Joshua Groban Judge: California Supreme Court Justice Faces 2026 Retention Election
CALIFORNIA — Joshua Groban, a justice of the California Supreme Court, is drawing attention as voters prepare to decide whether he should continue serving on the state’s highest judicial court in the November 3, 2026, retention election.
Groban has served on the California Supreme Court since December 21, 2018, following his appointment by former Governor Jerry Brown. His judicial career and professional background have become relevant topics as voters consider the court’s leadership and the upcoming election.
Who Is Joshua Groban?
Joshua Groban is a California Supreme Court justice with an extensive background in law and government service. He was selected by Governor Jerry Brown in November 2018 to replace former Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar.
His nomination received approval from the California Commission on Judicial Appointments on December 21, 2018, allowing him to take his position on the state’s highest court.
Before joining the judiciary, Groban developed his legal experience through education and several professional positions. He earned his bachelor’s degree with honors and distinction from Stanford University before obtaining his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School.
His early legal career included clerking for Judge William Conner of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York between 1998 and 1999.
He later worked as an attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison LLP from 1999 to 2005. From 2005 to 2010, he practiced law with Munger, Tolles and Olson LLP.
Groban also entered political and government service. He served as legal counsel for Jerry Brown’s gubernatorial campaign in 2010 and later worked as a senior advisor to Brown from 2011 through 2018.
Joshua Groban Judge and 2026 Election
Groban is seeking another term on the California Supreme Court through the November 3, 2026, retention election.
Unlike a traditional election between competing candidates, California judicial retention elections allow voters to decide whether an appointed justice should remain in office. Voters cast a yes or no vote on the justice’s continued service.
Groban previously faced a retention election in November 2022. According to Ballotpedia, he received 68% of the vote, with 5,664,354 votes supporting his retention. Approximately 32% voted against keeping him on the court.
His current judicial term is scheduled to end in January 2027, making the upcoming election important for his future on the bench.
What Voters Should Know
California Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor and must receive confirmation from the Commission on Judicial Appointments. They subsequently face voter approval through retention elections.
Ballotpedia’s 2026 profile also indicates that Groban has not yet completed its Candidate Connection survey.
As voters prepare for the election, Joshua Groban’s judicial experience, professional background and previous retention results remain important parts of his public profile.