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California Supreme Court Elections 2026

California Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, then face voters in yes/no retention elections. 2 seats are on the November 3 ballot.

Rules as of October 15, 2026 · candidates as of October 15, 2026 · source Ballotpedia

Are judges elected in California?

Highest court
California Supreme Court — 7 justices
How chosen
Governor appoints
Voters
Voters decide retention
Term
12 years
To serve again
Yes/no retention vote
2026 ballot
2 seats on November 3 — 2 retention

How California chooses its judges

California Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, then face voters in yes/no retention elections.

  • Seats: 7 justices on the California Supreme Court.
  • Term: 12 years.
  • Confirmation: appointees must be approved by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.
  • To serve again: Yes/no retention vote.
  • Other courts: Courts of Appeal are appointed the same way; Superior Court judges are elected in nonpartisan races.

Appointed justices face a yes/no retention vote at the next gubernatorial election, then every 12 years.

Compare every state on the judicial selection table.

California Supreme Court elections in 2026

2 seats are up in 2026 (retention votes).

Retention vote

Retention vote
  • Kelli M. EvansIncumbent

Voters answer yes or no on keeping this justice. There is no opponent.

Retention vote

Retention vote
  • Joshua GrobanIncumbent

Voters answer yes or no on keeping this justice. There is no opponent.

Candidates as of October 15, 2026 from Ballotpedia. Results for November races are added once certified. Party labels are not shown because they do not appear on the ballot.

How to research judges on your California ballot

  • Your sample ballot: California’s official election site shows every judicial race on your ballot, including local courts.
  • Deadlines and voting options: How to vote in California — registration, early voting, mail ballots and poll hours.
  • Candidate details: Ballotpedia tracks each candidate’s background, endorsements and spending; local news and the state bar often publish candidate surveys.

Judicial ethics rules bar candidates from promising how they will rule, so a judge’s record and experience usually say more than campaign ads. This site does not endorse or rate candidates.

Federal judges in California

Federal judges are never on a ballot: the President nominates them and the U.S. Senate confirms them for life. California’s two senators vote on every nominee and are traditionally consulted on district court nominees from the state.

California’s senators: Adam Schiff (Democratic) and Alex Padilla (Democratic).

Confirmed by recorded vote in 2026

No federal judge for a court in California has been confirmed by roll-call vote in 2026.

District judges for courts in California and circuit judges from the state. Judges confirmed by voice vote leave no roll call; the Senate’s list of confirmed nominations has them. Roll calls from the snapshot refreshed Oct 1, 2026.

Open federal judgeships

  • Central District of California: seat of Josephine L. Staton (senior, Sep 19, 2026) — no nominee yet.
  • Southern District of California: seat of William Q. Hayes (senior, Aug 1, 2021) — no nominee yet.

Source: uscourts.gov current judicial vacancies. Every vacancy nationwide is on the judicial elections hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are judges elected in California?

California Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, then face voters in yes/no retention elections. Courts of Appeal are appointed the same way; Superior Court judges are elected in nonpartisan races.

How long is a term on the California Supreme Court?

12 years. At the end of a term, they face yes/no retention votes to stay on the court.

Who is running for the California Supreme Court in 2026?

2 seats are on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Retention: Kelli M. Evans, incumbent. Retention: Joshua Groban, incumbent.

How do I research judges on my California ballot?

Your sample ballot from https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/registering-vote lists every judicial race, including local courts. Ballotpedia, local news and the state bar cover candidates' experience and endorsements.

Who appoints federal judges in California?

The President nominates and the U.S. Senate confirms them; they serve for life. California's senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, vote on every nomination and are traditionally consulted on district court nominees from the state.

Related

Judicial Elections in Every State

How all 50 states choose judges, every 2026 supreme court race, and federal confirmations.

How to Vote in California

Registration, early voting, mail ballots and poll hours.

California Senators & Representatives

Your delegation in Congress and when each term ends.

What Can Congress Do?

Can Congress declare war, override a veto, impeach a cabinet member, remove a senator, overrule the Supreme Court, or invoke the 25th Amendment? Question by question, with live vote math.