MERCED, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Brenda Pannell-Nash to a seat on the Merced County Superior Court. The appointment, announced on November 4, 2026, fills the vacancy left by retired Judge Carol K. Ash.

Professional background

Pannell-Nash, identified in the Governor’s announcement as a Los Angeles County resident, has been a solo practitioner at the Law Offices of Brenda J. Pannell since 2009. She previously served as an associate at Harold G. Becks & Associates from 2000 to 2009, at the Law Office of Charles T. Mathews from 1999 to 2000, and at Chapin, Fleming, McNitt, Shea & Carter from 1996 to 1999.

The Governor’s Office says she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland’s Carey School of Law and is registered without party preference.

What changes for court users?

The appointment fills a judicial vacancy; the state did not announce in this release which docket, department or courthouse the judge will be assigned to. Residents with criminal, family or civil proceedings should continue to rely on official case notices and the Merced Superior Court website for hearing dates, filing procedures and department assignments.

California announced 23 Superior Court appointments across 14 counties, including Merced, as part of the same November 4 announcement. The local appointment is separate from the November 3 elections and should not be described as the result of an election contest.

Primary source: Governor’s Office judicial appointments, November 4, 2026.

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