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WESTSIDE - Incumbent Judge Patrick "Pat" Connolly is seeking a fourth term of office on the Los Angeles County bench and is running on a record of judicial independence and experience.
The father of two sons aged four and seven, the incumbent, has been married for ten years and resides in Los Alamitos. A graduate of the University of San Diego where he received both his BA & JD, Connolly is a flag football enthusiast who played for Team USA and won a world championship.
Respected by prosecutors and defense attorneys alike for his fairness, efficiency, and ability to communicate effectively with all in his courtroom, Connolly prides himself as "a hands-on trial judge," as he manages a disciplined courtroom, keeps the calendar moving, and renders decisions firmly grounded in the law.
Those who appear before him understand they are in a judicial setting where preparation matters; the law is applied fairly, and every case receives the careful attention it deserves.
Accountability, and the fair and faithful application of the law, is at the foundation of Judge Connolly's tenure on the bench.
Below is our interview with Judge Connolly, his insight and tenure, and approach to service to residents of Los Angeles:
You have served as a judge at the Compton courthouse for most of your time on the bench and have presided over many criminal cases. How has that experience shaped your judicial character? How does that experience make you unique from your opponent?
I have served as a Superior Court judge for more than 17 years, all of that time assigned to the Compton courthouse. During that time, I have handled thousands of serious criminal matters, the majority of those being homicide cases.
When presiding over cases of that magnitude, you quickly learn that every decision carries enormous consequences for victims, families, defendants, and the community. That experience teaches patience, discipline, and the importance of listening carefully before making decisions.
It has also reinforced that a judge must remain steady, fair, and guided solely by the law, regardless of the pressure or emotion surrounding a case. Today I preside over the master calendar in Compton, where nearly all homicide cases and trials come before me either to resolve or to ensure that they are prepared for trial. This requires a delicate balance between the efficient pursuit of justice, which is necessary to keep faith in the system, and ensuring that the defense is prepared and ready for trial, protecting the constitutional rights of all accused.
What makes my experience unique is the depth of time I have spent managing and deciding the most serious cases our courts handle. For nearly two decades, I have been entrusted with difficult criminal calendars, complex trials, and maintaining order and fairness in one of the busiest courthouses in Los Angeles County.
You've built a reputation for fairness on the bench—what guiding principles have helped you maintain that consistency throughout your career?
I treat everyone in my courtroom the way I would want to be treated if I were in their position.
Every person who enters a courtroom deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and given a fair opportunity to present their case. I also believe that transparency matters. I will try to explain what is happening and why decisions are being made so that families on both sides understand the process. Whether someone is a victim, a defendant, a witness, or an attorney, my responsibility is to ensure the process is fair and that the law is applied equally to everyone.
Lawyers and members of the public should know that the courtroom will be professional, respectful, and governed by the law, not emotion, politics, nor personal bias.
Finally, preparation matters. I take every case seriously because the decisions that I make affect real people and families, and public confidence in the justice system.
What accomplishments during your tenure are you most proud of, and how have they positively impacted Los Angeles residents?
I am proud of my work in reviewing cases based on serious convictions, and where appropriate under the law, releasing defendants who have already served their debt to society or should not be incarcerated based upon current law and the facts of their cases.
I am also proud that I preside over the Community Collaborative Court, often referred to as the "last chance court" or alternative to incarceration court. That role has allowed me to help connect individuals struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or difficult life circumstances with programs and accountability measures designed to promote accountability while reducing repeat offenses and improving public safety. I am especially proud of bringing in apprenticeship opportunities into the program through the cooperation with carpenters and additional apprenticeships currently in development. These are life-changing opportunities that provide people with a path toward stability, employment, and purpose.
Throughout my career, I have collaborated with justice partners, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, to develop thoughtful and creative solutions to complex problems. One case that exemplifies my philosophy involved a defendant who was a two-time Super Bowl Champion facing firearm charges. I believed accountability could start with meaningful service to the community. He had skills and experience that could be shared with the community and provided an opportunity for learning and growth.
We came up with a resolution allowing him to earn probation by sponsoring free football clinics for the youth of South-Central Los Angeles, Long Beach, Carson, and Compton. Interestingly, I showed up to one of the camps as an observer. Upon my arrival, the defendant was temporarily absent, which was in violation of my orders. Within minutes, he returned bringing bags of tablets and other electronic equipment to hand out to the camp participants. What stood out to me was not simply compliance with my orders, but seeing young people inspired, families engaged, and someone positively impacting the community. The justice system works best when judges understand both accountability and rehabilitation, and I have worked hard to balance both throughout my career.
The legal system continues to evolve—how have you adapted to new challenges while upholding the integrity of your role?
The law is constantly evolving, and a judge must be willing to adapt while remaining faithful to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Over the years, our courts have faced significant changes, including criminal justice reforms, technological advancements, and the challenges that came during the pandemic. Through all of that, my approach has remained the same: stay prepared, stay informed, and make decisions based on the law and the facts presented in court.
I believe that communication is important. People are more likely to respect the legal process when they understand it, so I make an effort to ensure individuals in my courtroom understand what is happening and why.
Looking ahead, what motivates you to continue serving, and what goals do you hope to achieve if reelected?
I am both honored and humbled that those who know my work best respect the work I do on a daily basis and wholeheartedly endorse me including Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia, Assistant Presiding Judge Ricardo Ocampo, Supervising Judge of the Criminal Court Yvette Verastegui, and Assistant Supervising Judge of the Criminal Court Olivia Rosales, Steve Cooley, former LA District Attorney of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Long Beach PBA, and the International Long Shoremen's union as well as being rated "Well Qualified" by the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
If reelected, I hope to continue ensuring cases are handled efficiently, fairly, and with respect. After more than 17 years on the bench, I still consider it the ultimate honor to serve the people of Los Angeles County.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Los Angeles and contributing writer to CityWatchLA who is covering the numerous judicial races on the June 2nd Primary ballot. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected] .)
