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There is only one judicial race in Palm Beach County in the upcoming election. Judge Ted Booras is retiring, leaving his seat in Group 2 on the Palm Beach County Court open.
Three candidates are vying for the seat, which carries a six-year term on the bench.
Lourdes Casanova began her career as a prosecutor with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, where she says she spent everyday in the courtroom.
"I managed a caseload of 300 to 400 cases and I conducted jury trials."
The first-generation American says her parents fleeing Cuba was a lesson for her because it's a totalitarianism form of government.
"I can tell you that I'm the only candidate who understands the importance of preserving liberty in the courts by following the rule of law."
Doug Leifert touts 34 years of experience practicing law in Palm Beach County. He also began his career at the State Attorney's Office and like Casanova now operates his own law firm.
"I've practiced in almost every division of our courts and I've been the attorney of record on over 50,000 cases during my career. And I will bring my decades of experience to run a fair and efficient courtroom."
And Jean Marie Middleton is an assistant general counsel representing the Palm Beach County School District and has previously worked as an assistant city attorney for three different municipalities. Middleton touts 38 years of trial experience.
"I have the unique experience of having the greatest breadth and depth of legal practice. I have practiced and litigated in just about every area of the law."
This race is nonpartisan and open to all voters in Palm Beach County. It will be on your ballot on August 20 and could be decided outright in the primary.