply appropriate discretion when allowed, and render fair and objective decisions without bias or favor."

Ensuring fair proceedings: Asked how his public defender experience would shape his approach on the bench, Ross said: "In 31 years as a public defender, I have represented more than 10,000 clients and learned that being heard begins with being treated with dignity. Many people enter court frightened, unfamiliar with the process, or juggling work, childcare, and transportation challenges."

Court challenges: Asked about the most significant challenges facing the court, Ross said: "There is a terrible backlog of criminal and civil cases that need to be addressed. Justice delayed is justice denied. I will use my 31 years of legal training to bring all sides together, move cases along, and bring resolution to litigants, victims, witnesses and the public."

Judicial philosophy: Ross said in a Daily News questionnaire that he opposes judicial activism. He said a judge's role is to follow the law as written by legislators and local government, not to shape or set public policy.

Best advice: "To listen to all sides and keep an open mind before offering your opinion or advice. To be tolerant of others. And to be humble enough to admit you made a mistake and learn from your errors."

Ross lists endorsements from Los Angeles County Superior Court judges Tammy Chung Ryu and Eric C. Taylor, the Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47 and the L.A. Sentinel, according to his campaign website. The race is on the Nov. 3 ballot.

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 grammar or style.