Pasadena voters will choose between two candidates for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 65, on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. Justin Allen Clayton, a public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, is one of them.
The race is nonpartisan. Clayton faces 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
- Education: High school diploma, Palisades Charter High School; bachelor's degree, University of New Mexico (2006); law degree, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- California bar admission: 2012
- Endorsement: Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Experience and public service
Clayton has spent 14 years as a public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, according to LA Progressive. He holds the title of deputy in charge at the office, LA Progressive reported.
The Metropolitan News-Enterprise reported that Clayton has been licensed to practice law in California since 2012. The Metropolitan News-Enterprise listed his title as deputy public defender, a distinction from the deputy in charge title reported by LA Progressive. Both titles reflect roles within the same office.
Clayton has received an endorsement from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, according to BallotReady.
Background
Clayton grew up in South Central Los Angeles, according to his Ballotpedia candidate questionnaire. 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 questionnaire response.
He graduated from Palisades Charter High School before earning a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in 2006 and a law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, according to Ballotpedia.
On the issues
Clayton's candidate questionnaire and campaign materials available as of early October 2026 did not include specific policy positions or issue responses.
Profile information is drawn from Ballotpedia, BallotReady, LA Progressive and Metropolitan News-Enterprise reporting. Statements attributed to Clayton reflect his own claims and have not been independently verified.
