Friday, January 30, 2026
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Two Attorneys Stake Out Superior Court Seats
By a MetNews Staff Writer
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DAVID ROSS deputy public defender |
The judicial elections campaign season is off to a slow start with only two attorneys, as of midday yesterday, having filed declarations of intent to run in the June 2 primary for Los Angeles Superior Court offices, both open seats.
Los Angeles County Deputy Alternate Public Defender David Ross has filed papers for Office No. 131, held by Judge Joseph Brandolino, who has announced he will retire effective March 31. Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Rosalba Luz Gutierrez has picked Office No. 60, held by Judge Richard Goul, who advised yesterday:
“I am not seeking reelection, and fully endorse Rosalba Gutierrez, an Air Force veteran who overcame great adversity to become an exceptional trial lawyer, for Superior Court seat 60.”
Gutierrez was admitted to practice in 2010. Her law degree is from the University of California at Berkeley.
She does not yet have a campaign website.
Ross earned his law degree at the University of West Los Angeles; He gained his State Bar membership in 1994.
He says on his campaign website:
“After a lifetime of public service, I’m honored to announce my campaign for Superior Court Judge in Los Angeles County. For 30 years, I have served as a Deputy Public Defender in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties, standing beside people from all walks of life and working daily to ensure fairness in our courts. Earlier, I spent 10 years as a television news reporter and documentary producer in Washington, D.C., Tennessee and Kansas, committed to listening carefully, getting the facts right, and explaining complex issues clearly.”
He continues:
“I also had the privilege of serving as a legislative aide for the top ranking democratic congressman from Indiana, Floyd J. Fithan, in the U.S. House of Representatives on Capitol Hill, learning how laws are made and public institutions can best serve the people. I have made public service the through-line of my career because I believe in a justice system that is grounded in respect for everyone who comes before the court. I will be a fair, independent and unbiased judge who listens to all sides.”
A candidate may file declarations of intent with respect to multiple offices but may only file nominating papers for one. The period for filing nominating papers is Feb. 9 to March 6 but is extended by five days if an incumbent does not file.
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