Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Draper, 84, lost his bid for reelection amid allegations of misconduct and ongoing health concerns, becoming one of the rare incumbent judges to be unseated in the June 2 primary election. Deputy District Attorney Tal Khan Valbuena secured more than 56% of the vote, compared to Draper’s approximately 43%, according to unofficial county election results pending certification by the California secretary of state.

Khan Valbuena, a gay Muslim refugee from Pakistan working in the Hollywood mental health court, expressed gratitude for voter support and emphasized his commitment to justice. He highlighted his personal journey as emblematic of the American dream and is slated to assume the judgeship in January.

Draper, appointed to the bench in 2012 by then-Governor Jerry Brown after a career as a business litigator, acknowledged Khan Valbuena’s victory and extended well wishes for his future judicial career. Draper described his time as a judge as a professional honor and an opportunity to serve Los Angeles County.

The election was overshadowed by serious allegations brought against Draper in January by the California Commission on Judicial Performance. The charges included sexual harassment and biased conduct, citing incidents such as inappropriate physical contact with a female attorney and making racially charged comments during courtroom proceedings. Draper vehemently denied all allegations, accusing the commission of lacking due process and equating its actions to intimidation tactics. He criticized what he described as internal judicial politics aimed at sidelining dissenting voices and vowed to vigorously defend himself publicly.

In addition to the misconduct allegations, concerns about Draper’s health were raised. Sources noted that Draper, who revealed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, had been assigned to a room in the Santa Monica Courthouse without a caseload or computer for the past three years. He maintained, however, that he remained fit to serve on the bench.

Draper’s term is scheduled to end on January 4, but the outcome of the commission’s disciplinary process could lead to his removal before then, or alternatively result in his exoneration.

Meanwhile, another incumbent judge, Pat Connolly, narrowly retained his seat against Deputy District Attorney Paul Thompson, known for prosecuting Harvey Weinstein. Connolly prevailed by less than 1%, or about 15,000 votes, after a campaign marked by intense criticism over previous admonishments from the judicial performance review board. The race also saw accusations of harassment and intimidation among judicial colleagues supporting Connolly.

Connolly expressed gratitude upon reelection and reaffirmed his commitment to fair and independent judicial service.