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Gavin Newsom’s left-wing judicial legacy — and what it means for 2028

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Gavin Newsom’s tenure as governor may be drawing to a close, but he will leave a long legacy on the bench.

Since taking office, Newsom has appointed a total of 521 judges. An overwhelming majority are Democrats. They will shape the future of law and jurisprudence in the Golden State for at least a generation.

In June 2026 alone, Newsom appointed a total of 29 judges, mostly at the Superior Court (lower) level. Of those, 26 are Democrats, while the remaining three are No Party Preference or Independent.

Four of the 29 were Court of Appeals justices. Again, all are Democrats. 

At the same time, Newsom appointed 11 Superior Court judges to serve in various counties. All 11 are Democrats. 

As of July 1, there are a total of 64 judicial vacancies in California. Seven of these are at the appellate court level. LA County Superior Court has the most vacancies, with 23 openings. 

The appointment everyone is most curious about is the California Supreme Court vacancy. The three frontrunners have one thing in common: They were appointed to the bench by Newsom.

Gonzalo C. Martinez is the presiding justice of the 2nd Court of Appeal, and the former deputy of judicial appointments secretary for Newsom. Jose S. Castillo is associate justice of the 4th District Court of Appeal, and was nominated to that post by Newsom. Tracie L. Brown is the presiding justice of the 1st District Court of Appeal, and........

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