If that result holds, we congratulate Judge Dixson and wish him success in the years ahead. The residents of Placer County deserve judges who are fair, thoughtful, engaged, and committed to serving the community they preside over.
Regardless of outcome, this race was important for reasons far bigger than any one candidate.
For the first time in many years, judicial decisions became a topic of public discussion. Residents attended forums, reviewed court records, asked questions, engaged in respectful debate, and learned more about how the judicial branch impacts their daily lives. Judges were visible in the community, participated in public events, and had conversations with the people they serve.
Most importantly, thousands of residents were reminded of a fact many had forgotten: judges are elected officials.
That matters.
The purpose of Placer Judge Watch was never to tell voters what to think. It was to provide information, increase transparency, and empower residents to make informed decisions for themselves. Whether people ultimately supported Judge Dixson, his opponent Dave Bass, or remained undecided, the democratic process works only when people are engaged and educated.
At the same time, this race highlighted a reality that should concern citizens everywhere. Significant outside money and interests became involved in what was fundamentally a local election. Whether one views that as positive or negative, it reinforces why transparency and public engagement remain so important. Until money no longer plays a significant role in politics, informed and engaged citizens remain one of the strongest checks on any system.
What this race ultimately taught our team of volunteers is that the need for judicial transparency has never been greater.
That transparency is not intended to be adversarial. In fact, one of the goals of Placer Judge Watch moving forward is to highlight not only areas of concern, but also the tremendous work being done every day by judges, courtroom staff, attorneys, and justice professionals throughout our county. Transparency is not simply about accountability. It is also about education, public trust, and recognition of excellence.
We encourage residents to continue attending court hearings, learning about the court process, asking questions, and participating in civic life. We encourage those with firsthand experiences—positive or negative—to continue sharing them through our whistleblower line and appropriate channels. An informed public strengthens public institutions.
The mission remains unchanged: educate the community, increase transparency, encourage civic participation, and ensure residents understand the important role judges play in our system of government.
That mission did not end on Election Day -- it has only just begun.
Placer Judge Watch will continue working to help residents better understand their courts, their judges, and their role in the democratic process—here in Placer County and beyond.
Because transparency is not a campaign - It is a continued commitment to what is right.