Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Page 1
DDA Candice J. Henry to Become L.A. Superior Court Judge
No One Filed Declaration of Intent to Seek Seat She Staked Out
By Roger M. Grace, editor
|
|
|
CANDICE J. HENRY |
|
|
Deputy District Attorney Candice J. Henry is assured of a Los Angeles Superior Court judgeship by virtue of no one else filing, by Monday’s deadline, for the open seat she claimed on Feb. 6 by submitting a declaration of intent to run for it.
At least two persons filed a declaration of intent to seek each of the other 11 open seats on the June 2 ballot. In all, 43 declarations have been filed, with some aspirants filing for more than one office.
Henry’s campaign consultant, Crystal M. Litz of LP Campaigns, said yesterday:
“There are some very strong attorneys who filed in this cycle, so the fact that Candice Henry drew no challenger says a great deal about the respect she commands across the legal community. She brings a rare combination of courtroom excellence, leadership and fairness, and that reputation speaks for itself.
“When candidates like her step forward, people pay attention, and sometimes that means potential opponents decide the race is not one to enter. We are proud to have guided an abbreviated professional campaign, but this outcome is first and foremost about Candice Henry and the extraordinary respect she has earned. She is going to be an outstanding judge.”
Henry Comments
Henry remarked:
“With so many extraordinary candidates, I am humbled by this outcome. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to pursue justice and serve my community as a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge.”
Following the primary, Henry will stand elected to a term commencing Jan. 4. However, candidates who gain election in the primary are sometimes given a head start on their judicial careers through an appointment by the governor.
The seat to which Henry will be elected is presently vacant. It is occupied by Judge Craig Richman who will retire Feb. 20.
Henry said:
“I have not decided whether I will seek an interim appointment, but I will explore all options to ensure a smooth transition into this new role.”
20-Year Prosecutor
At present, Henry is assistant head deputy of the District Attorney’s Office’s Major Narcotics Division. She has been with the office since 2005.
She has handled more than 70 jury trials, including murder and attempted murder cases. The future judge has served as a faculty member of the National District Attorneys Association, training prosecutors and law enforcement officers on such subjects as constitutional law and science-based interviewing techniques.
Her law degree is from USC.
Question Looms
There remains uncertainty as to whether a candidate calling himself “Dan ‘Z-Man’ Kapelovitz” will run against Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Walgren. Kapelovitz, of the one-man firm of Radical Law, which has no office, has filed a declaration of intent for Walgren’s office as well as an open seat and taken out nominating papers for both.
“I haven’t decided yet which office I’m ultimately going to run for,” he advised.
He could delay a decision until March 6 when nominating papers are due. Those papers may be filed for only one office.
Two Los Angeles Superior Court judges face challengers. Judge Robert S. Draper has two opponents and Judge Pat Connolly has one.
Only one candidate for an open seat has filed nominating papers, as of mid-afternoon yesterday: Binh Q. Dang who is seeking Office No. 39. Her chosen ballot designation is “Deputy Public Defender.”
That designation does not comport with Elections Code 13107(b)(3)(b) which provides:
“If the candidate is an official or employee of a county, the name of the county shall appear preceded by the words ‘County of.’ ”
Her opponents are Deputy District Attorneys Angie Christides and Maria Lisa Ghobadi.
A complete list of those who have filed declarations of intent can be found here.
Copyright 2026, Metropolitan News Company