A Riverside County public safety executive and former assistant district attorney will formally inaugurate her campaign Wednesday for an open judicial seat, pitting her against two defense attorneys seeking the same spot on the bench.
Michelle Paradise, who will be retiring soon as assistant county executive officer for public safety, will be in the running for Judicial Seat No. 10 on the Riverside County Superior Court bench in the June 2 primary election. It is a countywide race. The other two contenders are San Bernardino County Deputy Public Defender Andrea Garcia and regional defense attorney Jennifer Loflin.
Paradise’s campaign kickoff is slated for Wednesday evening at an undisclosed private residence on the south end of Jurupa Valley, where District Attorney Mike Hestrin will be making remarks in the manner of a public endorsement for his longtime colleague.
“My decision to run for judge comes after a lifetime of public service and a deep belief in the justice system,” Paradise told City News Service. “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 agencies.
“By working closely with the sheriff, district attorney, public defender, probation office, fire department and Emergency Management Department, I’ve helped ensure our system operates effectively, responsibly and with the resources needed to protect the public,” Paradise said.
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, from murders to sexual assaults.
“I spent more than two decades handling and trying the most serious and egregious cases and standing up for the rule of law,” she said. “One of the most meaningful parts of my career as a deputy district attorney was prosecuting child abuse cases. Protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their voices were heard … was incredibly important to me. I’ve seen the justice system from every angle. I still have a lot to give, and serving on the bench feels like the most meaningful way I can continue to give back.”
The mother of two adult daughters is seeking to fill the vacancy opening due to the retirement of Judge Harold Hopp at the Riverside Historic Courthouse.
Garcia and Loflin have not yet announced campaign-related events.
In election literature, Garcia 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.
Garcia 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 literature, Loflin expressed a belief in “fair and impartial decision-making” and “respect for every person.”
“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 paradiseforjudge.com/. Garcia’s is at www.garciaforjudge2026.com/, and Loflin’s at jenloflin4judge.com/judicial-philosophy/.