Veronica Henderson: Experience, Commitment, and Vision for a Stronger Justice System

-Editorial 

In the race for Superior Court Judge Seat 1, Veronica Henderson stands out as the clear choice, an experienced attorney with deep community roots and a strong vision to make Imperial County’s courts more accessible, effective, and fair for all.

Henderson is running in the June 2 election, aiming to put her experience to work and strengthen public confidence in a local justice system that serves everyone fairly. Throughout her campaign, she is asking residents two key questions: What is important to you in our courts? And what needs to change? Henderson believes the answers will help shape a more people-centered and effective judicial system.

Henderson brings 26 years of legal experience to the campaign, including the past 18 years practicing in Imperial County. Over the course of her career, she has worked across virtually every area of the court system, an experience she says is critical for the next judge.

“I’ve worked in every courtroom,” Henderson said. “The next judge needs to be able to walk into any courtroom, pick up a file, and know exactly what they’re doing.”

Her legal background spans criminal law, juvenile justice, and dependency cases involving children removed from homes due to abuse or neglect. She has also handled probate matters such as guardianships and conservatorships, as well as civil cases, family law issues like custody and support, and restraining orders for victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.

Beyond the courtroom, Henderson emphasizes her long-standing commitment to community service. Since arriving in Imperial County, she has served on boards including the United Way, the Humane Society, and the Imperial Chamber of Commerce. She also contributes annually to major food bank fundraisers and provides hundreds of hours of pro bono legal work to organizations such as WomenHaven and other community groups, free of charge.

Henderson is also well known for her involvement in youth programs, particularly the high school mock trial competition. For nearly two decades, she has participated as a coach, judge, and scoring attorney. This year, she coached the Brawley Union High School team and also served as a judge in the Imperial County Office of Education’s migrant education speech and debate tournament.

“And I love this competition. It makes me a better attorney,” Henderson said.

Henderson added that her candidacy is distinguished by her legal qualifications, extensive courtroom experience, community involvement, and a focus on the future of the justice system. She said voters deserve a judge who combines professional expertise with a strong commitment to the community and an interest in making the courts more responsive to the needs of all residents.

“Our judges need to be a part of the future of the justice system, not just the present,” Henderson said. “Our courts must be accessible and responsive to everyone,” she said. “The people of Imperial County deserve a judge who is prepared, committed, and ready to serve all.”

Henderson says she supports expanding the use of specialized or “collaborative” courts in Imperial County, building on existing programs such as the county’s mental health court. These courts, authorized under California law, are designed to address the underlying causes of crime, particularly mental illness, substance abuse, and trauma, by routing eligible defendants into treatment-focused programs. Henderson points to models such as veterans courts, which serve individuals whose offenses are tied to military-related conditions like PTSD, and notes that these alternatives aim to balance accountability with rehabilitation.

A central part of her vision is the creation of a dedicated drug court in Imperial County, which currently does not exist as a formal program. Henderson says such courts bring together a team of professionals, including judges, attorneys, behavioral health specialists, and probation officers, to work collaboratively with defendants struggling with addiction. She argues that with growing local behavioral health resources, the county is in a position to expand these efforts and reduce repeat offenses tied to drug dependency, including those involving substances like methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Henderson also highlights the potential for expanding similar approaches to other populations, including young adult offenders, who may benefit from targeted intervention due to developmental factors. She emphasizes that successful completion of these programs can, in some cases, lead to dismissed charges, improving long-term outcomes such as employment opportunities. Overall, Henderson frames these reforms as part of a broader goal to reduce recidivism, ease court system burdens, and promote evidence-based strategies that prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and public safety.

Henderson provides hundreds of hours of pro bono legal services to organizations, including WomanHaven, CASA, and CAP Counsel, as well as to individuals, without charge.

Henderson’s campaign is grounded in three core principles: experience, fairness, and compassion. With more than 25 years of legal practice spanning every area of local law, she offers voters proven readiness, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of the real-life impact court decisions have on families, children, and the broader community.