On June 2, Fresno County voters will face seven open judicial seats on one ballot—the largest judicial shakeup in decades. Incumbents who chose not to run for reelection created these openings.
Three women of color, whose lives and careers were shaped by the San Joaquin Valley, saw that opening and stepped up: Rosalina Nunez (Seat 3), Deidre Adams (Seat 6) and Jamie Xiong-Vang (Seat 14). They are calling themselves “The Slate.”
A Court and Fresno
Fresno County is one of the most diverse communities in California. Latinos make up more than 53% of the county’s population. Asian and Pacific Islanders make up nearly 11%. Black residents are also a vital part of the community. Despite these demographics, the Fresno County Superior Court bench has remained disproportionately European American.
This is important because judges decide whether someone goes to jail awaiting trial or goes home. They sentence people, decide child custody matters, preside over elder abuse and domestic violence hearings and decide civil matters including contract disputes, landlord-tenant cases, property rights and development challenges.
The argument for representation on the bench is that judges who have navigated the same systems, languages and communities as the people in their courtrooms bring a different kind of understanding to the role.
Rosalina Nunez: Seat 3
Rosalina Nunez grew up in Dos Palos. Her parents immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico, through the amnesty program. Nunez encountered the immigration system as a child when her family navigated immigration court to receive legal status.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Fresno State and a law degree from San Joaquin College of Law, then opened her own practice after passing the bar. For more than 15 years, she has worked in family law, bankruptcy, disability, senior advocacy and elder abuse restraining orders.
“Growing up here shaped who I am and instilled in me a deep respect for family, faith and community. I understand the people of Fresno because I am one of them,” she said on the campaign trail.
“I want to listen to every story. I want to listen to how the person got to be there. What is the conflict here? And how can we come to a resolution that works for the community, that works with the law, with justice.”
Deidre Adams: Seat 6
Deidre Adams decided to become a lawyer after reading the police report of her father’s death when she was nine years old.
Adams serves as a senior deputy public defender on Fresno County’s Major Crimes team, where she has litigated violent felony cases, jury trials and evidentiary hearings. She has previously applied to be a judge through the governor’s office.
“My decision to run for Superior Court Judge is rooted in perseverance, service and a lifelong commitment to justice,” she has stated.
“The path that brought me to the courtroom was not easy. Like many people in our community, I have faced challenges that required determination, discipline and faith in the power of hard work.”
Jamie Xiong-Vang: Seat 14
Jamie Xiong-Vang was raised by Southeast Asian refugee parents who settled in the Central Valley.
She has practiced civil litigation, criminal law, family law and immigration law. In 2023, she was appointed as an administrative law judge for the California Department of Social Services, where she presides over hearings statewide.
“Every day, I work diligently to ensure every person who appears before me is treated with respect and dignity, because I know how disempowering it can feel to not be allowed to fully participate,” she said.
What You Can Do
Vote by June 2. The judicial races will be on the second page of the ballot.
Seat 3 — Rosalina Nunez
Seat 6 — Deidre Adams
Seat 14 — Jamie Xiong-Vang
Fresno County voters can find their sample ballot and polling place information at the Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters website.
