Candidate for
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Monterey; Office 10

Heidi K. Whilden is a Monterey County Superior Court Commissioner who presides over hearings and trials in Superior Court performing the essential duties and work of a Superior Court Judge. In her courtroom, she rules over a broad array of complex issues, and her years on the bench have provided her with valuable judicial experience as well as a solid reputation for her judicial ethics, legal acumen, and temperament.

Commissioner Whilden was appointed to her current position upon the unanimous vote of the Judges of the Monterey County Superior Court, having established a proven track record of successfully managing some of the busiest court calendars in Monterey County in her years as a Judge Pro Tem. Prior to her appointment she served as a temporary judge on an ongoing basis for both the self-represented and the attorney-represented family law calendars, as well as the Department of Child Support Services calendar. She further served the court as a Settlement Conference Officer on an as-needed basis.

Previously, Heidi practiced law in Monterey County in a broad spectrum of fields, including civil, criminal and public interest law. After serving in private practice, she joined the court as a judicial research attorney assigned to the criminal division. Early in her career, she gained valuable knowledge and experience in federal law as a clerk to a United States District Court Judge in the Central District of Los Angeles.

Throughout her years of service, Commissioner Whilden has earned a reputation for her work ethic, her commitment to the principles of justice and due process, and for treating every person who appears in her courtroom with dignity and respect. She has distinguished herself by proving that she can make the difficult decisions required of Superior Court Judges in a manner that is both firm and fair. She brings to the Superior Court an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of what is needed to create safe and strong neighborhoods and to protect our at-risk youth.

Heidi has been involved in various community activities, including volunteering her time and expertise with the Monterey County High School Mock Trial Competition, where for the last 15 years she has served in numerous capacities including Team Attorney Coach, Attorney Scorer, and Presiding Judge. She has also served as a mentor to new attorneys, serving on the Monterey County Barristers Association.

Having overcome tremendous adversity at a young age, Commissioner Whilden worked full-time during college and law school in Santa Barbara, and learned not only the values of hard work and self-discipline, but of the need to find positive outcomes for families and children. Her deep knowledge of the law, commitment to justice, and dedication to her community make her the most qualified candidate for Superior Court Judge.

Commissioner Heidi Whilden, together with husband Michael, a locally respected attorney, are raising two teenagers, Jack and Katie, who are fifth generation Monterey residents.