When you hear the name La Shae Henderson, you might think of a high-profile brand influencer or a celebrity with a line of skincare. Honestly, that’s not it at all. In the world of Los Angeles politics, "endorsements" aren't about sneakers or energy drinks. They are about power, judicial philosophy, and who gets to sit on the bench of the largest trial court system in the United States.
La Shae Henderson endorsements became a focal point during the 2024 election cycle because they represented a massive shift in how people view the "impartial" court system.
Henderson wasn't just another lawyer looking for a robe. She was part of a movement. Specifically, she was a key member of the "Defenders of Justice" slate. This wasn't some corporate partnership; it was a political alliance aimed at putting public defenders into judge seats traditionally held by former prosecutors.
Why the Defenders of Justice Slate Changed the Game
For decades, the path to becoming a judge in LA was pretty predictable. You worked as a prosecutor, you stayed in line, and eventually, you got the nod. Henderson flipped that script.
By running as a public defender with 18 years of experience, she attracted a very specific kind of support. Her endorsements didn't come from the "law and order" establishment. Instead, they came from grassroots organizers and progressive heavyweights who wanted to see the law through a different lens—the lens of the accused and the marginalized.
It was bold.
Some called it revolutionary. Others, predictably, were skeptical. But you can't deny that the coalition she built was impressive for a first-time judicial candidate.
A Breakdown of the Major La Shae Henderson Endorsements
If you look at the actual list of who backed her, it reads like a "who’s who" of the modern LA progressive movement. We aren't talking about vague "community support." We are talking about specific, influential organizations and elected officials who put their reputations on the line.
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Labor and Legal Unions
One of her biggest wins was the backing of the LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148. It makes sense, right? Her own colleagues—the people who saw her work in the trenches of the racial justice unit and family law—were her loudest cheerleaders. They weren't just endorsing a candidate; they were endorsing one of their own to help fix a system they see as broken from the inside.
Local Political Leaders
This is where it gets interesting. Henderson secured support from:
- Kenneth Mejia, the LA City Controller. Mejia is known for his data-driven, often disruptive approach to city governance.
- Eunisses Hernandez, an LA City Councilmember who has been a vocal advocate for reimagining public safety.
- Holly Hancock, an LA Superior Court Judge who had already made the leap from public defender to the bench.
Community and Progressive Groups
The "Defenders of Justice" slate was developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and the Working Families Party. These groups don't just hand out endorsements for fun. They look for candidates who are committed to "decarceration" and civil rights. Henderson also got the nod from the Culver City Democratic Club, showing she had pull in the suburbs, not just the city center.
The Complicated Reality of the 2024 Campaign
Running for judge is weird. It’s a nonpartisan race, but it’s deeply political. Henderson won her primary, which was a huge shock to the system. But the general election was a different beast.
She ended up facing Sharon Ransom.
Ransom had the more traditional "establishment" backing. While Henderson was talking about the Racial Justice Act and her experience as a youth pastor, the opposition was leaning into the "well-qualified" ratings from the LA County Bar Association.
There was a bit of drama, too.
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Initially, Henderson was part of a three-person slate with George Turner and Ericka Wiley. They shared branding, social media, and a website. But midway through the general election, Henderson decided to run her campaign separately. She told Bolts Magazine she still supported the mission, but the move raised eyebrows. Did it hurt her? It’s hard to say. She eventually lost to Ransom, pulling in about 38% of the vote—over a million people still voted for her, though.
What Most People Get Wrong About Judicial Endorsements
People think a judge's endorsement is just a sticker on a mailer. In reality, these endorsements are signals to donors and "voter guide" creators.
When a group like LA Forward or the Progressive Voters Guide lists La Shae Henderson endorsements, they are telling voters: "This person will not just follow the status quo."
In LA, the "status quo" has historically meant more incarceration. Henderson’s backers were betting on the opposite. They wanted a judge who understood how a sentence affects a family, not just a case file. Her background as a bilingual attorney (she speaks Spanish fluently) and her work in juvenile justice gave her a perspective that the "tough on crime" crowd often lacks.
The Academic Side: Is There Another La Shae?
If you're Googling this name, you might run into LeShae Henderson (note the slight spelling difference). That LeShae is a PhD from Columbia who studies the sociology of race and prisons.
It’s easy to confuse the two because their interests overlap so much. Both are concerned with how the law treats people of color. Both have deep ties to social justice. But "La Shae" (the lawyer) was the one on the ballot in Los Angeles. "LeShae" (the scholar) is a researcher and professor.
Knowing the difference is key if you’re trying to track down her actual legal record versus her academic citations.
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What Really Matters Now
So, Henderson lost the election in November 2024. Does that mean the endorsements don't matter anymore?
Absolutely not.
The fact that a public defender candidate could get over a million votes in LA County is a massive signal to future candidates. It proved that there is a huge appetite for "Defenders of Justice" on the bench.
Henderson is still an active attorney. She’s still a professor at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Her influence on the legal community in California hasn't vanished just because she didn't get the seat this time.
Actionable Insights for Following Local Judicial Races
If you want to understand how these endorsements shape your local courts, you need to look past the name on the lawn sign.
- Check the "Slate" associations. Candidates who run together, like the Defenders of Justice, usually share a specific philosophy on sentencing and bail reform.
- Look for "Qualified" vs. "Well-Qualified" ratings. These are issued by the Bar Association. While they sound objective, many progressive candidates (like Henderson) argue these ratings can be biased against defense attorneys.
- Follow the money. Judicial races are becoming more expensive. Look at whether a candidate is funded by police unions or civil rights groups. It tells you exactly how they’ll likely rule on the bench.
- Read the Progressive Voters Guide. Even if you don't agree with every pick, it’s one of the few places that explains why a candidate like Henderson got the endorsement over a traditional prosecutor.
The story of La Shae Henderson isn't over. Whether she runs again in 2026 or continues her work in private practice, the coalition she built has permanently changed the conversation about who is "qualified" to wear the robe in Los Angeles.
Next Steps for You
To stay updated on the next wave of judicial candidates in LA, you should follow the reports from Bolts Magazine or LAist. These outlets provide the best deep dives into local court politics without the corporate fluff. You can also monitor the California State Bar website to track Henderson's current legal standing and any future filings for public office.