By Dr. John E. Warren Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint newspaper
On September 17th, 2025, Judge Roderick Shelton was elected Assistant Presiding Judge of the San Diego Superior Court, the first African American to hold such an office. Judge Shelton’s historic election follows another noteworthy election. Five days earlier, Judge Shelton was elected President of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers (AAACJO).
Judge Shelton was first elected as Judge on November 7, 2016 filling the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Joe O. Littlejohn. Judge Shelton was the first African American criminal supervising judge for San Diego Superior Court. He presided over domestic violence court, misdemeanor and felony arraignments, family law, and juvenile justice.
Prior to his election to the bench, he served with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in the South Bay and East County branches. He also worked as a Public Defender for San Diego County before joining the
District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Shelton is one of 13 African American sitting judges in San Diego County. His election appears to be a step in the direction of becoming the first African American Presiding Judge for San Diego, which is one of the three largest court systems in the country.
