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LOS ANGELES JUDICIAL ELECTIONS DESERVE PUBLIC ATTENTION
What the LA Times Judicial Race Investigation Means for Los Angeles Voters
Transparency and access to public records strengthens public confidence in the courts. In that spirit, the articles and official updates linked below are provided for informational purposes. The LA Times, The Daily News, The Daily Journal, have published reporting relating to matters relevant to the 2026 election for Los Angeles Superior Court Seat 2, currently held by Honorable Judge Robert Draper. Voters are encouraged to review these official sources directly and draw their own informed conclusions.
Recent reporting from both the Los Angeles Times and LA Material has brought renewed attention to the 2026 Los Angeles judicial races, including coverage involving Judge Robert S. Draper. Judicial elections rarely receive the scrutiny they deserve, even though judges make decisions that directly affect communities across Los Angeles County. Voters deserve transparency, accountability, and clear information about the candidates seeking public office.
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1. The LA Times coverage: "'This is like the Russian mafia': LA Judge Elections see unusual drama"
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https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-29/los-angeles-judicial-candidates-2026-election
2. LA Material coverage: "He's 84, He's Facing Misconduct Charges, He Wants Your Vote"
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https://lamaterial.com/p/he-s-84-he-s-facing-misconduct-charges-he-wants-your-vote
3. LAist: "LA County judge up for re-election accused of violating ethics rules"
https://laist.com/news/politics/la-county-judge-up-for-re-election-accused-of-violating-ethics-rules
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4. Daily Journal: "Appeals court tosses $10M verdict over judge's racist, sexist comments"
"A 2nd District Court of Appeal panel reversed a $10 million jury award in a sexual harassment case against the Los Angeles Community College District, citing "bizarre" racial and sexist remarks by trial judge Robert S. Draper and multiple evidentiary missteps that denied defendants a fair trial".
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5. Daily Journal: "Judicial watchdog files misconduct charges against LA County judge"
"Commission cites alleged bias, improper conduct and failure to cooperate in a sweeping case against Judge Robert S. Draper."
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6. Los Angeles County Bar Association Judicial Elections Evaluations Committee JEEC Announces 2026 Ratings: The LA County Bar rated incumbent Judge Robert S. Draper "Not Qualified."
In contrast, the challenger Tal K. Valbuena received a rating of "Qualified".
https://lacba.org/?pg=lacba-news&blAction=reviewEntry&blogEntry=144319
​​7: Los Angeles Daily News: "Endorsement: Tal K. Valbuena for L.A. Superior Court in Office No. 2"
"Vote for Tal Valbuena, the only qualified candidate in the race."
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8. "Why I'm Challenging Judge Robert Draper in the Upcoming Primaries" - A video message by Candidate Tal K. Valbuena
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https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYfumGHhjfm/
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9. Community Perspectives Regarding 2026 Elections for Los Angeles Superior Court Seat 2
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10. CityWatch Los Angeles: "Tal Khan Valbuena. Candidate for LA Superior Court Judge # 2: Restoring Trust in the Judiciary!"
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11. Q Voice News: "Tal Khan Valbuena could make gay history in LA Superior Court race"
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