RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A veteran Riverside County prosecutor jumped in front of a longtime Inland Empire defense attorney Tuesday night in the only county-level judicial seat up for grabs in the General Election.
Michelle Paradise of Riverside was 9 percentage points ahead in early returns, drawing 55% of votes tabulated in the contest pitting her against Andrea Josepha Garcia, also of Riverside, for Judicial Seat No. 10 on the Riverside County Superior Court bench.
See live election results from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters (refresh this page for the latest):
The candidates and a third woman, defense lawyer Jennifer Loflin, previously squared off in June, in which Loflin came in third during the primary election and was eliminated from the running.
In June, Paradise retired after a three-year stint as deputy county executive officer for public safety. She had previously served seven years as assistant district attorney, preceded by a yearlong role as chief deputy district attorney and 18 years as a line prosecutor.
Shortly after leaving the county Executive Office, she was re-hired by District Attorney Mike Hestrin at the start of the current fiscal year to serve as an assistant district attorney again, though her duties are mostly in the form of a consultancy. The new job required a Board of Supervisors' vote of approval because Paradise is an annuitant, receiving a pension from the California Public Employees Retirement System.
The candidate has pointed to her broad range of experience as beneficial to county residents, having prosecuted more than 100 cases of all types, including murders, sexual assaults and child abuse and neglect offenses.
"For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated my career in public service to protecting county families and supporting victims, while upholding the law with fairness, integrity and respect," she said in campaign literature. "As a judge, I will serve with impartiality, independence and unwavering commitment to equal justice."
Paradise said previously that because of growing up "facing significant challenges, I learned early on how important fairness, opportunity and accountability are in people's lives."
"I've seen the justice system from every angle," she said. "I still have a lot to give, and serving on the bench feels like the most meaningful way I can continue to give back."
She and Garcia are seeking to fill the vacancy stemming from the retirement of Judge Harold Hopp at the Riverside Historic Courthouse.
In election literature, Garcia, a San Bernardino County deputy public defender, noted her travels abroad and exposure to international human rights issues had been influences in shaping her outlook on life. She emphasized her goal of enhancing "the public trust in the judicial system," citing close to "20 years of experience ... defending vulnerable individuals and promoting equal justice" as key attributes.
"(I) will work tirelessly to deliver impactful messages that resonate with our community and foster positive change," the attorney said, vowing to apply her "legal expertise to inspire trust and confidence in the judicial system, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported."
The candidate noted some of her most rewarding career experiences included immigration law cases, "advocating for those facing deportation."
"I pioneered the first in-house immigration specialist position at the Riverside County Public Defender's Office," Garcia said. "As an expert, I advise attorneys at the San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office on preventing legal errors, improving court efficiency and protecting taxpayer dollars."
Paradise's campaign portal can be found at paradiseforjudge.com/, and Garcia's campaing portal is at garciaforjudge2026.com/.
—City News Service contributed to this report.
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