The editorial board is endorsing Phoebe Maffei because of her passion to seek justice for the victims of crime, her empathy for those who stand accused, the breadth of her experience and her flexibility. 

Judicial elections are becoming increasingly heated across the country. San Francisco is no exception.

In 2024, San Francisco Superior Court Judges Patrick Thompson and Michael Begert faced challenges from candidates backed by well-funded interest groups that alleged the incumbents were insufficiently tough on crime. In 2018, four public defenders decided over drinks to challenge four well-regarded judges, in a similar political effort to impose an ideological bent on the judiciary.

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At a glance, the race between Assistant District Attorney Phoebe Maffei and Deputy Public Defender Alexandra Pray to fill San Francisco Superior Court’s open Seat 16 would appear to be the latest chapter in this ongoing storyline.

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But after interviewing both and digging into their backgrounds, it’s clear that reducing this race to an ideological proxy war does both candidates a disservice. This is a contest between two accomplished, well-regarded public servants with an abiding commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The San Francisco Bar Association has rated both as “well qualified” to serve as a judge. Speaking to them and........

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