To that end, we endorse the best candidates regardless of political affiliation. My experiences have taught me that fair, efficient, and objective dispute resolution saves time and legal costs. 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. April Farris was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in 2021. April is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School and Abilene Christian University. 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. Justice Terry Adams was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in 2020. He has practiced in both state and federal courts. Lance has been married to his wife Vickie for 23 years and they have one daughter, who will be a junior in the fall at Texas A&M. 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. 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. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The primary election proved to be a shake up for judges in Harris County. This new political blog websiteofficially launched in late2020and is focused on issues important to Harris County residents. During that time, Judge Hart became known for low dockets, fair trials and justice delivered. for Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District. As an assistant district attorney, Lori worked her way up through the ranks of the district attorneys office. Gardner Eastland received his law degree from SMU in Dallas and has been practicing family law for 18 years. Please SCROLL DOWN (14 pages)to view our candidate endorsements. That said, a candidate must earn our vote. Leslie has practiced law for almost 25 years. The elections are closed, however, in that voters may not participate in the proceedings (a runoff primary or a convention) of another party thereafter. Fraga credits the support of her large extended family for making it possible for this working mom to serve in these ways. 713-802-0085. [1][2], Though Texas officially has closed primaries (requiring that voters declare party affiliation in advance in order to participate), the state's primaries are functionally open: any registered voter may vote in any single party's primary if they have not voted in the primary of another party. She started her career as a prosecutor in the Harris County DA's office and currently runs her own private criminal law practice. Man, woman shot in grocery store parking lot in SE Houston, police say, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase, Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say. for Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District. From my father, I learned that every conversation starts with listening, and from my mother, the compassion to accept people as they are. After graduation, Dan worked for the Harris County District Attorneys Office and continues to work as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Harris County. He also spent 7 years as a First name Last name Email Address Lori and Bill live in Spring with their Italian Greyhound, Lucia. After she received her law degree, she moved back to Houston and has been practicing law in the bayou city since 1986. Harris County crime rates have skyrocketed under the Democrats' leadership. He remained there for over 25 years and rose to the level of Division Chief. 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. Another officer was shot during the encounter as well. "They can signal, 'I am going to be tougher on crime,' while being fair in the sense of they are still Democrats. Glass made headlines in September of 2021 when Houston police officer William 'Bill' Jeffrey was killed in the line of duty. Kevin Fulton has dedicated his life to serving others. As a prosecutor, Elizabeth has served as a Misdemeanor Chief and practiced in the Felony, Juvenile and Intake Divisions. She resolved thousands of cases from DWI to aggravated robbery, child abuse, and capital murder. She is a member of the Houston Bar Association and a Fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation. The Harris County Democratic Party is dedicated to the ideal that everyone deserves an equal shot at life, . Stay Informed. She briefly left Houston to attend the University of Texas, where she got her undergraduate degree and a law degree. Matthew, a 20-year veteran of the Houston Police Department and a native Houstonian, wants to restore faith in the communitys court system, and bring back a balanced approach to justice as well as a reasonable, common-sense approach to Harris Countys criminal justice system. Bob has worked on all types of Civil Cases, Foreclosures, Evictions, Family Law, Immigration cases, and Criminal Cases, including Traffic Ticket Defense. As judge of Harris Countys 308th Family District Court, I resolved over 400 cases per month across the full spectrum of family law matters. She is married and has two children. She was elected to this position in November 2014. Justice Adams is recognized by Texas Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America as being one of the top appellate lawyers in Texas. Justice Jewell is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Houston Bar Association, and a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. I have tried cases in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Galveston County, Dallas County, Bexar County, and in State and Federal Court. B. That's why 68 Republican judicial candidates have stepped up to run for office this November. Get to the polls prepared! Rose Cardenas is a lifelong Houstonian. Geric was raised by a single Mexican mother with 2 siblings. for District Judge, 157th Judicial District. Growing up in San Antonio, my parents instilled in me two valuable lessons, ones that I have carried with me through my three decades of practicing family law here in Houston, my eight years as a Harris County family court judge, and now in my service to you as a family law arbitrator and mediator. Growing up in San Antonio, my parents instilled in me two valuable lessons, ones that I have carried with me through my three decades of practicing family law here in Houston, my eight years as a Harris County family court judge, and now in my service to you as a family law arbitrator and mediator. He has since been practicing family law as an attorney since 2005 and has owned his own Family law firm since 2006. for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2. for District Judge, 270th Judicial District. Bob is uniquely qualified to serve as Justice of the Peace. She previously served as a partner at Yetter Coleman, LLP and as an assistant Texas Solicitor General. He was born in Harris County and has lived here for over 45 years. She was born and raised in Houston and has lived in Harris County for 27 years. 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. Jessica has continued to serve the community in indigent defense and works in the countys drug courts helping clients overcome drug addiction. Her legal career has spanned over three decades and delved into many levels of litigation, probate, transactional, and real estate/property matters. for District Judge, 189th Judicial District. To view our blog poston the 2022 election, please click on the link below: HarrisCountyDemocrats.com Comments on the 2022 General Election Results. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas has jurisdiction in Harris County. Dan would like to continue his passion by earning your vote to serve our justice system as a judge. 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. In 2012 he served as a State Delegate at the Convention in Fort Worth and was a Member of the Rules Committee. 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. To advance to the general election, a candidate must win a majority (over 50 percent) of the vote. Monks is dedicated to being firm but fair. In 2012 he served as a State Delegate at the Convention in Fort Worth and was a Member of the Rules Committee. During that time, Judge Hart became known for low dockets, fair trials and justice delivered. Brian Staley received his law degree from South Texas College of Law and has been practicing civil and appellate law for 26 years. 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. Three Democratic candidates and five Republican candidates are running for the Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner position in the upcoming March primaries. Michael grew up in Pasadena where he and his wife of 36 years, Laura, raised their 3 children. I am also a member of the Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association and Attorneys in Tax and Probate. Harris County crime rates have skyrocketed under the Democrats leadership. 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 Folks who say they want to protect children should help me end. It belongs to the people. Geric is a former teacher who taught 9th grade math. 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. If even one is bounced, Abbott could appoint a replacement for those in the criminal courts. Fred has been a Super Lawyer in Insurance Coverage since 2007. Xavier is currently a Deputy Division Chief at the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office where he supervises 12 prosecutors in 6 County Courts at Law. 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. Register to vote. Sophia has volunteered for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by serving on the Houston Gala committee from 2006 to 2021. 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. Will Archer has 25 years of experience as a practicing Attorney. Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2. Then, after more than 20 years, Lori left the office as the chief prosecutor for the 208th District Court. She graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration and South Texas College of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1997. for District Judge, 228th Judicial District. The bench does not belong to the DA's Office. While with the Houston Police Department, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award and named Police Officer of the Year. Michelle and her husband Stephen Fraga know firsthand the rewards of building strong families and strong communities. Family District Judge, 280th Judicial District. 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. Judge Antu is a 17-year veteran criminal lawyer. Sophia is a member of the Rotary Club of Houston International and the Middle Eastern Heritage Club of Houston. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. Leslie and her husband, Houston attorney Dane Johnson, reside in Houston and have two children. ", for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. She is married to her best friend of 14 years, Matt, and they have four beautiful children together. ", for District Judge, 232nd Judicial District, for District Judge, 234th Judicial District, for District Judge, 248th Judicial District, for District Judge, 262nd Judicial District. When not working tirelessly for his clients, Chris loves traveling with his growing family. The Harris County Democratic Party is NOT doing anything to assist the 22 electeds. I have often represented executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, and beneficiaries in complex probate proceedings, and recovered millions of dollars in assets lost through fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. In 1983, Bob began his legal career by establishing his legal practice. Houston police officers shot: 1 officer killed, 1 injured while executing warrant in NE Harris Co. Denise Graves received her bachelors of science in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University before earning her J.D. Brian and his wife Carol have been married 32 years and have three children. Mike Monks is a native Houstonian, fourth-generation Texan, and lifelong Republican. Tonya McLaughlin is a native Texan. from the South Texas College of Law. During his service, Judge Landrum has been highly rated by members of the Houston Bar, and he looks forward to serving you again. He graduated first in his class. Our phones are staffed Monday through Friday from 10AMuntil 4PMat(713) 802-0085,oremail us at: harrisdemocrats@harrisdemocrats.com. In the five months has served, Judge Antu has reduced the criminal backlog by 900 cases and has presided over 6 jury trials. She was instrumental in developing the young offender S.O.B.E.R. 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. 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. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The primary election proved to be a shake up for judges in Harris County. She sits on the boards of the TEACH, Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA and Catholic Charities. Whether it be through the Houston Police Department, The District Attorney's Office, or through his work representing indigent adults and children, there is still more to be done to ensure our community's faith is restored in the courthouse. This example of selfless service led her to begin her training after law school at the Harris County District Attorneys Office where she handled all types of criminal cases. 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. Jesus Guillen received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2014 and has been practicing family law for 7 years. The people of Harris County speak more than 145 different languages and come from every corner of the globe. Texas Court of Appeals She was born and raised in Houston and has lived in Harris County for 27 years. for District Judge, 269th Judicial District, for District Judge, 270th Judicial District, for District Judge, 281st Judicial District. As a prosecutor, Elizabeth has served as a Misdemeanor Chief and practiced in the Felony, Juvenile and Intake Divisions. State Representatives. 2, "Judge Clyde graduated in Top 5% of South Texas College of Law Houston and is an experienced litigation attorney -- licensed since 1990. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. As a fifth-generation Latino Texan, Leo Farias understands the states culture, needs, and struggles. He has been part of Harris County for over 5 decades, working tirelessly to make it a better, safer place for everyone. 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. 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. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. Heather Hudson received her law degree from St. Marys University School of Law and has been practicing criminal appellate law as a prosecutor for 14 years. 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). They included visitation and geographical restriction issues, as well as complex property divisions. 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. 2. He has also volunteered as a professional auctioneer since 1992, helping numerous non-profit organizations raise funds for worthy causes throughout Harris and Galveston County. Geric Tipsword has been a Houston resident since 2004, coming to Houston to attend law school he remained to begin his law practice. 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 .