David B. Walgren, a sitting Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, is on the ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The nonpartisan race covers the Walgren Seat on the Superior Court.

Santa Monica voters will find the contest on their ballots because L.A. County Superior Court judges serve the entire county, including Santa Monica. The race is contested, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Walgren said his top courtroom priority is ensuring cases are handled fairly and efficiently, with timely decisions. In a Los Angeles Times candidate questionnaire, he stated: "I run a disciplined courtroom and focus on applying the law consistently so that outcomes are based on the facts, not delay or confusion."

Candidate information

  • Name: David B. Walgren
  • Office sought: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge (Walgren Seat)
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: Undergraduate degree, University of California, Los Angeles; J.D., UC Davis School of Law, 1995
  • Hometown: Los Angeles native

Experience and public service

Walgren spent approximately 16 to 17 years as a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney before joining the bench, according to the Los Angeles Times. He rose through specialized units including the Hardcore Gang and Major Crimes divisions.

His highest-profile case came in 2011. Walgren was lead prosecutor, alongside Deborah Brazil, in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's personal physician. The trial ended in a guilty verdict, according to Wikipedia's account of the case.

Then-Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Walgren to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2012, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise. He has served on the bench since that appointment.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association named Walgren Prosecutor of the Year in 2012, according to the Los Angeles Times.

On the issues

Judicial philosophy and courtroom management: Walgren said his priority is fair and efficient case handling with timely decisions. He said he focuses on applying the law consistently so outcomes depend on facts rather than delay. He also said a court that is fair, efficient and respectful allows the justice system to work as intended. These positions come from his responses to the Los Angeles Times candidate questionnaire.

Endorsements

The following rating was reported by the Los Angeles Times:

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association Judicial Elections Evaluation Committee rated Walgren "Exceptionally Well Qualified" for the 2026 election.

Candidate positions in this profile are drawn from Walgren's responses to the Los Angeles Times candidate questionnaire and from published reporting. They reflect the candidate's own statements. The election is Nov. 3, 2026.