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The Truth About La'Shae Henderson's Political Party: Why Her 2024 Run For Judge Redefined Progressive Politics

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The question of La'Shae Henderson's political party is a nuanced one, especially given the nature of the office she sought. As of the most recent campaign cycle in December 2025, La'Shae Henderson ran for a seat on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, an office that is officially designated as non-partisan under California law. However, her campaign was unequivocally backed by major progressive and Democratic-leaning organizations, firmly establishing her as a key figure in the progressive judicial reform movement in Los Angeles.

Henderson's 2024 bid for a judgeship was less about a party label and more about a core political philosophy: challenging the historical dominance of prosecutors on the bench and bringing a crucial criminal defense perspective to the court. Her political identity is rooted in the movement for a more equitable and balanced justice system, making her a standard-bearer for progressive politics within the California judiciary.

La'Shae Henderson: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

La'Shae Henderson's professional life is centered on criminal defense and a commitment to judicial equity, which informed her entire political campaign. Her background as a practicing attorney provided the foundation for her run for the bench in one of the largest judicial systems in the United States.

  • Full Name: LaShae Nicole Henderson
  • Primary Profession: Active Attorney (Criminal Defense)
  • California Bar Number: 233809
  • Primary Practice Area: Criminal Law/Defense
  • Location: Diamond Bar/Pomona, California
  • Political Office Sought: Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (2024 Election Cycle)
  • Election Outcome: Did not win the seat in the 2024 general election.
  • Political Designation: Non-Partisan Race

The Non-Partisan Reality vs. Progressive Political Identity

To fully answer the question of La'Shae Henderson's political party, it is essential to understand the structure of judicial elections in California. Superior Court Judge races are designed to be non-partisan, meaning candidates are not listed with a Republican, Democratic, or any other party label on the ballot.

Despite this official non-partisan status, the political leanings of judicial candidates are often determined by the endorsements they receive and the core tenets of their campaign platforms. Henderson's affiliations make her political identity clear: she is a progressive candidate.

The Democratic and Progressive Endorsements

Henderson’s campaign was significantly boosted by endorsements from organizations traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party and the progressive movement. These endorsements served as a proxy for her political party affiliation, signaling to voters her judicial philosophy and values. Key endorsements included:

  • Courage California: A prominent progressive organization that explicitly listed Henderson in its Progressive Voters Guide.
  • LA Forward: A progressive political group that included her in their "LA democratic voter guide," reinforcing her alignment with the local Democratic and reform-minded base.
  • Black Women's Action Project (BWWAP): Groups advocating for social justice and representation, often highlighting candidates with "rebel recommendations" who challenge the status quo.

These endorsements are crucial because they highlight her commitment to principles—like criminal justice reform and judicial equity—that are central to the modern progressive platform. Her political party, in effect, is the party of judicial reform.

The Fight for a Balanced Bench: Henderson's Core Platform

Henderson’s campaign was a direct political challenge to the long-standing tradition of electing former prosecutors to the Los Angeles Superior Court bench. Historically, the vast majority of judges in the county have come from a prosecutorial background, creating what many progressives argue is an imbalanced system.

Her platform centered on the need for diversity of experience on the bench. As a criminal defense attorney, she argued that her perspective was essential for ensuring fairness and impartiality in the courtroom. This is a highly charged political issue, pitting judicial reform advocates against those who prefer the traditional "tough on crime" experience of former District Attorneys.

The political battle was so intense that it even involved a challenge to her ballot designation. Henderson, who was a private practitioner, was challenged by a rival Deputy District Attorney over her claim to be a "Deputy Public Defender" on the ballot, a title that would have highlighted her defense-side experience to voters. This conflict underscores how deeply political even a non-partisan judicial race can become when a candidate challenges the established power structure.

The Significance of the 2024 Los Angeles Judicial Election

The 2024 election cycle in Los Angeles County, in which La'Shae Henderson participated, was a pivotal moment for judicial politics in California. It marked a concerted, organized effort by progressive groups to shift the composition of the Superior Court.

Henderson was part of a slate of candidates—often referred to as the "defense slate"—who were primarily criminal defense attorneys or former public defenders. Their collective goal was to break the prosecutor-to-judge pipeline that has dominated the Los Angeles County courts for decades.

  • Challenging the Status Quo: Her candidacy highlighted the political divide over how justice should be administered, advocating for rehabilitation and equitable sentencing over purely punitive measures.
  • Voter Education: The progressive endorsement guides, by featuring her, educated voters on the importance of judicial races, which are often overlooked compared to presidential or congressional contests.
  • Long-Term Impact: Although Henderson did not win her specific race, her campaign, and those of her fellow progressive judicial candidates, permanently raised the political profile of the Los Angeles Superior Court elections. This focus on judicial philosophy over party affiliation is a key trend in modern California politics.

Frequently Asked Questions About La'Shae Henderson's Campaign

Is La'Shae Henderson a Democrat?

While the office she sought is non-partisan, her endorsements from organizations like Courage California and LA Forward strongly indicate that she aligns with the Progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Her platform of judicial reform is a cornerstone of the modern Democratic platform in California.

What was the specific office La'Shae Henderson ran for?

La'Shae Henderson ran for a seat as a Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in the 2024 election cycle. This is the main trial court for the county, handling all major civil and criminal cases.

What is a non-partisan judicial race?

A non-partisan race is one where the candidate's political party affiliation is not listed on the ballot. The goal is to encourage voters to choose candidates based on their qualifications and judicial philosophy rather than their party. However, in practice, endorsements from political groups (like those Henderson received) often serve as a guide for voters.

What was La'Shae Henderson's job before running for judge?

La'Shae Henderson is an active attorney specializing in Criminal Defense. Her professional experience was the central pillar of her campaign, as she sought to bring the perspective of a defense attorney to the bench.

la shae henderson political party
la shae henderson political party

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