Anthony Bayne 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: "After more than 31 years practicing law, including nearly 26 years as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender and more than 100 jury trials to verdict, I have seen firsthand how much depends on the judge. I am seeking Office 87 because I have the experience, preparation, and temperament to serve our community well from the bench."

Candidate information

Also known as: A.J., according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise. His full legal name is Anthony Jeremiah Bayne.

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: Asked whether anyone in his family works 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 described his work history 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 also practiced law privately for about 5 years."

He added: "I spent approximately 19 years assigned to the Compton Courthouse, one of the busiest courthouses in LA County. I am currently assigned to the Torrance Branch, where I represent clients charged with serious felony offenses."

Bayne said on his Ballotpedia page that before becoming a lawyer, he worked in the aerospace and defense industry where he held a secret clearance.

Previous elected or appointed offices: "N/A," Bayne said in our questionnaire.

On the issues

Critical differences from other candidates: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "The most meaningful differences are my courtroom experience, bar rating, and breadth of support." He added: "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.'" He also said: "Voters have also responded: I finished first in the June primary with approximately 42% of the vote."

Impartiality as a former 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." He added: "I will apply the same standards to both sides, and decide each case on its facts and the law."

Self-represented litigants: Bayne said in our questionnaire: "Fairness means little if people cannot understand the process. … 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 were 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, which rated Bayne "Well Qualified"
  • La Defensa
  • Metropolitan News-Enterprise

Candidate responses were collected through our candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.