What Fresno County Candidates Have to Say About How They Would Judge

Seven new judges will join the Fresno County Superior Court bench — an unprecedented opportunity for voters to select the men and women holding the gavel. Thirteen candidates are running in seven races, and all but one have multiple candidates.

There are no judicial districts per se as there are for city councils and state government. Although the judicial elections are divided into seat numbers, that is for clarification to differentiate races with no specific geographic boundaries. The seat numbers do not correspond to courtroom numbers or any duties the judge would have. Voters throughout Fresno County will see each judicial race on the ballot and can vote for one per race.

Open seats for judge are rare. Usually, a judge retires in the middle of a six-year term, and the governor appoints a replacement for the vacant seat. Instead of filling the remainder of the term, the appointed judge goes before voters in the election after the second Jan. 1 following the vacancy. For example, if a judge retires May 1, 2026, that seat will be up for election in 2028. The window for the governor to make an appointment is between the vacancy date and when the election filing period opens (usually six months ahead of the election date). The six-year term resets with each new election.

Seven Fresno County judges opted not to file for reelection rather than formally retire or vacate their seats. Eleven other sitting judges filed for reelection and did not draw an opponent — challenging a sitting judge is rare. An incumbent not in a competitive race will not appear on the ballot and will be considered reelected, per state election law.

GV Wire sent questionnaires to candidates in the open races to learn more about who they are and why they are running. Some cited judicial ethics rules that prevent them from answering certain questions about how they might rule in specific cases.

Seat 3: Marc Kapetan, Rosalina Nunez

Kapetan and Nunez are running to replace Gregory Fain, who is not seeking reelection. Kapetan has reported $23,000 in contributions of $1,000 or more — $20,000 from development firm Lance-Kashian and Co. Nunez has reported $9,000 — $7,000 from herself.

Marc Kapetan

Experience: 34 years, starting as an intern in the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office in 1990, then with Sawl, Smith & Kapetan (1991-95), Kapetan & Kapetan (1996-2002), and Kapetan Brothers LLP (2003-present).

Prior run for office or held a government position: Ran for Fresno County Superior Court judge in 2002 (lost to James Oppliger).

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: No.

Political party: Kapetan did not answer directly, but records show he is a registered Republican. “This is a non-partisan race.”

What is your most well-known case: The most publicized was attorney for Michael Gilbert, former manager and a witness who testified against O.J. Simpson in the Las Vegas trial.

If a suspect is convicted of vehicular manslaughter, will you impose the maximum penalty: Each matter should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the facts are egregious and there is a lack of remorse on the part of the defendant, then a maximum sentence is certainly an option, if allowed by law. Fairness dictates how a judge should rule.

What factors do you use in determining sentencing? Will you lean more lenient or more toward the maximum: The facts of the case, the remorse of a defendant, the Rules of Court “factors in mitigation” and “factors in aggravation,” and a host of other considerations determine a sentence. There is no easy calculation and it takes years of experience to fully understand it and apply it. I’ll lean toward what is appropriate, given these constraints.

Can sex offenders be rehabilitated: I think certain crimes should have allowances for rehabilitation, like alcohol or drug crimes. But for legal purposes, rehabilitation is commonly misunderstood. Judges and the citizens of Fresno should focus on recidivism. An alcoholic or drug addict may go through rehab classes, but they still consider themselves alcoholics or addicts who have achieved sobriety. The danger for the public is whether a sex offender repeats their horrible crimes. Penalties should be significant to prevent a sex offender from reoffending. And simple rehab classes aren’t the answer in those cases.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system: I’m old school. i still use a legal pad and carry file folders. I have all the evidence and arguments at my fingertips. However, my practice is fully integrated with digital technology that I use daily. That includes using the new eCourt system. Whether it’s a V1, V2, Odyssey, or eCourt, I have to adapt.

What can the court do to become more transparent: Easier access to online public records. If the public is allowed full access at the courthouse, then online access should be the same.

Rosalina Nunez

Experience: 16 years. I opened my practice shortly after passing the California Bar.  I have practiced family law, bankruptcy, disability, and most recently elderly law where I help seniors over the age of 60 with elder abuse restraining orders, government benefits, and planning for the future with wills, power of attorneys, and advance health care directives.  I was born and raised in Dos Palos. My parents immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico and were able to immigrate through the Reagan amnesty program. I graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor’s in English and later earned my law degree from San Joaquin College of Law.

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office?: No.

Political party: Nunez did not answer directly, but records show she is a registered Democrat. “I am a registered voter, but in this role, party affiliation isn’t what matters.  What matters is fairness, independence and applying the law equally, no matter who is in front of me.”

What is your most well-known case: I’ve handled many cases over the past 15 years, including trials in family law, unlawful detainers, and administrative hearings. Rather than one “well-known” case, I’m most proud of consistently helping people navigate difficult moments with fairness, preparation, and respect for the process.

If a suspect is convicted of vehicular manslaughter, will you impose the maximum penalty: Vehicular manslaughter is a very serious offense, and accountability matters. But sentencing must be done on a case by case basis.  I would carefully consider the facts, the law, and all relevant circumstances to ensure the sentence is appropriate and just.

What factors do you use in determining sentencing? Will you lean more lenient or more toward the maximum: I take sentencing very seriously. I would follow the law and consider the full picture, the nature of the offense, the impact on victims, the defendant’s history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Some cases will warrant significant consequences, and others may call for a different approach.

Can sex offenders be rehabilitated: Some can be rehabilitated, some cannot! My role is to look at each case carefully, rely on the evidence and experts, and always prioritize public safety.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system?: Court systems are always going to have updates if we want to keep up with modern times. All new systems will likely begin with a learning curve, but I am certain all the struggles we’ve been experiencing will get worked out.

What can the court do to become more transparent: Transparency comes from clear communication, accessible information, and helping people understand the process so they can trust the outcome.

Seat 6: Ashley Paulson, Deidre Adams, Steven Ueltzen

The race pits former Fresno County District Attorney’s Office colleagues Paulson and Ueltzen, as well as a legal adversary in Adams. Paulson has raised $6,547; Ueltzen has raised $64,800, including $50,000 from himself; and Adams raised $9,400 — all from contributions of $1,000 or more. Incumbent Jonathan Conklin is not running for reelection.

Ashley Paulson

Experience: 11 years practicing law, with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office (2015-2025), where she served as a senior deputy from 2020-2025; and the Fresno City Attorney’s Office (2025-present), where she currently serves as a chief assistant city attorney and chief prosecuting attorney.

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: No.

Political party: No party preference.

What is your most well-known case: On July 4, 2023, a family gathered in their front yard to share a meal and watch fireworks, to celebrate the Fourth of July. What should have been a joyful celebration turned into a real-life nightmare when six gang members opened fire on a perceived rival gang member. Instead of the intended target, the bullets struck an 8-month-old baby, her mother, and her grandmother. Three generations of one family were caught in the crossfire of senseless gang violence. The sounds of celebration were replaced with panic and fear. A holiday that should have included sparklers, family, and the celebration of America, will now forever mean something else to this family. As a result of the diligent work of the Fresno Police Department, five of the six shooters were identified. I prosecuted this case through preliminary hearing and jury trial. The two defendants who went to verdict were found guilty by the jury in 2024.

In 2021, two gang members did not stumble onto violence, they planned it. They actively hunted a man who had walked away from the gang life. After they hunted and murdered the victim, the defendant joyfully discussed hunting for rivals on a jail call. Behind the victim was a wife who lost her husband and children who lost their father. A family was destroyed, not by accident, but by a premeditated gang murder. I prosecuted this case through preliminary hearing and jury trial. This case went to trial in 2024, the jury rendered a guilty verdict.

If a suspect is convicted of vehicular manslaughter, will you impose the maximum penalty: I will evaluate sentencing based on the totality of the facts and circumstances of each case, the connection to the underlying conviction, and the appropriate application of the law.

What factors do you use in determining sentencing? Will you lean more lenient or more toward the maximum: I will evaluate each case based on the totality of the facts and circumstances. The law provides the framework within which a sentence can be given, the facts of the case determine how it is applied. I will apply the appropriate sentence under the law, given the specific facts of each case.

Can sex offenders be rehabilitated: As a judge, what matters is what the laws passed by State Legislature and the governor instruct and whether they meet Constitutional muster. A judge faithfully interprets and properly applies the laws passed by our elected officials and follows any appellate decisions regarding those laws. Frankly, it is what I have done since I became a prosecutor and will continue to do as a judge.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system: Change and new technology come with an adjustment period. What matters is the court’s commitment to working through challenges and delivering a better system for the public and the court.

What can the court do to become more transparent: Transparency starts with accessibility. The court serves the public, and the public deserves to know how it works.

Deidre Adams

Experience: 11 years, primarily with the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office, where she currently serves as a senior defense attorney. My work has focused on serious and violent felony cases, including jury trials, evidentiary hearings, and negotiated resolutions. My practice has required a deep understanding of constitutional law, courtroom procedure, and the real-world impact of judicial decisions.

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: Yes, I have previously expressed interest in judicial appointment through the governor’s office as part of my commitment to public service and advancing to the bench.

Political party: Adams did not answer directly, but records show she is a registered Democrat. “Judicial candidates run in nonpartisan races. My commitment is to the law, fairness, and impartiality, not political ideology.”

What is your most well-known case: As a career public defender, my work has involved numerous serious felony cases rather than a single “high-profile” matter. I have handled cases involving significant legal and factual complexity, including those requiring extensive litigation, motion practice, and trial advocacy. My focus has always been on ensuring that each case, regardless of publicity, is handled with diligence, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

If a suspect is convicted of vehicular manslaughter, will you impose the maximum penalty: No case should be approached with a predetermined outcome. A judge’s role is to apply the law to the specific facts of each case. Sentencing must be based on statutory guidelines, the circumstances of the offense, and the individual before the court. In some cases, that may warrant the maximum penalty; in others, it may not.

What factors do you use in determining sentencing? Will you lean more lenient or more toward the maximum: I would consider the factors set forth in California law, including the nature and seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, the impact on victims, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. I also consider whether the sentence promotes accountability, protects public safety, and allows for rehabilitation where appropriate.

In terms of whether I will be more lenient or more toward the maximum, my answer is neither! My approach is balanced and case specific. Justice is not one size fits all, it requires careful evaluation of the facts, the law, and the people involved.

Can sex offenders be rehabilitated: This is a complex issue that depends on the individual and the circumstances of the offense. The justice system must prioritize public safety while also recognizing that rehabilitation is possible in some cases. Courts must rely on evidence-based practices, risk assessments, and the law when making those determinations.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system: Modernizing the court system is an important step toward efficiency and accessibility; however, it must be implemented in a way that ensures all users — attorneys, litigants and self-represented individuals — can navigate it effectively. The focus should be on reliability, training, and accessibility so that technology enhances, rather than hinders, access to justice.

What can the court do to become more transparent: Transparency builds public trust. Courts can improve transparency by ensuring clear communication, accessible records where appropriate, user-friendly systems, and consistent courtroom practices. It is also important that litigants understand the process and feel heard, regardless of the outcome.

Steven Ueltzen

Experience: 15 years. In law school, I was a clerk with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento, as well as a research assistant for several law professors and the chief managing editor of the McGeorge Law Review. After law school, I worked in civil litigation at McCormick Barstow in Fresno. After leaving the civil realm, I joined the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office in 2015, where I have been since. I am now a senior deputy district attorney and the lead attorney at our office’s DUI Vertical Prosecution Unit, prosecuting major injury and fatal DUIs.

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: No.

Political party: Democrat.

What is your most well-known case: My most well-known case is either People v. Keonhothy or People v. Reese. Keonhothy was a fetal murder trial in 2022 that I prosecuted through jury trial. The defendant was involved in a police pursuit where he ran a stop sign and collided with a pregnant woman, who lost her baby and was herself badly injured. The jury returned a verdict in less than an hour.  Keonhothy was sentenced to seven years plus a term of 15-life in state prison. In Reese, another murder case, I prosecuted a repeat drunk driver and repeat strike offender who collided head-on with another motorist while intoxicated. There were no witnesses to the crime and the evidence was entirely based on the physical evidence and accident reconstruction. Again, the jury returned a quick verdict in less than an hour. Mr. Reese was recently sentenced to five years plus a term of 45-life in state prison.  My most recent jury trial concluded today (4/15) in People v. Addington. Again, a repeat drunk driver was charged with murder for a head-on collision. The jury again returned a verdict in less than an hour, convicting the defendant of all charges and allegations, including murder. Addington is set to be sentenced on May 13, 2026.

Ueltzen declined to answer questions about judicial philosophy. He did say this: As a candidate for judicial office, I am bound by the California Code of Judicial Ethics. Specifically, Canon 5B(1) provides that as a candidate for judicial office, I am not permitted to make comments to the electorate that could commit me to cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the courts. Because of those restrictions, I cannot give you meaningful comment on vehicular manslaughter sentencing, whether I will be lenient or more toward the maximum, or whether I believe that sex offenders can be rehabilitated.  As to the issue of what factors I would use to determine appropriate sentencing, those factors are provided in the California Rules of Court. If I were to be fortunate enough to be elected to judicial office, I would uphold my responsibility to apply the law of the State of California fairly and in conformity with the guidelines provided in those rules.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system: It seems to have hit the type of snags at the launch that anyone could reasonably expect from an entirely new case management system. But it also seems that issues with the new system have been getting resolved expeditiously, and I am optimistic that the new system will make ease of access to case information for both attorneys and the general public much more streamlined going forward. I have been engaged in a murder trial that began several days after the new system rolled out, and now that the trial is over and I am coming up for air, I look forward to getting more familiar with the system. The ease of public access to court proceedings through eCourt will hopefully result in a greater level of transparency for court proceedings.

What can the court do to become more transparent: Fresno County Superior Court is making strides at increasing public transparency. The court is in the process of transitioning to a new case management system, eCourt, which makes access to public court records available remotely. The court has the ability to charge for access to court records, but in Fresno those records are available to the public free of charge. The system has had some initial hiccups in its launch, but I am optimistic that the system will find its groove and function smoothly as the wrinkles are ironed out and justice partner users familiarize themselves with the interface. Many large counties charge users for access to court records. In Fresno, those records are available free of charge to the public. As far as transparency, that is a good starting point.

Seat 7: Jeff Hammerschmidt, Curtis Sok, Jose L. Salazar

Two private practice attorneys and a public defender seek to replace D. Tyler Tharpe, who is not running for reelection. Hammerschmidt has raised $62,735 — $30,000 from himself; neither Sok nor Salazar have reported any fundraising figures.

Jeff Hammerschmidt

Experience: 38 years as an associate at McCormick Barstow; the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office (various departments, including homicide); the Fresno City Attorney’s Office, where he served as senior legal adviser to the Fresno Police Department; and private practice.

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: No.

Political party: Hammerschmidt declined to answer “due to a judge race being non-partisan,” but records show he is a registered with no party preference.

What is your most well-known case: People v. Dana Ewell and Joel Radovich as a prosecutor.

If a suspect is convicted of vehicular manslaughter, will you impose the maximum penalty: In my opinion, it is a violation of the ethics law for a judicial candidate to answer this question.

What factors do you use in determining sentencing? Will you lean more lenient or more toward the maximum: The factors I will use in sentencing are addressed in the law and include the mitigating and aggravating factors set forth in the California Rules of Court. It is an ethics violation for a judicial candidate to state that in general they will be more lenient or more toward the maximum. I can say that I will individualize each sentence according to the facts and the law.

Can sex offenders be rehabilitated: In my opinion, it is a violation of the ethics law for a judicial candidate to answer this question.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system: It is too early to determine how well the new eCourt system will work. It will take some time to get it fully implemented and get any kinks in the system worked out.

What can the court do to become more transparent: With limited exceptions, court proceedings are open to the public, including the media.

Curtis Sok

Experience: 27 years as a solo practitioner, and before as a staff attorney at Fitzgerald, Alvarez, and Ciummo. He also worked non-legal jobs at IBM as a marketing representative (1987 -1991) and Vogue Fashion as a marketing manager (1991-1998).

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: No.

Political party: Sok did not answer directly, but records show he is a registered as a Democrat. “A judge position is a  non-partisan position.”

What is your most well-known case: People v. Yarelly Solorio-Rivera, People v. Buford King, People v. Cha Kou.

Sok declined to answer questions about judicial philosophy. He did say this: I would not respond to the questions for the philosophy-related questions, as I must remain unbiased and neutral without any presumptive mindset or determination as a judicial candidate and as a judge if elected. Additionally, all cases are fact-sensitive and fact-specific, so it would not be proper for me to have any predetermined mindset on legal issues.

Sok did not respond to questions about the new eCourt system and improving the court’s transparency.

Jose L. Salazar

Experience: I bring over a decade of experience in criminal law. I currently serve as a senior defense attorney with the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office on the Major Crimes Team, where I handle some of the most serious criminal cases in Fresno County.

Prior run for office or held a government position: No.

Have you ever applied to be a judge before with the governor’s office: No.

Political party: Democrat.

What is your most well-known case, either as an attorney or commissioner: I am most proud of the cases where children were able to safely reunite with their parents in dependency court while I served as a child’s attorney. Those outcomes reflect the best of what our system can do. I am equally proud of the cases where minors were rehabilitated — where accountability was paired with support and young people were given a real opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives.

If a suspect is convicted of vehicular manslaughter, will you impose the maximum penalty: As a family man, public safety is of the utmost importance to me. As the father of three young children—ages 10, 7, and 4—this issue is not abstract; it is personal and affects my family every day. I don’t just speak about public safety — I live it. As a judge, I will follow the law and apply it fairly, with a clear understanding of what is at stake for families in our community.

What factors do you use in determining sentencing? Will you lean more lenient or more toward the maximum: The law provides a clear framework for sentencing. I will apply that framework to each case individually, ensuring decisions are fair, consistent, and grounded in the law — with public safety always a top priority.

Can sex offenders be rehabilitated: As a father, I am proud that California has some of the strictest child molestation laws in the country. The Legislature, and the people through the legislative process, have made clear that protecting children is a top priority. As a judge, I will faithfully apply those laws and hold offenders accountable.

What are your thoughts on the court’s rollout of the new eCourt system: I think the new system is running fine.  I have no complaints.

What can the court do to become more transparent: The court can take advantage of technology to make the judicial process more transparent. By improving online access to case information, livestreaming appropriate proceedings, and providing clear, timely updates, courts can help the public better understand how decisions are made.

Incumbents Won’t Face Challengers

Here is the list of sitting judges running for reelection who did not draw a challenger. Their names will not appear on the ballot:

Seat 1: Monica Diaz

Seat 2: Hour Sanderson

Seat 4: Melissa Baloian

Seat 5: Gabriel Brickey

Seat 10: Amy Guerra

Seat 11: Lisa Gamoian

Seat 13: Jeffrey Hamilton

Seat 15: James A. Kelley

Seat 16: Raj Singh Bashesha

Seat 17: Mary A. Vasquez

Seat 18: Maria G. Diaz

Part 2, previewing the remaining judicial races, will publish later.

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