Loflin endorses Garcia for judge

Riverside judicial runner up Jennifer Loflin has endorsed Andrea Garcia for judge. "She is extremely dedicated to equal access to justice, which is my No. 1 priority, and she is an absolute specialist in what she does," Loflin said by phone. Garcia is honored and humbled by Loflin's endorsement, Garcia said by phone. "I have such gratitude for her, and what she brought to this race, and how she ran it with honor and integrity," Garcia said. In the June 2 primary election, Loflin came in third for retiring Riverside Superior Judge Harold Hopp's seat with 80,833 votes, compared to Garcia's 183,386 votes and Michelle Paradise's 207,973 votes. Garcia and Paradise will face off again in the Nov. 3 election. Loflin is a criminal defense attorney. Garcia is a public defender specializing in immigration law. Paradise was a County Executive Officer until this week, during which she retired and the Riverside Board of Supervisors appointed her to her former position as assistant district attorney. Loflin and Garcia got to know each other at campaign events, where they realized Loflin left the Riverside County Public Defender's Office shortly before Garcia joined. They talked about their families, their careers and their mutual acquaintances. Garcia showed authenticity, a firm grasp of the law and similar priorities, Loflin said. "I think our principles are aligned, in terms of equal justice, and no political involvement—that there's no influence that we would bend to, to change our judgment into something it shouldn't be," Loflin said. In those conversations, Garcia was "not arrogant, not fake, she was just pouring her heart out," Loflin said. When they were talking, Garcia would describe immigration laws and appellate cases off the cuff. Loflin fact checked her descriptions, and found Garcia was pinpoint accurate in her description. Loflin believes that Garcia can specialize in whatever area law she might be appointed to if elected to the court. "She is authentic, smart, driven and passionate about the law," Loflin said. Garcia said her respect for Loflin comes not only from Loflin's career, but also from her civil demeanor when they met. "I think that's really important in politics. We were competitors, but it's so important to stay above the fray and remain professional," Garcia said. Candidate interviews with Garcia, Loflin, and Paradise are at IELaw.news.