Trusted, Experienced, Fair
With over 30 years of legal experience and deep roots in Fresno, Marc Kapetan is seeking a seat on the California bench. A local graduate of Clovis West and CSU Fresno, he earned his Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law and has remained a lifelong resident of the community he serves.
Suppported By:
Jerry
Dyer
Fresno Mayor
Margaret Mims
Former Sheriff
Nathan Magsig
Fresno County Supervisor, District 5.
Ernest Buddy Mendes
Board of Supervisors, District 4
John
Zanoni
Fresno County Sheriff
Lisa Smittcamp
Fresno County DA
Diane Pearce
Clovis City Council, Mayor Pro Tem
Gary Bredefeld
Board of Supervisors, District 2
Jerry Dyer
Fresno Mayor
Margaret
Mims
Former Sheriff
Nathan
Magsig
Fresno County Supervisor, District 5.
Ernest Buddy Mendes
Board of Supervisors, District 4
John Zanoni
Fresno County Sheriff
Lisa
Smittcamp
Fresno County DA
Diane Pearce
Clovis City Council, Mayor Pro Tem
Gary
Bredefeld
Board of Supervisors, District 2
Fresno Lincoln Club
Fresno Prosecutor's Association
Sanger Firefighters Association
Other Endorsements
Honorable John ‘Nip’ Gallagher (Ret) • Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz • Alan Autry, Former Fresno City Mayor • Mike Karbassi, Fresno City Council, District 2 • Matt Basgall, Clovis City Council • Paul Caprioglio, Former Fresno City Council, Dist 4 • Paul Dictos, Fresno County Assessor • Clint Olivier, Clovis School Board/Fmr Fresno City Council • Karen Musson, Fresno County Farm Bureau • Honorable Gregory Fain • Honorable Gary Orozco • Honorable James Kelley • Honorable Michael Idiart • Harry Papadakis, Fresno Superior Court Judge (Retired) • Honorable Ernie Licalsi, Madera County Sup Ct • Tulare County DA Tim Ward • Rick Chavez, Fmr Chief Probation Officer, Fresno • Lisa Urrizola, Senior Deputy District Attorney • Rachel Baskin, Deputy District Attorney • Joe Cooper, Attorney, Former NFL Star • Keith Korsegaden, Crawdaddy’s, Visalia and many other Judges, Attorneys, Community Leaders.
Tough. Fair. Common Sense.
“Fresno County deserves a judicial system that balances fairness with accountability. Rehabilitation has an important place in the law”
Marc Kapetan has practiced both criminal and civil law, representing everyday people, businesses, and families with fairness, preparation, and respect for the rule of law for 34 years.
His broad experience in the courtroom has given him a clear understanding of how legal decisions affect real lives, and he believes every person who enters a courtroom deserves to be heard with patience and dignity.
Beyond the courtroom, Marc has remained actively engaged with the community through the Marc Kapetan Show on KMJ Radio, where he has discussed legal issues, public safety, and the challenges facing our justice system.
He believes that judges should not be distant figures, but trusted public servants who understand the communities they serve.
Marc Kapetan will bring independence, common sense, and compassion to the bench.
He is committed to upholding the Constitution, protecting victims’ rights, ensuring fair treatment for all, and administering justice without bias or political influence. Fresno has shaped his life, his values, and his career—and he is ready to give back through dedicated service as your judge.
Why I’m Running
“After 34 years practicing criminal law in the Central Valley, I have seen firsthand how deeply court decisions affect victims, families, defendants, and the broader community. I am running for Fresno County Superior Court because I believe California courts must be efficient, decisive, and grounded in common sense.
Fresno County deserves a judicial system that balances fairness with accountability. Rehabilitation has an important place in the law — and when individuals are ready to take responsibility, the courts should support that effort. But experience has shown me that accountability is often the very thing that makes rehabilitation possible. Clear consequences encourage better choices. When individuals refuse to follow the law, the court must act to protect the community.
Over more than three decades, I have handled thousands of cases — from misdemeanors to serious felonies — working within the courtroom every day. That experience has given me a practical understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and how judicial decisions impact real people in Fresno County. The role of a judge is not political. It is to apply the law faithfully, manage the courtroom efficiently, treat everyone with dignity, and safeguard public safety.
I am running to ensure experience, balance, and steady leadership remains in the Fresno Superior Court, Office No. 3. Marc Kapetan believes the role of a Superior Court Judge is to ensure justice is delivered efficiently, decisively, and with integrity.”
"As a judge, Marc Kapetan will apply the law faithfully, manage the courtroom efficiently, and ensure that justice is both fair and firm."
Marc Kapetan believes the role of a Superior Court Judge is to ensure justice is delivered efficiently, decisively, and with integrity.
For too long, court calendars have been burdened by repeated continuances and endless review hearings that delay resolution and undermine confidence in the justice system. Justice must be timely, and decisions must be made with clarity and courage.
California’s criminal justice system has increasingly emphasized rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is important — and when a person is ready to change, the courts should support that effort. But meaningful rehabilitation requires accountability. Real change happens when there are real consequences.
Experience shows that many defendants succeed when they understand that continued violations will result in serious penalties. Clear standards and firm enforcement often provide the strongest incentive for personal responsibility.
A balanced judicial philosophy recognizes two truths:
• Those who are ready to rehabilitate deserve the opportunity.
• Those who refuse must face consequences that protect the community.
The primary duty of the court is to uphold the law, protect public safety, and preserve the rights of all citizens. Compassion and accountability are not opposites — they must work together.