History in the US: Chabad Hasid Sworn in as Judge in Los Angeles

Benny Porrer, a Chabad Hasid, was sworn in as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court after defeating his opponent Sheryl Turner with approximately 70% of the vote. His appointment was advanced by California Governor Gavin Newsom following a judge's retirement, and he is considered the first Chabad Hasid to serve as a judge in the US.

Benny Porrer, a Chabad Hasid, was sworn in as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court after defeating his opponent Sheryl Turner with 1,161,181 votes (approximately 70%) compared to 497,241 votes. His appointment was advanced by California Governor Gavin Newsom following the retirement of Judge Mark Gross, rather than beginning his elected term in January 2027. Porrer has served as a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles since 2006, specializing in cybercrime and complex criminal cases. Since 2014, he has been teaching cyber law and privacy courses at the University of Southern California (USC). The Los Angeles County Bar Association rated him as "highly qualified" for the judicial role. The story of the friendship between him and his opponent Turner, who worked together as prosecutors and were both elected, received special attention. Porrer said he views his status as the first Chabad Hasid to serve as a judge in the US as "a privilege of special significance," and pledged to serve with fairness, humility, and commitment to the rule of law.