for Family District Judge, 246th Judicial District. A voting surge cleared the Harris County courtrooms of all elected Republican judges, leaving only Democrats on the bench in civil, criminal, family, juvenile and probate courts. Justice Kevin Jewell was elected to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals on November 8, 2016. Michelle and her husband Stephen Fraga know firsthand the rewards of building strong families and strong communities. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Sartaj worked as a Process Engineer prior to attending South Texas College of Law. She also held office as Parish Council President, Vice-President, and Secretary for multiple terms in each role and was appointed in 2012 to the Legal Affairs Committee for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the U.S.A. He has been part of Harris County for over 5 decades, working tirelessly to make it a better, safer place for everyone. The family enjoys taking an active role in their church, schools, and neighborhood, bringing their spirit of teamwork to community causes, and sowing the seeds of patriotism. Dan would like to continue his passion by earning your vote to serve our justice system as a judge. She and her husband, a retired Assistant District Attorney, have four grown children and one grandchild. Having lived in Houston his entire adult life, this is especially true for Harris County. Rachel Leal-Hudson received her law degree from South Texas School of Law in 2007 and has been practicing law for 14 years. That said, a candidate must earn our vote. Tonya McLaughlin is a native Texan. He has been part of Harris County for over 5 decades, working tirelessly to make it a better, safer place for everyone. Andrea Beall ( Democratic Party) is a judge of the Texas 185th District Court. State Representatives. They are members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where they enjoy attending Mass each week. Sophia is a past member of Patrons for Bellaire Parks and the Houston Realty Business Coalition. Appeals from the Southern District go to the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit . for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District. She is an experienced litigator including having worked on the Exxon Valdez case and Enron matter and participated in litigation in support of the City of Houston, Harris County Tax Office, and County Clerk. These included everyone from professional athletes and millionaires to pilots and firemen, and mothers and fathers working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Visit the Action Center for all the ways to get involved. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. Dan Simons is a former Air Force Veteran and graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the University of Houston Law School. He is a proud husband and father of one with two cats and three grandchildren. Since taking the bench as Justice of the Peace, Judge Laryssa has made countless strides to improve customer service, increase and pilot new technology programs, and guarantee efficiency in her courtroom. We are an international hub for trade, industry, innovation and the arts, and although we may live in a red state (for now), Harris County is decidedly blue. She resolved thousands of cases from DWI to aggravated robbery, child abuse, and capital murder. Xavier has spent nearly I believe in justice and fair treatment for all parties. Sophia is honored to be on the November ballot as the Republican nominee for Judge of Harris County Probate Court #2! The Harris County Democratic Party is NOT doing anything to assist the 22 electeds. 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. Being moderate Democrats, we are naturally inclinedto endorse Democratic candidates. To advance to the general election, a candidate must win a majority (over 50 percent) of the vote. 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. As an (almost) lifelong resident of Harris County, she can't imagine a better place to live with her two dogs, Penny and Roch. She has since been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. He has since been practicing family law as an attorney since 2005 and has owned his own Family law firm since 2006. With the insight gained from these casesover 38,000 of themI will, in serving as your arbitrator or mediator, help you see the strengths and weaknesses of your case as a judge or jury would, and thus help avoid unnecessary expenses and stress of going or returning to court. As a family they enjoy game nights, traveling, and fostering dogs for a local rescue. Geric is a former teacher who taught 9th grade math. for Family District Judge, 257th Judicial District. April is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School and Abilene Christian University. Her work in the private sector since the early 2000s includes extensive experience in our County Criminal Courts. Judge Louie Ditta has served as the Presiding Judge of the Harris County Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct 8, Place 2) since 1997, having been re-elected to four consecutive four-year terms in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. Texas Statutory Probate Courts Only a handful of Democratic candidates ran that year. The advertisements rolled out with weeks to go until the November election. 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. While the administrator isa moderate Democrat, this blog is independently operated andnot affiliated with any political party or political action committee (PAC). With over 50 felony jury trials, including 20 homicide trials, under his belt, Nathan is an experienced criminal attorney working hard to keep the citizens of Harris County safer. 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. Instead, Glass lowered it. In addition, he was appointed as a Special Justice of the Texas Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a large commercial case. Lori holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Baylor Law School. As an (almost) lifelong resident of Harris County, she cant imagine a better place to live with her two dogs, Penny and Roch. Maria Valeria has four children, who, although they are now adults, continue to be her greatest joy. Six other incumbent Democrat judges will not return to the bench in 2023. Andrew founded the Bayley Law Firm in 2010 that he currently runs with his wife and partner, Yalda Bayley. With the experience and the work ethic that drove him through college, law school and years of practice in our courts, voters can be sure they will be getting a hardworking judge with common sense. Chris Carmona received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston and has been successfully practicing multiple areas of law for 12 years. Please note, the application along with the filing fee or petition in lieu of filling fee must be filed at the same time with the proper filing authority. That said, a candidate must earn our vote. He was born in Houston Texas and has been living in Harris County his whole life. As judge of Harris Countys 308th Family District Court, I resolved over 400 cases per month across the full spectrum of family law matters. If no candidate in a race wins the majorityas in cases where more than two candidates are competing for a seata runoff election is held between the top two candidates. Another officer was shot during the encounter as well. He also spent 7 years as a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Graduating with her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1988, which included a summer program in law at Oxford University, Sophia became a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Texas that same year, then launched her law practice in 1991. for District Judge, 185th Judicial District. Geric has been practicing family law since 2007. She was elected to this position in November 2014. Bruce has handled cases before civil district courts throughout Texas, before the Texas Courts of Appeals, and the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals En Banc. Our phones are staffed Monday through Friday from 10 AM until 4 PM at (713) 802-0085 , or email us at: harrisdemocrats@harrisdemocrats.com. 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). Individual seeking a County office as an Independent candidate must file for a place on the ballot with the Harris County Judge: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo 1001 Preston, Suite 911 Houston, Texas 77002 Phone: 713-274-7000 Fax: 713-755-8379 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. Tristan Longino and Barbara Stalder, who serve in family court, and civil district court judges Scot Dollinger, Franklin Bynum, and David Singer, who serve in misdemeanor criminal court, were all unseated. [1] The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas has jurisdiction in Harris County. Justice Adams, now back in private practice, has been an appellate lawyer for more than thirty 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. He graduated from the University of Houston, earning a B. In 2012 he served as a State Delegate at the Convention in Fort Worth and was a Member of the Rules Committee. Family District Judge, 280th Judicial District. Heather Hudson received her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law and has been practicing criminal appellate law as a prosecutor for 14 years. Leslie has practiced a mix of civil and criminal law and, from 1997 until 2000, worked in the Harris County Attorney's Office representing public officials, deputies, and correctional officers in civil litigation. I also belong to the Houston Business and Estate Planning Council and the Houston Estate and Financial Forum. After graduating cum laude from Georgetown University, he then attended The University of Texas School of Law and graduated with honors. Judge Clyde was the highest HBA rated County Civil Court Judge while on the bench from June 2015 through December 2016, with zero reversals and only 1 modification on appeal. 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. In the primary election, four incumbent criminal Democratic district court judges were beat by their opponents. for Family District Judge, 247th Judicial District. On Tuesday afternoon, the Houston Chronicle reported that Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, said she wanted a change in leadership and intended to replace election administrator. Over the years, I was also appointed by the probate judges to handle both contested and uncontested estate and guardianship matters. The people of Harris County deserve a judge who will follow the law, treat everyone fairly, and give public safety the importance it deserves. Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, he has lived in Harris County for 29 years. She was elected to this position in November 2014. He has dedicated his entire legal career to working in Criminal Law and successfully earned a 2018 Judicial Nomination for the Republican Party in a highly contested race. A proud Texan, Zachary has made Houston his home for the past six years, and he is an active member of Christ Church Cathedral. 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. They included visitation and geographical restriction issues, as well as complex property divisions. Over the years, I was also appointed by the probate judges to handle both contested and uncontested estate and guardianship matters. 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. Erin and her husband have 2 beautiful children, 2 grandchildren and 4 crazy doggies. She briefly left Houston to attend the University of Texas, where she got her undergraduate degree and a law degree. Candidates for federal office must file a federal application (PDF). Geric Tipsword has been a Houston resident since 2004, coming to Houston to attend law school he remained to begin his law practice. 3 in the November 2022 General Election. She was born and raised in Houston and is a proud graduate of Bellaire High School. Dan Simons is a former Air Force Veteran and graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the University of Houston Law School. Beall led the race by 13% in the primary. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, he has called Harris County his home since 2006. for Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District. He was born in Houston and has lived in Harris County all his life. 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. April Farris was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in 2021. Chambers USA named Wilson as one of the leading commercial litigators in America. (Section 172.022, Texas Election Code). Its critical that we elect experienced and qualified judges to restore law and order and make public safety the top priority in Harris County lives quite literally depend on it. Being moderate Democrats, we are naturally inclinedto endorse Democratic candidates. Monks is dedicated to retaking the courthouse and restoring respect for our criminal justice system. 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. Judge Laryssa received her law degree from the University of Houston in 2003 as a Mixon Scholarship Recipient. Of these, 60 are for various county criminal, civil, and family courts; four are for appellate court benches;and four are for justices of the peace. and earned his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. Dan Lemkuil has 28 years of Family Law experience, is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has over five years of service as a Family Court Associate Judge, serving the people of Harris County. Sophia is a native Houstonian with her own solo law practice. Jessica and her husband, Michael, have been married for 20 years, have two children, and one spoiled pug. County Commissioner Court. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. He was born in the DFW metroplex and grew up in Burleson, Texas. for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District, for District Judge, 184th Judicial Distric. 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. Beall ( Democratic Party) ran for election for judge of the Texas 185th District Court. Fred Shuchart received his law degree in 1985 from Washington University School of Law and has been practicing law for 37 years. "It's possible that a few of the more lenient Democratic judges do get some blow back via campaign by Republicans reaching out to Democrats, but by in large, when people get to this part of the ballot, unless someone has done something pretty egregious to rise to that level of public attention, in November they are either going to check the D or the R," Jones explained. Prior to coming to the bench, I was licensed to practice in all Courts in the State of Texas, the United States District Court (Southern District), the United States Court of Appeals (5th Circuit), and the United States Tax Court. He was born in Harris County and has lived here for over 45 years. Ballotpedia features 395,557 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. He has been in Harris County for over 40 years and is proud to call Texas his home with his wife, two sons, five daughters and three grandchildren. Three Democratic candidates and five Republican candidates are running for the Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner position in the upcoming March primaries. Lori and Bill live in Spring with their Italian Greyhound, Lucia. 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. Mark honorably retired as a Houston Police Lieutenant after 25 years of service. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1976 Press Photo Bob Sobeo, candidate for Harris County Chairman, Texas at the best online prices at eBay! President's Message: Monks is dedicated to being firm but fair. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. For Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 2. Tonya McLaughlin is a native Texan. Xavier will be the kind of judge who always puts our community and the Constitution first. The bench does not belong to the DA's Office. Sophia is a member of the Rotary Club of Houston International and the Middle Eastern Heritage Club of Houston. He has been co-parenting 3 children for over 30 years. He has dedicated his entire legal career to working in Criminal Law and successfully earned a 2018 Judicial Nomination for the Republican Party in a highly contested race. Malcolm Whittaker is a highly experienced civil litigator. Aaron G. Adams is a practicing Attorney of 17 years, Sports Agent, Author, and Real Estate Investor. Jesus Guillen received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2014 and has been practicing family law for 7 years. Aaron G. Adams is a practicing Attorney of 17 years, Sports Agent, Author, and Real Estate Investor. Jones said several factors contribute to the shake up of judges: bond, where the candidates were on the ballot, and whether they are male or female.