Local & Community
Paradise Leads Race for Riverside County Judicial Seat
RIVERSIDE (CNS) - A Riverside County public safety executive held a
firm lead today over two defense attorneys in the election for the only open
judicial seat up for grabs in the countywide primary.
With votes still being counted, Michelle Paradise led the race for
Riverside County Superior Court Judicial Seat No. 10 with 45.8%, followed by
Andrea Garcia with 35.3% and Jennifer Loflin with 18.9%.
Paradise will be retiring in June as assistant county executive
officer for public safety.
``My decision to run for judge comes after a lifetime of public
service and a deep belief in the justice system,'' she said in announcing her
campaign in March. ``I grew up facing significant challenges and learned early
on how important fairness, opportunity and accountability are in people's
lives.''
Since 2023, the candidate has worked as assistant county EO overseeing
public safety. Prior to her stint at the Executive Office, Paradise served
for seven years as assistant DA, preceded by a yearlong role as chief deputy
district attorney and 18 years as a line prosecutor. During her tenure, she was
assigned or accepted a wide variety of cases.
``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, Garcia and Loflin 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 have 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.
She vowed 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.''
In her campaign statements, Loflin, a regional defense lawyer,
expressed a belief in ``fair and impartial decision-making'' and ``respect for
every person.''
The candidate began her career serving the indigent in the Riverside
County Bar Association's Legal Aid Program. She then worked as a prosecutor
before opting to open her own law practice in downtown Riverside.
``Justice works best when it is guided by integrity, accountability
and respect for every person who enters the courtroom,'' she said. ``My
approach to the bench is grounded in public service, constitutional principles
and nearly two decades of real courtroom experience in Riverside County.''
She subscribes to the philosophy of an arbiter who does not ``advance
personal views or political agendas -- but applies the law fairly, thoughtfully
and consistently.''
Paradise's campaign portal can be found at
https://paradiseforjudge.com/.
Garcia's is at https://www.garciaforjudge2026.com/,
and Loflin's at https://jenloflin4judge.com/judicial-philosophy/.
By: City News Service
June 3, 2026
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