California Voters to Decide Judicial Retention on November 3

Associate Justices Mark K. Hanasono and Audra M. Mori will appear on the ballot for a retention vote.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections

California Voters to Decide Judicial Retention on November 3

Live Poll

Do you believe judicial retention elections provide adequate accountability for judges in your community?

On November 3, 2026, California voters will cast ballots for the retention of Associate Justices Mark K. Hanasono and Audra M. Mori. Both justices currently serve on the Court of Appeal, 2nd District.

Why it matters

The outcome of this retention election determines whether these judges remain on the bench for their respective divisions of the California Court of Appeal. This process is a standard component of the state's judicial oversight system.

Mark K. Hanasono serves in the 2nd District, Division 3, while Audra M. Mori serves in the 2nd District, Division 4. Justices must undergo confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments after receiving ratings from the Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission.

The players

Mark K. Hanasono

He is an associate justice for the Court of Appeal, 2nd District, Division 3, who previously served on the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Audra M. Mori

She is an associate justice for the Court of Appeal, 2nd District, Division 4, appointed to her current role by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Gavin Newsom

He is the Governor of California who appointed both Hanasono and Mori to the Court of Appeal.

Jerry Brown

He is a former Governor of California who appointed Audra M. Mori to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2018.

The details

Mark K. Hanasono previously served on the Los Angeles Superior Court from 2013 to 2025 before his appointment to the Court of Appeal. Audra M. Mori joined the Court of Appeal in 2023 following an appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Mark K. Hanasono worked for the Los Angeles County Public Defender from 2000 to 2004.
Hanasono transferred to the Alternate Public Defender office in 2004.
Governor Brown appointed Hanasono to the Superior Court in 2013.
Governor Newsom appointed Mori to the Court of Appeal in 2023.
The judicial retention election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The confirmation of appellate judges is governed by the California Commission on Judicial Appointments, which ensures appointees meet specific legal standards. Critics of retention elections often argue that the process should provide more transparency regarding the justices' judicial philosophy.

This election directly impacts the composition of the state's appellate courts, which handle legal appeals for the public. Citizens are responsible for reviewing the records of the justices on their ballots to participate in the democratic oversight of the judiciary.

The takeaway

Voters should review their ballots carefully to make informed choices on judicial retention. Understanding the background of each justice helps ensure the public remains engaged in the state's legal system.