Monday, February 2, 2026
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Judge Draper Draws Election Challenge
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert Draper has drawn a possible election challenge by a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney.
Tal K. Valbuena filed a declaration of intent to run for Office No. Two, held by Draper, who filed hid declaration Wednesday. Proceedings have been launched by the Commission on Judicial Performance against Draper based on alleged bias. Draper uttered comments that Div. Eight of this district’s Court of Appeal described in its April 7, 2025 opinion in Odom v. Los Angeles Community College District as “extreme and bizarre,” reversing a $10 million judgment.
Valbuena was admitted to the State Bar on Dec. 17, 2014. His law degree is from George Washington University.
His candidacy will not be perfected unless he files nominating papers..
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