[9] In 1993, at 34-years-old and after working as an attorney specializing in civil matters, Toler won her first judicial race by just six votes, as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic district.
[citation needed] During the 2001-02 television season, Toler replaced Andrew Napolitano as the presiding judge over the nontraditional courtroom series, Power of Attorney.
As the level-headed arbiter of Divorce Court, Toler was frequently seen providing counsel, words of wisdom, and trying to talk sense into the show's often outrageous couples.
Among them, Toler recounted efforts made by production to move the program into a more farcical, comedic direction following the popularity of her "Rolling Ray" Divorce Court case.
[14][18] Toler has also cited various other objections she had during her final season, such as the show's relocation from Los Angeles to Atlanta and a vastly altered, simulated "courtroom" set design that led to her having physical discomfort while ruling on cases.
During the Bonding with Byrd interview, Toler also cited regular altercations with the Divorce Court crew, thus fueling her decision to resign from the program.
[11][21] The show was loosely based on her life, focusing on a Black female judge who joins an Atlanta municipal court after being elected by six votes.
[23][24] Though identifying as a political Independent since 2017, and having once served as an Ohio judge as a Republican, Toler has donated exclusively to candidates aligned with the Democratic Party including Jaime Harrison, Amy McGrath, and President Joe Biden.