Raj Singh Badhesha, a lawyer with the Fresno City Attorney’s office, is trading the dais for the bench.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Badhesha, a 40-year-old Democrat from Selma, to a Fresno County Superior Court judgeship on Friday. The governor appoints judges to fill vacancies in most circumstances. This is Newsom’s 14th appointment in the county.

“I would like to thank Governor Gavin Newsom for having confidence in my ability to serve as a Fresno County Superior Court judge,” Badhesha told GV Wire. “After years of dedicated service to the Fresno community, including invaluable experience in the Fresno City Attorney’s Office and extensive volunteer work, I am honored to be appointed as a Fresno Superior Court Judge.

“My commitment to justice, coupled with my understanding of the legal system and the needs of our community, have prepared me to serve with integrity, fairness, and compassion.
I am glad to be able to represent a segment of our community that we don’t often see on the bench and I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to diversity.”

Janz Praises the New Judge 

His soon-to-be former boss had high praise for Badhesha.

“Raj has been an instrumental part of my management team because of his broad-based knowledge of various aspects of the law and his ability to deal with sensitive situations with tact and poise,” City Attorney Andrew Janz said. “When I was appointed City Attorney, he quickly became my closest adviser and made my transition into this position seamless,” Janz said.

Badhesha is often seen on the dais, advising the city council and other boards during meetings.

“Raj has all the qualities one hopes to find in a judge; he is open-minded, thoughtful, deliberate, well-researched, and diplomatic. While his broad legal experience and expertise are going to be a big loss to the City of Fresno, there is not a more fitting individual to serve Fresno County and the State of California with honesty and integrity,” Janz said.

With City Since 2012

The Fresno State grad was promoted to chief assistant city attorney in 2022. After earning his Juris Doctor from Hastings Law School (now known as UC College of Law, San Francisco), Badhesha clerked at the Fifth District Court of Appeal. He practiced at the private firm Baker Manock & Jensen, from 2008 to 2012.

Badhesha replaces Jon Kapetan, who retired last year. He faces election in 2026.

With the appointment, Fresno County now has 46 of its 47 bench seats filled. Newsom still needs to replace Timothy Kams, who retired last year.

Merced County Judicial Appointment

Also on Friday, Newsom appointed private practice attorney Mason Brawley to the Merced County bench. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David W. Moranda. Brawley is registered without party preference.

Newsom appointed 18 superior court judges on Friday. More information is at this link.

The annual salary for judges is $238,479.