harris county democratic party judicial candidates harris county democratic party judicial candidates

To advance to the general election, a candidate must win a majority (over 50 percent) of the vote. Harris County, Texas contains 60 judicial districts, four probate courts and one county court. Rachel Leal-Hudson received her law degree from South Texas School of Law in 2007 and has been practicing law for 14 years. He graduated from the University of Houston, earning a B. Being moderate Democrats, we are naturally inclined to endorse Democratic candidates. He served 10 years as the Precinct Chairman of Precinct 216 Senate District 13 (2007 - 2016). They are also blessed with 2 beautiful granddaughters. During her five years of service as a district judge, Kristin presided over more than 100 trials and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has been co-parenting 3 children for over 30 years. Jesus Guillen received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2014 and has been practicing family law for 7 years. He has forty years of experience in the criminal justice system including 11 years as a prosecutor in the City of Southside Place and six years as counsel for the misdemeanor veterans court. Three Democratic candidates and five Republican candidates are running for the Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner position in the upcoming March primaries. For over ten years, he was recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine. In 1983, Bob began his legal career by establishing his legal practice. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The primary election proved to be a shake up for judges in Harris County. Mike Monks is a native Houstonian, fourth-generation Texan, and lifelong Republican. He is a father of three young children and desires to serve Harris County residents to help restore justice and order. Zachary Gibson is currently a prosecutor for Harris County where he has served his community for the past 6 years. Paula has the experience, leadership and knowledge to be the next judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #2. Glass made headlines in September of 2021 when Houston police officer William 'Bill' Jeffrey was killed in the line of duty. Im a long-time attorney, arbitrator, and former Harris county criminal court judge in Houston, Texas. He has since been practicing family law as an attorney since 2005 and has owned his own Family law firm since 2006. Jessica was raised in a law enforcement family, watching daily as her father put on his uniform and hit the streets to protect the citizens in their community. She is the former award-winning judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #1 were she served for more than 8 years. She sits on the boards of the TEACH, Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA and Catholic Charities. (Section 172.022, Texas Election Code). The people of Harris County deserve a judge who will follow the law, treat everyone fairly, and give public safety the importance it deserves. She and her husband, a retired Assistant District Attorney, have four grown children and one grandchild. To learn more about judicial selection in Texas, click here. Sophia is a past member of Patrons for Bellaire Parks and the Houston Realty Business Coalition. from the South Texas College of Law. Maria Valeria has four children, who, although they are now adults, continue to be her greatest joy. With more than 40 years of legal practice, he holds certifications in two relevant fields: Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law. I am a proud graduate of the University of Houston, where I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and of South Texas College of Law. Zachary is a graduate of Baylor University and St. Marys University School of Law. Geric Tipsword has been a Houston resident since 2004, coming to Houston to attend law school he remained to begin his law practice. This example of selfless service led her to begin her training after law school at the Harris County District Attorney's Office where she handled all types of criminal cases. Gala, and Cardinals Christmas. Find your Election Day polling location here . She briefly left Houston to attend the University of Texas, where she got her undergraduate degree and a law degree. Rose Cardenas is a lifelong Houstonian. Throughout his years of service, Judge Ditta has served as a frequent speaker before numerous civic, professional, and educational organizations and as an instructor for Justices throughout the State of Texas. Texas District Courts Bob has worked on all types of Civil Cases, Foreclosures, Evictions, Family Law, Immigration cases, and Criminal Cases, including Traffic Ticket Defense. Maria Valeria Brock received her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1990 and has been practicing law for over 30 years. for District Judge, 185th Judicial District, for District Judge, 189th Judicial District, for District Judge, 190th Judicial Distric, for District Judge, 208th Judicial District. He has been co-parenting 3 children for over 30 years. Only a handful of Democratic candidates ran that year. Her work in the private sector since the early 2000s includes extensive experience in our County Criminal Courts. Powell, the lone African-American male incumbent to lose re-election to the district court bench in Harris County, secured a place on the ballot after the Harris County Democratic Party initially . He served 10 years as the Precinct Chairman of Precinct 216 Senate District 13 (2007 2016). And, she has put her creativity and organizational gifts to work in chairing special programs and events, such as TEW, Steps for Students, the S.E.R. Stephen, a proud Texas Aggie and graduate of Strake Jesuit Preparatory, runs a family-owned business his father Lupe Fraga founded in 1962, a legacy of hard work and enduring faith that reflects their past and inspires their future. Kevin Fulton has dedicated his life to serving others. Appeals from the Southern District go to the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. From my father, I learned that every conversation starts with listening, and from my mother, the compassion to accept people as they are. His strong sense of service and community started when he joined the US Army and served with distinction as reconnaissance in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Provide Comfort, protecting Kurdish refugees. After receiving his honorary discharge from the military, Kevin returned to the community. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1971 Press Photo Bill Williams, Harris County Democratic Chairman, holds papers. For Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 2. Lance has dedicated his entire career to serving the public. for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2. Throughout his years of service, Judge Ditta has served as a frequent speaker before numerous civic, professional, and educational organizations and as an instructor for Justices throughout the State of Texas. In addition, Judge Ditta served as the Presiding Administrative Judge for all 16 Harris County Justice Courts from 2002-2004 and the Co-Presiding Administrative Judge from 2000-2002. In 2012 he served as a State Delegate at the Convention in Fort Worth and was a Member of the Rules Committee. Erin Lunceford received her law degree from University of Houston in 1988 and has been practicing law for 34 years. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; .courts-container { background-color:#fcfcfc; width:100%; border:1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align:center;clear:both; } Before taking the bench, he handled hundreds of appeals and presented oral argument in over 100 cases collectively in the Supreme Court of Texas, all intermediate appellate courts in Texas, and several United States courts of appeals. Andrew founded the Bayley Law Firm in 2010 that he currently runs with his wife and partner, Yalda Bayley. Judge Genesis Draper, a Democrat who is running for re-election to Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Apply today! He is currently married and enjoys his 3 grandchildren. Harris County crime rates have skyrocketed under the Democrats' leadership. Prior to serving on the court of appeals, Justice Adams was the head of the appellate practice group at a large litigation firm in Houston. Our office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 AM - 4 PM. Beall led the race by 13% in the primary. 8 years of his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney. I am a proud graduate of the University of Houston, where I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and of South Texas College of Law. Learn more about the Republican judicial candidates and crime in Harris County below and contribute to the partys joint judicial campaign to help get them elected! Leslie and her husband, Houston attorney Dane Johnson, reside in Houston and have two children. for District Judge, 180th Judicial District. Heathers legal career was inspired by her father, who also served as a prosecutor in Harris County for many years before he was elected to the 14th Court of Appeals. Lance was born in Harris County and has lived here for over 45 years. (Saving Ourselves By Education and Recovery) court addressing the needs of young repeat D.W.I. for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District, for District Judge, 184th Judicial Distric. Houston police officers shot: 1 officer killed, 1 injured while executing warrant in NE Harris Co. In 1999, he became the judge of Probate Court #3 in Harris County, where he served for twenty years. "It's an educated and relatively informed group (of voters in the primary), but really no one can be informed about all of the judges we have on our Harris County ballot," Jones said. With over 21 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney, Jessica will bring invaluable knowledge, common sense, and experience back to the court. Judge Laryssa Korduba is the first female Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, serving as Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2. She was born and raised in Houston and has lived in Harris County for 27 years. 3. He graduated first in his class. Dan would like to continue his passion by earning your vote to serve our justice system as a judge. Before taking the bench, he handled hundreds of appeals and presented oral argument in over 100 cases collectively in the Supreme Court of Texas, all intermediate appellate courts in Texas, and several United States courts of appeals. Sonya Aston is a sixth generation Houstonian, who has dedicated her life to public service through, environmental enforcement, enforcing tax collection laws, working at Transtar during emergency events, administering elections for Harris County for eight years, drafting state legislation, and much more. Bobs oldest son, Mike Wolfe has served as a Board Member of the Harris County Department of Education and is currently a candidate for the Texas State Board of Education, District 6. I enjoy fishing, Houstons original restaurants, and professional sports, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Duke and attending my granddaughters soccer games. Kevin has been practicing law for over 14 years now in private practice while also serving as a Judge Advocate with the Texas State Guard and working on his LLM at Baylor Law School. 100% remote. for District Judge, 209th Judicial District. When they get to a race and they don't know anything about the candidates, they tend to vote based off gender," Jones said. Texas may eventually be a blue state, but it's going to take more time and the nomination of solid, mainstream (moderate) candidates whocan appeal to urban and rural voters. Leslie has practiced law for almost 25 years. Justice Kevin Jewell was elected to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals on November 8, 2016. In addition, Judge Ditta served as the Presiding Administrative Judge for all 16 Harris County Justice Courts from 2002-2004 and the Co-Presiding Administrative Judge from 2000-2002. Then, after more than 20 years, Lori left the office as the chief prosecutor for the 208th District Court. Harris County courthouse Geric is a former teacher who taught 9th grade math. Immediately after, Nathan moved to Houston, where he began practicing civil law for a brief time before joining the Harris County District Attorneys Office in 2007, where he is still employed. For more on this story, follow Mycah Hatfield on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. B. In 2008 Sophia was appointed to serve as a Commissioner for the City of Houston Police Officers Civil Service Commission and was elected to and served as Chairman of the Commission from 2008 to June 2022. She was a tough-on-crime prosecutor for 12 years successfully securing convictions against defendants charged with violent offenses like murder, capital murder, and sexual assault of children. 3 in the November 2022 General Election. for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2. To view our blog poston the 2022 election, please click on the link below: HarrisCountyDemocrats.com Comments on the 2022 General Election Results. Resolutions passed by Executive Committee. He also spent 7 years as a This political blog is also not part of the Harris County Democrats Association formed in 1953 by Mrs. Frankie Randolph and later led by Chair Woman Billie Carr. Before being appointed, and subsequently elected, Paula served as felony chief prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorneys Office where she worked for 14 years. As an election integrity expert, she supports entities across the nation to have strong election security. While most of our local Democratic candidates barely squeakedby to win, all of our statewide candidates lost. Beall ( Democratic Party) ran for election for judge of the Texas 185th District Court. She briefly left Houston to attend the University of Texas, where she got her undergraduate degree and a law degree. With her heart for public service and her strong commitment to our community, Michelle Fraga stands ready to step into the arena. 3 in the November 2022 General Election. In 2012 he served as a State Delegate at the Convention in Fort Worth and was a Member of the Rules Committee. Brian Staley received his law degree from South Texas College of Law and has been practicing civil and appellate law for 26 years. As a fifth-generation Latino Texan, Leo Farias understands the state's culture, needs, and struggles. Andy Taylor received his law degree from the Texas Tech School of Law in 2009 and has been practicing criminal law throughout the State of Texas for 12 years. These included everyone from professional athletes and millionaires to pilots and firemen, and mothers and fathers working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Married for 14 years with three sons Gregory (11), Stephen (11) and Andrew (6), they are committed to showing the next generation the importance of civic responsibility and the value of personal freedoms. She has been a Texan all of her life and has lived in Harris County for almost 20 years. Frank Aguilar, Chris Morton and Hilary Unger beat their opponents. Then, after more than 20 years, Lori left the office as the chief prosecutor for the 208th District Court. After years of working in property management, Judge Korduba then started her law practice and grew it to an industry-leading statewide firm. Register to vote. Geric holds an Associates Degree in Transportation, a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, is a certified teacher, has a Masters Degree in Education Intervention, and has his Juris Doctorate (Magna Cum Laude). Stephen, a proud Texas Aggie and graduate of Strake Jesuit Preparatory, runs a family-owned business his father Lupe Fraga founded in 1962, a legacy of hard work and enduring faith that reflects their past and inspires their future. Houston, Texas 77020 Judge Antu is a 17-year veteran criminal lawyer. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. He has served as an Associate Judge in the Houston Municipal Courts and is currently the Chief Investigator for the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Judge Michael Landrum served Harris County as a district court judge for six years but was swept out of office in the 2018 election. and/or we were more impressed with the challenger. She resolved thousands of cases from DWI to aggravated robbery, child abuse, and capital murder. Justice Adams is recognized by Texas Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America as being one of the top appellate lawyers in Texas. Sophia is the immediate past president of the Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women (2020-2021) and a past President of Magic Circle Republican Women's Club (2015). Joshua Normand received a BA in Mathematics and a law degree from the University of Texas. Elizabeth has evaluated hundreds of cases and been to trial in both Misdemeanor and Felony court. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Stay Informed. for District Judge, 189th Judicial District. Then came the 2002 gubernatorial election year. Judge Maritza Antu was appointed by Governor Gregg Abbott to be the first Judge of the 482nd Criminal District Court. She started her legal career as a prosecutor under Johnny Holmes in 1998 and has worked for seven different district attorneys in Harris County before leaving in February of 2019 under the Kim Ogg administration. She has since been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Andy has lived in Harris County for the last 12 years where he has worked to represent and serve the people of Harris County not only in criminal matters of all degrees but also in many other practical and personal ways. That said, a candidate must earn our vote. The experience I garnered served me well during my eight years on the bench. In addition, she has a history of working with domestic violence victims and owns her family law firm, which she has been practicing her entire career. 4. for District Judge, 208th Judicial District. She was born and raised in Houston and is a proud graduate of Bellaire High School. Since 2019, Paula has worked at the law firm of Shellist, Peebles, McAlister. As an (almost) lifelong resident of Harris County, she cant imagine a better place to live with her two dogs, Penny and Roch. for District Judge, 295th Judicial District, for District Judge, 482nd Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 245th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 246th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 247th Judicial District. Nile Copeland has been helping in the community for many years through work as well as through various groups and organizations. Charley Prine received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1992. To that end, we endorse the best candidates regardless of political affiliation. He has handled numerous cases in the Civil District Courts and Probate Courts. Sartaj has been a successful attorney practicing in a variety of different settings at the trial and appellate level for more than 12 years. 2022 CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS (SCROLL DOWN), For the 2022 election cycle, this website researched each political candidate that will appear on the Harris County November ballot and then endorsed thosecandidates (see below) that we believe will best serve the interests of allHarris County residents. Her campaign slogan is Mama Mia Vote for Sophia, in honor of her mom. for District Judge, 190th Judicial District. I also served two terms as a member of the District 4A grievance committee (which disciplines attorneys) and served as Chair in 1994. When not practicing law, Fred enjoys traveling with his family and playing golf. After graduating cum laude from Georgetown University, he then attended The University of Texas School of Law and graduated with honors. Justice Adams has been married for thirty-eight years and has three children. If our Democratic candidates can dominate the urban areas, win in the suburbs, andat least be competitivein the rural areas, we CAN winstatewide elections. After graduation, Dan worked for the Harris County District Attorneys Office and continues to work as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Harris County. The advertisements rolled out with weeks to go until the November election. A career public servant and lifelong Republican, Elizabeth Buss attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law before joining the Harris County District Attorney's Office where she has worked for nearly ten years. They included visitation and geographical restriction issues, as well as complex property divisions. Having lived in Houston his entire adult life, this is especially true for Harris County. After graduation and receiving his law license, he remained with the Police Department another 14 years working in divisions such as Internal Affairs and as a lawyer in Legal Services for Chief Bradford. for Family District Judge, 257th Judicial District. During that time, Judge Hart became known for low dockets, fair trials and justice delivered. Houston native and attorney Leslie Johnson is the Republican nominee for Judge of Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law No. In addition, Malcolm served on the Board of Directors of a Privately Held Corporation with more than 30 million dollars in annual sales. He has been married for 22 years to Alyssa Lemkuil, a former state district court judge, with one daughter starting her second year of college. Justice Jewell has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1998. Prior to serving on the court of appeals, Justice Adams was the head of the appellate practice group at a large litigation firm in Houston.He has handled hundreds of appeals in every court of appeals in Texas, the Supreme Court of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. I also belong to the Houston Business and Estate Planning Council and the Houston Estate and Financial Forum. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The primary election proved to be a shake up for judges in Harris County. 189th Judicial District He was born in Harris County and has lived here for over 45 years. Her legal career has focused on family law, successfully representing litigants in all aspects of marriage and divorce. I am a member of the State Bar of Texas Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section, Taxation Section and Litigation Section and the Houston Bar Association Probate, Trusts and Estate Section, Taxation Section and Litigation Section. In his spare time, Joshua provides legal and tax services to various nonprofits. [1], The winning candidates from each major party's primary, as well as any additional minor party candidates, compete in a general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The elections are closed, however, in that voters may not participate in the proceedings (a runoff primary or a convention) of another party thereafter. I also belong to the Houston Business and Estate Planning Council and the Houston Estate and Financial Forum. He was twice selected as Trial Judge of the Year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. Her practice has largely been devoted to child protective services, juvenile, and family law, representing children, parents, relatives, foster parents, and DFPS within those areas. She was previously Appointed Judge of the 61st District Court by Governor Greg Abbott in July 2015. That's why 68 Republican judicial candidates have stepped up to run for office this November. Aaron G. Adams is a practicing Attorney of 17 years, Sports Agent, Author, and Real Estate Investor. Candidates seeking the nomination of the Democratic or Republican Party must file (1) a candidate application, and (2) a filing fee or petition in lieu of filing fee. He also spent 7 years as a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Having lived in Houston his entire adult life, this is especially true for Harris County. Both positions are volunteer positions without pay. After she received her law degree, she moved back to Houston and has been practicing law in the bayou city since 1986. As an Assistant District Attorney, I gained invaluable criminal law experience, and in my civil litigation practice, invaluable experience in business dissolution and bankruptcy issues, tax issues related to retirement accounts and alimony, and issues related to separate vs. community property, all of which come up frequently in family law matters. He has volunteered his valuable time to assist several community-based groups that focus on preventing teen suicide, domestic abuse, and poverty. Kevin's commitment to the community while furthering his education resulted in receiving a Distinguished Public Service award and his Juris Doctor Degree. Kevin started his legal career as an extern with the Orange County District Attorney's Office, where he learned to balance the constitutional rights of the accused while never forgetting the victims impacted by crime. He graduated with Honors from the University of Houston Law Center and was Chief Justice and Chair of the U. of H. Law Center Honor Court. Judge Karen Maisano will buck tradition and run in the Republican primary for Lancaster County Court judge despite failing to win an endorsement from the party's county committee. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. Nile has been there as a volunteer mediator, in drafting wills in will clinics, in assisting in immigration forums, and sometimes he rolls up his sleeves with friends to do some labor with hurricane relief through groups such as the freemasons, shriners, bar associations, conservationist groups and whomever needs a helping hand in the neighborhood we call Texas. Mark has practiced criminal and family law for over 24 years. After practicing in St. Louis, he moved to Houston in 1990 to marry the love of his life, Lee Kathryn Shirley and has two children, Emily and Stephen. Folks who say they want to protect children should help me end. Elizabeth and her husband, Bryan, live in Houston with their rescue dog, Hans. Dan Simons is a former Air Force Veteran and graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the University of Houston Law School. for District Judge, 269th Judicial District. Both positions are volunteer positions without pay. Rory graduated from Duke University School of Law. A. in Business Administration with a major in accounting. He has been lead counsel in thousands of cases, ranging from small controversies to cases to large. In addition, Sophia is a member and Past President (2013-2015) of the Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club, a member of the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club, and previously served on the National Pachyderm Foundation Board. In the five months has served, Judge Antu has reduced the criminal backlog by 900 cases and has presided over 6 jury trials. for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District. Bob is a native Houstonian, where he was born, raised, and attended public schools. Her campaign slogan is Mama Mia Vote for Sophia, in honor of her mom. He has been recognized in Strathmores Whos Who of Professionals, HTown Magazine, and Houstonia Magazine. Being moderate Democrats, we are naturally inclinedto endorse Democratic candidates. Bobs oldest son, Mike Wolfe has served as a Board Member of the Harris County Department of Education and is currently a candidate for the Texas State Board of Education, District 6. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. He has served as an Associate Judge in the Houston Municipal Courts and is currently the Chief Investigator for the Harris County District Attorneys Office. Prior to his election, Justice Jewell was a litigation and appellate shareholder at Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry in Houston, Texas, where he chaired the firms appellate practice group. Ambers legal acumen extends outside the public sector realm of the DAs office to private practice with work in family district courts and felony courts, as well as misdemeanor courts. "Most of these challengers are current or former prosecutors," Jones explained. Michelle and her husband Stephen Fraga know firsthand the rewards of building strong families and strong communities.