Justin Allen Clayton, a public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 65. The nonpartisan race appears on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot for Los Angeles County voters, including those in Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Holmby Hills.
Clayton faces one other candidate, Anna Slotky Reitano, according to BallotReady election data.
Candidate information
- Name: Justin Allen Clayton
- Race: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 65
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
- Education: High school diploma, Palisades Charter High School; bachelor's degree, University of New Mexico (2006); juris doctor, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- Endorsement: Los Angeles County Democrats, according to BallotReady
Experience and public service
Clayton has been a public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office for 14 years, according to LA Progressive. He holds the title of deputy in charge at the office, LA Progressive reported. The Metropolitan News-Enterprise listed his role as deputy public defender. He has been licensed to practice law in California since 2012, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise.
Clayton grew up in South Central Los Angeles, according to his Ballotpedia candidate response. His mother had him bused to Pacific Palisades for high school because it offered better academic programs, more financial resources and a safer learning environment, Clayton said in his Ballotpedia response. He graduated from Palisades Charter High School before earning a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in 2006 and a juris doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, according to Ballotpedia.
The Los Angeles County Democrats have endorsed Clayton in the race, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
Clayton did not provide issue responses through the Ballotpedia candidate questionnaire or other sources reviewed for this profile.
Candidate information is drawn from the Ballotpedia candidate questionnaire, LA Progressive, Metropolitan News-Enterprise and BallotReady election data. Statements attributed to the candidate reflect his own responses.
