Seven Fresno County Judges Bow Out, Opening Door to Contested Races

Attorneys and commissioners line up to run for open judicial seats in Fresno County.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Seven Fresno County Superior Court judges will not seek re-election in the upcoming June 2 election, leaving their seats open for new candidates. This rare wave of contested judicial races has drawn interest from several local attorneys and commissioners who have already pulled papers to run for the open positions.

Why it matters

Judicial elections are typically low-profile affairs, with incumbents often running unopposed. The departure of seven judges at once is highly unusual and presents an opportunity for new faces on the Fresno County bench. These contested races could shape the future direction of the local judiciary.

The details

The seven Fresno County judges not seeking re-election are Greg Fain, Jonathan Conklin, D. Tyler Tharpe, David Gottlieb, Elizabeth Egan, John Vogt, and Kimberly Nystrom-Geist. This has opened the door for multiple candidates to vie for these open seats, including local attorneys Marc Kapetan, Deidre Adams, and Eddie Ruiz, as well as court commissioners Katherine Fogarty, Noelle Pebet, and Jennifer Hamilton.

  • The Feb. 4 deadline for incumbents to declare their intention to run passed without these seven judges announcing plans to seek re-election.
  • The deadline for others to declare their candidacy for these open seats has been extended to Monday, Feb. 9.

The players

Marc Kapetan

A longtime Fresno defense and accident attorney, known for his court cases and media appearances, including hosting a radio show. He previously ran for judge in 2002.

Deidre Adams

An attorney with the Fresno County Public Defender's Office, where she has worked for the past 11 years after interning at the Sacramento County Public Defender's Office.

Eddie Ruiz

A veteran private attorney in Fresno, currently serving on the Washington Union School Board and the San Joaquin College of Law board of trustees.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in the integrity of the system and in absolute fairness. It is my duty to work for the people, and I want to continue working with the people in that capacity.”

— Deidre Adams, Attorney, Fresno County Public Defender's Office (gvwire.com)

“The job of a judge is to evaluate the facts, apply the law, and give all parties a fair shake in presenting their positions.”

— Eddie Ruiz, Veteran Private Attorney (gvwire.com)

What’s next

The extended deadline for candidates to declare their intention to run for the open judicial seats is Monday, February 9.

The takeaway

The departure of seven Fresno County judges at once is highly unusual, presenting an opportunity for new faces on the local bench. These contested judicial races could have a significant impact on the future direction of the Fresno County judiciary.