Michael Domenzain (Superior Court of Imperial County, California, candidate 2024)

Michael Domenzain

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Superior Court of Imperial County

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

San Diego State University, 2005

Law

Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2008

Personal

Profession

Judge

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Michael Domenzain ran for re-election for judge of the Superior Court of Imperial County in California. He was on the ballot in the primary on March 5, 2024.^[source]

Domenzain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michael Domenzain provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on April 18, 2025:

• High school: Central Union High School
• Associate: Imperial Valley College, 2002
• Bachelor's: San Diego State University, 2005
• J.D.: Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2008
• Gender: Male
• Profession: Judge
• Prior offices held:
  • Superior Court Referee (2018-2022)
• Incumbent officeholder: Yes
• Campaign slogan: None

Elections

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Superior Court of Imperial County

Incumbent Michael Domenzain ran in the primary for Superior Court of Imperial County on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Michael Domenzain (Nonpartisan)

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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Domenzain in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michael Domenzain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Domenzain'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.

Michael Domenzain is a proud native of Imperial County, with deep roots in the region dating back to the 1940s when his grandparents immigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico to Imperial County. He is a graduate of Central Union High School, Imperial Valley College—where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in May 2025—San Diego State University Calexico Campus, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He served nearly a decade as a Deputy District Attorney IV in the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious and violent felonies. He was recognized for his work in domestic violence strangulation cases, securing the county’s first attempted murder conviction in over 20 years in People v. Vicary. He also led wiretap investigations in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies as part of the Special Prosecutions Unit. He led legal trainings to law enforcement and prosecutors on 4th and 5th Amendment principles and completed mobile device and computer forensics training through the U.S. Secret Service National Computer Forensics Institute. Appointed as a Court Referee in 2018, he presided over more than 10,000 cases before his appointment as a Judge in August 2022. Judge Domenzain is deeply committed to civic education and mentorship, contributing to programs such as Judges in the Classroom, Project LEAD, the Puente Program, Mock Trial, and serving as a guest lecturer at Imperial Valley College and SDSU.

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?

• Currently not in an active campaign.
• Currently not in an active campaign.
• Currently not in an active campaign.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply committed to civic education through my work with various outreach and educational programs. It is essential to a healthy democracy, empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to actively participate in their communities and government. It fosters informed decision-making, encourages civic responsibility, and helps build a stronger, more engaged society. By teaching students about their rights, responsibilities, and the structure of government, civic education lays the foundation for future leaders and promotes respect for the rule of law and the democratic process.

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

My primary concern is the lack of civic learning and education, which has led to a widespread misunderstanding of how our government functions—particularly the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary. Many people are unfamiliar with how judicial decisions are made and the limits of judicial authority. This gap in understanding undermines trust in the legal system and weakens the public’s ability to engage meaningfully in civic life and democratic processes.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I stayed up all night wondering where the sun went, then it dawned on me...

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

N/A

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See also

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