David Dejute, a former assistant U.S. attorney and Harvard Law School graduate, is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 87. The nonpartisan seat is on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Dejute faces one opponent, Anthony Bayne, also running as a nonpartisan candidate, according to BallotReady election data. The seat is one of many on the county's trial court. Los Angeles County Superior Court judges hear civil and criminal cases across the county's courthouses, including those serving Pasadena residents. The winner will join the largest unified trial court in the country.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 87
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: J.D., Harvard Law School

Experience and public service

Dejute spent more than 11 years as an assistant U.S. attorney before resigning on June 30, 2017, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise.

During that tenure, he argued before the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2011 on behalf of the federal government in Drake v. Obama. The case challenged President Obama's eligibility for reelection based on claims he was not a natural-born citizen. Dejute successfully defended the president in both the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the Ninth Circuit, the Metropolitan News-Enterprise reported.

Dejute is now of counsel with the Los Angeles office of Michelman & Robinson LLP, where he specializes in complex litigation, according to the firm's website. He also serves as adjunct professor and director of the Pepperdine Caruso Disaster Relief Clinic at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, according to the Metropolitan News-Enterprise.

This is not Dejute's first pursuit of a judicial seat. He filed a declaration of intent for a seat on the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2018 but did not file nominating papers, citing personal and private reasons for his departure from that race, the Metropolitan News-Enterprise reported.

On the issues

David DeJute emphasizes judicial independence, fairness and thoughtful decision-making, along with treating every person with dignity and respect. His campaign highlights responsibility and compassion as values that would guide his service on the bench.

DeJute also points to his work expanding access to legal assistance, including providing free legal services to people unable to afford representation and leading a clinic that helped Californians recover from wildfires and other disasters. He presents his experience in federal government, private practice and legal education as preparation for serving on the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Endorsements

DeJute’s campaign lists endorsements from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Los Angeles Sentinel, Stonewall Democratic Club and HONOR PAC, alongside Democratic clubs across the county.

Individual supporters include U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Sen. Ben Allen, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang and civic leader Rick Caruso. Judicial endorsers include James Hahn, David Berger, Brian Gasdia, Steve Morgan, James Steele and David Walgren. Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney Sharee Sanders Gordon, a former primary opponent, also supports DeJute.

This profile draws on public records, published reports and election data; the Pasadena Ledger did not interview the candidate.