Lisa Gong Guerrero

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Lisa Gong Guerrero

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 20, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of Florida, 2000

Law

Barry University School of Law, 2006

Personal

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

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Lisa Gong Guerrero ran for election for judge of the Orange County Court in Florida. Gong Guerrero lost in the primary on August 20, 2024.

Gong Guerrero completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Lisa Gong Guerrero earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 2000 and a law degree from the Barry University School of Law in 2006. Gong Guerrero's career experience includes working as an attorney.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Orange County, Florida (2024)

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Orange County Court

Incumbent Adam K. McGinnis won election outright against Lisa Gong Guerrero in the primary for Orange County Court on August 20, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adam K. McGinnis (Nonpartisan)	53.6	68,789
		Lisa Gong Guerrero (Nonpartisan)	46.4	59,608

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 128,397
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Gong Guerrero's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Gong Guerrero in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Lisa Gong Guerrero completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gong Guerrero's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a mom, wife, career public servant, and an immigrant from humble beginnings who has worked hard her entire life to become an accomplished attorney. I am running for Orange County Judge because our community needs experienced trial judges who understand the community they serve.

I have spent my entire 18-year career keeping our community safe as an Assistant State Attorney. I have prosecuted thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases and have tried over 145 jury trials to verdict, ranging from misdemeanor to first-degree murder.

I am proud to be among the 5% of eligible members to have received Board Certification in Criminal Trials by The Florida Bar. To earn board certification, I was required to demonstrate extensive trial experience, undergo a rigorous peer review process, and pass a comprehensive written exam to prove my proficiency in criminal law.

Additionally, judicial temperament and professionalism are essential qualities for a judge. I am honored to have been recognized by the legal community for my professionalism, service, integrity, civility, and respect for the legal system.

As a business consultant before becoming an attorney, I have the problem-solving skills necessary to address issues of access to the courts and courtroom efficiency.

I believe a fresh perspective, backed by substantial legal experience and a proven commitment to justice, can bring about positive change to our judicial system.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am an experienced trial attorney with a proven record of dedication and excellence.
• I believe judges should be humble and treat everyone with fairness, respect, and dignity.
• In addition to legal experience, I bring a diverse perspective as a former business consultant, an immigrant from humble beginnings, a parent who has juggled the demands of family and career, and a community leader with a passion for making a positive impact.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Judicial races differ from other political contests. As a judicial candidate in a nonpartisan race, I am not permitted to disclose my political party affiliation or comment on legal or political issues. However, there are opportunities for improving our court system, particularly in terms of access and efficiency. I aim to leverage my legal and non-legal experience to ensure all litigants receive a fair chance at justice in a timely manner.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I am inspired by my sister’s trailblazing role as a female executive in the technology sector.

I seek to follow in the footsteps of judges who have been great role models for me, displaying qualities such as integrity, humility, a balanced judicial temperament, and a thorough understanding of the law.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that humility, integrity, and treating everyone with fairness, respect, and dignity are essential qualities for a judge. Elected officials are chosen by the people and should always strive to understand the community they serve.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I bring a sense of humility and the ability to consider all viewpoints before making a decision, ensuring that everyone feels heard regardless of the outcome. In addition, I am dedicated and hardworking.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As a judicial candidate, I believe the core responsibilities of a judge are to uphold the rule of law, ensure fair and impartial administration of justice, and protect the rights of all individuals. A judge must apply the law consistently, maintain courtroom decorum, and manage their docket efficiently to ensure timely resolution of cases. Additionally, a judge should demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to understanding and serving the community they represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to show that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to great achievements, like becoming an Orange County Judge, regardless of where you start in life. I am committed to inspiring future leaders to chase their dreams.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching a plane crash into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. I was 24 years old.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Judges make decisions that impact people's lives. Additionally, judges have the power to implement procedural innovations that can improve courtroom efficiency and access to justice. These include adopting new technologies or streamlining processes to ensure cases are handled more swiftly and fairly. Increasing public awareness of these aspects can help people better understand the significant impact a judge can have on the legal system and the community.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My legal philosophy as a judge centers around the principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. I believe that every individual who comes before the court deserves to be treated with dignity and impartiality, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is essential to apply the law consistently and objectively, ensuring that justice is administered without bias or prejudice. My role is to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected, and that legal disputes are resolved based on the law and the merits of each case.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

Throughout my career, I have appeared before many judges whom I deeply admire. The judges I hold in high regard possess a profound understanding of the law and excel at balancing the expectations of fairness, integrity, and efficiency. These qualities are essential for ensuring that justice is served while maintaining the trust and confidence of the community. Their ability to navigate complex legal issues with wisdom and impartiality serves as an inspiration and a model for the type of judge I strive to be.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes, I believe empathy is an essential quality for a judge. While a judge must remain impartial and uphold the law, understanding the human impact of judicial decisions is crucial. Empathy allows a judge to consider the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of those who appear in court, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and everyone has a reasonable opportunity to be seen and heard.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

No, I have not.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am running for this seat because I believe our community needs judges who are not only experienced and knowledgeable in the law but also deeply committed to fairness, integrity, and understanding the unique needs of the people they serve. My 18-year career as an Assistant State Attorney has provided me with extensive courtroom experience, handling a wide range of cases from misdemeanors to complex felonies, including homicides.

I have seen firsthand the profound impact that judicial decisions can have on individuals and families. I am committed to ensuring that every person who comes before the court is treated with respect and dignity, and that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.

Moreover, my background as an immigrant from humble beginnings, a business consultant, and a community leader has given me a broad perspective on the challenges faced by our community. I am dedicated to improving access to the courts and enhancing courtroom efficiency so that all litigants have a fair chance at justice in a timely manner.

I am running for this seat to bring a fresh perspective, substantial legal experience, and a proven commitment to justice to our judicial system. I am passionate about making a positive impact and serving the people of Orange County with fairness and integrity.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, for government. No, for politics.
I believe that previous experience in government, particularly as a prosecutor, is highly beneficial for a judge. As a career prosecutor with 18 years of experience and significant courtroom experience, I have gained a deep understanding of the legal system and its intricacies. My experience as a prosecutor has honed my skills in evaluating evidence, understanding legal precedents, and making fair and just decisions. It has also taught me the value of public service and the impact it can have on the community.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

Access to justice to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, can seek and obtain a fair resolution of their legal issues. This involves providing affordable legal representation and ensuring that court processes are efficient and understandable. It also means addressing any barriers, such as language differences or physical disabilities, that might prevent individuals from fully participating in the legal process. Ultimately, access to justice is about making sure that the legal system is equitable, transparent, and available to everyone.

Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?

At this point in my career, I believe my experience and skills would be most impactful as a trial court judge in county court, and I do not have any interest in serving on a higher court.

Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?

It depends based on the sample size, who is invited to participate, the questions being asked, and the purpose of the ratings.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

2024 Elections

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Footnotes

Florida courts

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Federal courts:

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida

State courts:

Florida Supreme Court • Florida District Courts of Appeal • Florida Circuit Court • Florida County Court

State resources:

Courts in Florida • Florida judicial elections • Judicial selection in Florida