Immigration Attorney Alisa Thomas and Criminal Defense Attorney Bryan Hackett Compete for Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judgeship

Immigration attorney Alisa Thomas and criminal defense attorney Bryan Hackett are competing for an open seat on the Santa Cruz County Superior Court in the June 2, 2026 primary election. The winner will serve a six-year term beginning in January 2027. Both candidates emphasize impartiality and transparency but differ in professional background and views on diversion programs as alternatives to incarceration.

Candidate Backgrounds

For the past 25 years, Alisa Thomas has worked primarily in the San Francisco Immigration Court, assisting clients—many of whom are farmworkers—in obtaining work permits and residency. She describes her work as helping people move from legal limbo to stability, saying, “You pull people out of this sort of amorphous limbo and you secure them a green card.” Thomas states she is running to extend her skills to benefit both the immigrant community and the broader public.

Bryan Hackett is a criminal defense attorney. While specific details about his practice duration and focus are not provided in the available sources, he is identified as a nonpartisan candidate for the Superior Court judgeship alongside Thomas.

Election Context

The race is for Office Three of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. Judicial elections in the county are uncommon, as most vacancies are typically filled by gubernatorial appointment. The most recent contested election for a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge occurred in 2020, when Nancy de la Peña won in a runoff.

All registered voters in Santa Cruz County will participate in the nonpartisan ballot to choose between Hackett and Thomas. The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County hosted a Candidate Endorsement Forum on April 11, 2026, where both candidates appeared alongside Justin Cummings, the incumbent running unopposed for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors District 3.

Shared Values and Key Differences

Both candidates affirm their commitment to judicial impartiality and transparency. However, they diverge significantly in their professional experience and perspectives on diversion—alternative programs that aim to redirect individuals away from traditional incarceration toward rehabilitation, treatment, or community service.

The sources do not specify the exact nature of their differing views on diversion, but highlight this as a key point of contrast between the immigration and criminal defense backgrounds of the two attorneys.

Voter Information

The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Voters are encouraged to consult official county election resources for polling locations, vote-by-mail options, and candidate statements. The elected judge will begin serving the six-year term in January 2027.

Key Takeaways

• Alisa Thomas (immigration attorney) and Bryan Hackett (criminal defense attorney) are running for Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge, Office Three.
• The June 2, 2026 primary will determine who serves a six-year term starting January 2027.
• Both candidates stress impartiality but differ in experience and views on diversion programs.
• Thomas has 25 years of experience in San Francisco Immigration Court. Hackett’s background is in criminal defense.
• Judicial elections are rare in Santa Cruz County; the last contested race was in 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the election for Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge?

The primary election is on June 2, 2026, with the winner serving a six-year term beginning in January 2027.

What are the professional backgrounds of the candidates?

Alisa Thomas has worked for 25 years in the San Francisco Immigration Court focusing on immigration cases for farmworkers and others seeking residency. Bryan Hackett is a criminal defense attorney; specific details about his practice are not detailed in the available sources.

What is the main difference between the candidates?

While both candidates affirm a commitment to impartiality, they differ significantly in their professional experience and their views on diversion—alternatives to incarceration such as rehabilitation or treatment programs.

Is this seat currently held by an incumbent?

Incumbency information for this race was not available in the reviewed sources, indicating the seat may be open due to retirement, resignation, or other vacancy not filled by appointment.