District 457
Jurisdiction: Montgomery,
District Level Judicial Candidates
Harris County
Chart of Texas Judicial Department
https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1452920/court-structure-chart-september-2021.pdf
Brochure of the Court System
https://www.txcourts.gov/media/675444/The-Texas-Judicial-System_Print102714.pdf
District Courts
Harris County (4,731,145 Population)
Civil District Court 11th Judge Kristen Brauchle Hawkins (IN) up for re-election 2024.
Judge Hawkins earned her bachelor's degree in government and Spanish from the University of Texas-Austin, and her J.D. from the South Texas College of Law. She began practicing as an attorney in 2000.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 11th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 55 Judge Latosha Lewis Payne (IN) up for re-election 2026. Judge Latosha Lewis Payne is the Presiding Judge of the 55th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. She also serves as the current Harris County Administrative Judge. Prior to her election to the bench, she practiced at Am Law 200 international law firms for most of her 18-year law practice. Judge Payne is a former elected Partner of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP n/k/a Foley Lardner and was a Co-Founding Partner of Trahan Dinn Kornegay Payne LLP, a woman-owned civil litigation and insurance coverage law firm. Judge Payne earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 2000 and a double major from Tulane University, H. Sophie Newcomb Women’s College in 1996. She was recognized as a Tulane Honors Scholar after being awarded a postgraduate fellowship by the Thomas J. Watson Foundation to study “Culture and the Development of Women’s Sports” in Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, and Jamaica. She was also a scholarship athlete who is the former Metro Conference Champion in the Women’s 400Meter Hurdles. Judge Payne is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and has been honored as a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and Texas Bar Foundation. She has received many honors, including “Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year” by the Houston Young Lawyers Association. In addition to her service to the community on the bench, Judge Payne is an Adjunct Professor of a Communication Law & Ethics course at the University of Houston. She also dedicates over 500 hours per year as a volunteer head coach for 11-12 girls and hurdles with the largest youth track club in the United States. Source: https://www.justex.net/courts/civil/CourtSection.aspx?crt=2&sid=866
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 61st Judge Fredericka Phillips (IN) up for re-election 2024. Phillips earned her B.S. in criminal justice from Lamar University in 1996. She later received her J.D. from the South Texas College of Law in 2000. She began practicing as an attorney in 2000.he was a civil litigator for over 16 years prior to being elected judge in 2016. She represented businesses and individuals in all state and federal courts including before the Texas Supreme Court and the US Fifth Circuit. Fredericka also represented companies in administrative hearings before city, state and federal agencies.Fredericka is licensed to practice in all Texas state courts, and the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, and Southern District Courts of Texas and the US Fifth Circuit.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredericka-phillips-5686a2a/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 61st up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 80th Judge Jeralynn Manor (IN) Up for re-election 2024. Manor studied philosophy at Xavier University in New Orleans before finishing her undergraduate studies in Administration of Justice at Texas Southern University. She went on to Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she earned the American Juris Prudence Award in Bankruptcy under the tutelage of the Honorable Justice Manual Leal of the Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court and won 1st place in the Mock Trial competition. In 2001 Manor earned her Juris Doctorate and became a licensed attorney by the Texas Supreme Court. In her 17-plus years of practicing law, Attorney Manor has worked in several areas. She concentrated her early career as a fee attorney for 3 major title companies. Throughout her fee attorney and escrow practice, Manor closed and played an integral role in helping thousands of Texas to achieve home ownership.Judge Jeralynn Manor serves all Harris County residents as the presiding Judge of the 80th Civil District Court. Judge Manor took the bench in 2021 following a successful 20-year legal practice in Houston.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 80th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 113th Judge Rabeea Collier (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Collier earned her B.A. in government from the University of Texas at Austin. She later received a J.D. from Texas Southern University. Collier is a private practice attorney. Judge Collier is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and was recently awarded the 2021 Jurist of the Year for the Texas Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Judge Collier serves on the Curriculum Committee for the Texas Center for the Judiciary, which is comprised of approximately 15 judges that develop judicial education for all Texas judges. She also currently serves as an executive board member for the Association of District Judges and a board member of the Asian American Bar Association of Houston. Judge Collier believes that judicial integrity is the necessary requirement to uphold the sanctity of our laws. As judge, she demands that the law is followed in each case and judged on the merits of the case free from bias and prejudice. As a native Houstonian, Judge Collier serves as your judge of the 113th Judicial District Court of Harris County.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 125th Judge Kyle Carter (IN) Unopposed. Up for re-election 2026.Carter received his graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, the University of Texas, and South Texas College of Law. Prior to taking the bench Judge Carter was a senior litigation associate with the Carter Law Firm, representing publicly-held corporate clients, small businesses, and individuals. Judge Carter has also served as general counsel to the legislative committees on General Investigations and Ethics, as well as the committee on Urban Affairs. In addition to being judge of the 125th District Court, Judge Carter is currently the president of the Texas Association of District Judges. Judge Carter also works with several charitable organizations. Judge Carter is an active Mason and Shriner, and active supporter of Shriner’s Hospital and Rite Care. Judge Carter has been honored to serve as a 2008 “Man of Style” benefitting Sickle Cell research. Judge Carter is also a member of the University of Texas Chancellor’s Council. Additionally, Judge Carter is a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and serves on the International Committee. Judge Carter is the founder and president of Judges at Work in Schools, a charitable organization dedicated to teaching students of all ages about the judicial system. Finally, Judge Carter is also the founder and president of Join, Inc., a charitable organization that brings together judges to address specific community needs.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 127th Denise Brown Unopposed. Up for re-election 2024. She is a trial attorney with more than 20 years of experience representing plaintiffs and defendants. From automobile collisions, medical malpractice, consumer litigation, and business disputes, Denise has tried cases to jury verdict as both first and second chair. She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies. While at Baylor, Denise was president of the Student Union, a member of the Baylor Line, a member of the Pre-Law Society, and a member of the Environmental Club. She spent her time mentoring at risk elementary students within the Waco ISD system to promote graduation and continuing education. After graduation, Denise traveled with Baylor University Environmental Studies Department to perform environmental testing and research for the government of Belize. Denise then attended South Texas College of Law where she was Chair of the Board of Advocates, a competitor in mock trial and moot court tournaments, and a law clerk at prestigious plaintiff firms in Houston. Denise’s love of trial has translated into years of judging mock trial competitions at South Texas College of Law, University of Houston, and various national competitions. Denise is a first generation attorney, fulfilling her childhood dream of arguing in court like she saw on TV and in movies. Denise began her career defending individuals and companies with well-known defense firms. Six years ago, Denise opened her own law firm to represent injured plaintiffs in Harris County and the surrounding areas. Denise is licensed to practice in Texas and the Southern District of Texas. Denise is a proud member of the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Association of Women Attorneys, founding Director of Litigation Engagement of Texas Volunteer Mediators Association, co-founder of "Sock It to Me", an annual sock and clothing drive for the homeless of Harris County which benefits Homefull.us and HomeSearch, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, Harris County Democratic Party, Harris County Democratic Lawyers, and many local Democrat clubs and organizations.
Civil District Court 129th Michael Gomez (IN) up for re-election 2024. Judge Gomez is the highly rated judge of the 129th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. He is a lifelong resident of Houston and a graduate of Rice University and the University of Houston Law Center, where he served as articles editor for the Houston Law Review. During his time on the bench, Judge Gomez has disposed of tens of thousands of cases and presided over hundreds of jury and bench trials. Judge Gomez has received the Hispanic Bar Association Judge of the Year award, the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas Foundation, and the Houston Bar Association’s President’s Award for Outstanding Service for his work with the Harris County Law Library and its work to assist pro-se litigants. Judge Gomez is also a fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation, Texas Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation. Judge Gomez is a frequent continuing legal education speaker addressing topics of importance to the bar and speaks often at public schools regarding the importance of higher education and careers in the legal profession.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 129th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 133rd Nicole Perdue up for re-election in 2024. After graduating with honors from Texas A&M University, Nicole returned to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law, where she served as Chief Notes and Comment Editor of the Law Review and earned national titles with the school’s distinguished advocacy program and membership in the National Order of Barristers and the Order of the Lytae. Nicole served as an intern for the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court and briefing attorney for the Chief Justice of the First Court of Appeals. Nicole began her legal career in the Houston office of the national law firm Foley & Lardner (formerly Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs), where she specialized in employment litigation—representing both plaintiffs and defendants. In 2001, Nicole joined Perdue and Kidd, where she represents clients in a wide range of civil litigation matters. Nicole is also routinely appointed as a guardian ad litem in Texas state and federal district courts. Serving in this vital role, she represents the interests of minor plaintiffs in complex litigation from mediation through final resolution. Nicole's tenacity and skill as an advocate have earned her a reputation for being a strong and thoughtful representative for minor children, both in the families she serves and the legal community. Nicole seeks to bring over two decades of civil trial experience and a genuine commitment to fairness and efficiency to the 133rd Civil District Court. Nicole’s campaign is rooted in her belief that fairness, respect, and judicial integrity are essential for any judicial system to function properly. Nicole Perdue is not just a legal professional; she is a compassionate advocate for justice, fairness, and equality. Her extensive experience, progressive values, and dedication to advocacy make her the ideal candidate for the 133rd Civil District Court. If elected, the 133rd Civil District Court would remain a venue in which both sides have an opportunity to be heard and where attorneys and litigants are treated with respect. Nicole would approach all cases with professional integrity, setting aside personal views and clearing her mind of preconceived notions about how the case might come out. Significantly, Nicole would stay within the boundaries of the proper judicial role by "keeping her finger off the scales of justice” and letting the parties have their day in court. Finally, Nicole would hear and decide matters in a timely and deliberate manner, balancing the parties' rights to be heard and to have issues resolved without unnecessary cost or delay. She believes that effective case management is essential to the delivery of justice
Source: https://www.nicoleperdueforjudge.com/.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 133rd up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 151 Erica Hughes up for re-election in 2024. Bachelor's Degree from Prairie View A&M University and full scholarship to Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. She is a former Houston Lawyer and Judge Advocate for the National Guard. Judge Hughes is dedicated to restoring integrity, fairness, justice, and honor for all individuals involved in legal proceedings. In 2018, Judge Hughes was elected to the Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 3, where she joined 17 other accomplished women of color. Together, they made history in Houston by forming the largest group of African-American female Judges ever assembled in Texas. This incredible milestone is just the start of their remarkable journey. Additionally, Judge Hughes served as the presiding judge of the Harris County Veterans Treatment Court in Houston, Texas.Judge Hughes was chosen by Attorney General Merrick Garland to serve as an Immigration Judge, where she will preside over cases beginning in January 2022. In addition to this new role, Hughes has been an esteemed member of the U.S. Army National Guard of Texas in Austin since 2016, serving as a Judge Advocate.
Source: https://hughesforjudge.com/about-erica/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 152nd Takisha Francis up for re-election in 2024. TaKasha Francis is an accomplished attorney, community servant, and esteemed leader with a proven track record of over 19 years of dedicated service. TaKasha's journey has been marked by a commitment to justice, community empowerment, and a passion for making a positive impact. TaKasha has excelled in her legal career, serving as the founder of The Francis Firm P.C., a distinguished boutique law firm specializing in Family Law and Civil litigation. She also brought her expertise to the public sector as an Assistant Attorney General in the Child Support Division at the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. Her legal acumen and dedication to justice have been evident throughout her private and public legal practice. In 2016, TaKasha transitioned from private practice to public service as a mayoral appointee. Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed her as the Director of the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, a position unanimously confirmed by the Houston City Council. In this role, TaKasha has been instrumental in providing strategic vision to enhance the overall quality of life for over 2.6 million Houston residents in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. Managing a team of five divisions, she has worked tirelessly to deliver high-quality services, innovative programs, and foster strong community partnerships. TaKasha is not only a leader in the legal field but also a champion for community engagement. Her passion for addressing neighborhood issues, promoting civic engagement, and fostering diversity and inclusion has led to the initiation and support of various community programs. From neighborhood cleanup and enhancement initiatives to anti-gang and juvenile delinquency prevention programs, TaKasha's initiatives have left a lasting positive impact on Houston communities. TaKasha has pioneered signature programs and partnerships that bridge the legal community directly with Houston neighborhoods. The "Month of Service" program offers free online workshops covering legal topics, providing valuable information and resources to improve the quality of life. Additionally, she established a Memorandum of Understanding between the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center and the Department of Neighborhoods to provide dispute resolution services to Houston Super neighborhoods. TaKasha's innovative leadership also led to the creation of Complete Communities University, the city's first civic engagement leadership program for emerging leaders to educate the public on local government and effective advocacy.
-
Board Member, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Alumni
February 2020 - Present -
Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
-
The College of the State Bar of Texas
-
Houston Lawyers Association
-
National Association of Women Lawyers
Source: hhttps://www.francisforjudge.com/about-takasha
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 157th Judge Tanya Garrison (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Garrison attended the University of Houston Law School. She has worked as a commercial litigator with an emphasis on civil appellate law. She has been associated with the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, the Association of Women Attorneys, and the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Board. During law school, Judge Garrison began working at the law firm of Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C., where she practiced law until being elected as Judge of the 157th in 2018. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Garrison’s law practice consisted of entirely civil litigation with an emphasis on appellate law. She is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a proud member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Judge Garrison is active in the legal profession and the community. In 2008, she was elected as President of the Houston Young Lawyers Association and in 2011, was selected as the Woodrow B. Seals Outstanding Young Lawyer. In 2021, she was named Trial Judge of the Year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. Judge Garrison is also a frequent Continuing Legal Education speaker and course instructor. Judge Garrison has served on the board of various pro bono organizations providing legal services to lower income Houstonians.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 164th Judge Cheryl Elliot Thornton (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge Thornton serves as the Presiding Judge of the 164th Civil Judicial District Court. Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Elliott Thornton, a practicing attorney for over thirty years, served as Senior Assistant County Attorney for the Harris County Attorney’s Office for over ten years. To ready herself to embark on a life of public service, Judge Elliott Thornton attended and graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, Trinity University (BA) and St. Mary’s University (MA) in San Antonio, Texas, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University (JD) in Houston, Texas. Her commitment to public service is exemplified through her professional enterprises not only as Harris County Senior Assistant County Attorney. She has also proudly served her community as General Counsel for Texas Southern University, Administrative Law Judge for two State agencies and Assistant Attorney General IV for the State of Texas, as well as being a teacher for our youth in both Lone Star College University Park and Houston Community College. Judge Elliott Thornton has always believed that serving the public must include involvement in professional and personal organizations. Professionally, she has served as Co-Chair of the Gender Fairness Committee of the Houston Bar Association for which she received its President Award. During her tenure as Co-Chair of the Gender Fairness Committee, she was instrumental in spearheading the establishment of the LGBTQI Committee of the Houston Bar Association. Judge Elliott Thornton also serves as representative of the Houston Bar Association on the Houston Lawyer Referral Service Board (HLRS) for which she serves on the Executive Committee. Further, Judge Elliott Thornton is also a member of the Houston Bar Association, Association of Women Judges, the International Association of Women Judges, National Bar Association, Houston Lawyer’s Association, Women Professionals in Government, the Association of Women Attorneys and the Downtown Group. Judge Elliott Thornton’s public service extends far beyond her professional endeavors. She has served as board member and chair for the Police Advisory Board under several police chiefs, board member and General Counsel of the World Youth Foundation, executive board member for the West MacGregor Homeowners Association, General Counsel for Senate District 13, Precinct Chair for Precinct 228 and fundraiser for The Museum at Texas Southern University, Ebony Opera Guild and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Source: https://www.justex.net/court/164
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 164th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 165th Judge Ursula A. Hall (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge Hall earned a Bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, going on to earn a J.D. from the South Texas College of Law. She has served as an associate municipal judge for the City of Houston since 2005. She previously worked in a large law firm and also opened her own law office.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 165th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 174th Judge Hazel B. Jones (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge Jones received her undergraduate degree from University of Texas and her J.D. from Howard University Law School. She served as the judge for Texas District 338 from 2008 until 2012. She had previously worked as an assistant district attorney for Harris County, as a special assistant United States attorney, and in private practice.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 176th Judge Nikita V. Harmon (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge Harmon earned a B.B.A. from Texas Southern University in 1983. She received her J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1990. She was admitted to the State Bar of Texas that same year. Harmon served for 14 years as an associate municipal judge in the City of Houston. At the time of her election, she managed a private law practice, specializing in family law and criminal defense.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 177th Judge Robert Johnson, Jr. (IN) up for re-election in 2026.
Judge Johnson graduated from Sharpstown High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in business and commerce from the University of Houston in 1990 and a J.D. from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2001. His career experience includes founding a law practice and working in criminal defense.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 177th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 178th Judge Kelli D. Johnson (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge Johnson attended Texas Christian University and the University of Salamanca in Spain for her bachelor's degree. She received her J.D. from South Texas College of Law. She has served as an assistant district attorney since 1999.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 179th Judge Ana Martinez (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Ana is an accomplished trial and appellate attorney. She holds a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and a Masters of Law (LLM) from the University of Houston Law Center. She also graduated law school in Colombia from Universidad de los Andes, one of the top law schools in the country, and became fully licensed to practice in her home country in 2004. In her last year of law school in Bogota, she served as an appointed criminal defense attorney for indigent clients, handling cases at the trial and appellate level. After obtaining her J.D. and becoming a licensed attorney to practice law in Texas, she spent a year as a Law Clerk for the Texas Supreme Court. In this role, she had the opportunity to hear live arguments and attend conferences where Supreme Court Justices discussed the cases before the Court. This unique experience helped shape Ana’s legal reasoning. Ana served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where she litigated misdemeanor and felony cases for five years. She was a founding member of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Section prosecuting exploiters and better identifying victims of human trafficking. Ana later worked as one of few bilingual appointed attorneys in Harris County misdemeanor and felony criminal courts representing those who could not afford a lawyer for about four years. Ana was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She is the current Judge for the 179th District Court, where she has presided over numerous trials related to the most serious charges, including murder and sexual assault offenses against children. Previously, she served as Law Clerk for the Texas Supreme Court; as a felony prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office; and as one of few bilingual appointed attorneys in the Harris County criminal courts representing those who could not afford a lawyer.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 180th Judge Dasean Jones (IN) is currently on the ballot for Supreme Court Justice Place 2. Up for re-election for this position in 2026. Jones earned a B.A. in English from Tuskegee University, an M.A. in management & leadership from Webster University, and a J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He served as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2008, as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2008 to 2011, and has served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2012.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 182nd Judge Danilo (Danny ) Lacayo (IN) up for re-election in 2026.
Judge Lacoyo presides over all different types of felony cases. Previously he was an Assistant District Attorney for approximately seven years and and Assistant Public Defender for approximately five years. He is also one of four judges that preside over STAR court which is a drug rehabilitation program. This is in addition to regular duties. From the Houston Chronicle: The Democrat wants voters to understand that he has taken the responsibility over bail decisions seriously, regardless of his party. His ability to balance due process and defendants’ rights with a no-nonsense approach to bond violations is part of the reason why we think Lacayo deserves a second term on the bench. Lacayo’s other strengths give us confidence, including maintaining an efficient docket. His one-year clearance rate is 111 percent, the eighth-highest among the 23 district courts. He received solid marks from his colleagues in the Houston Bar Association poll, with most respondents rating him “excellent” or “very good” overall.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 183 up for re-election in 2026
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 184th Judge Katherine N. Thomas (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Jude Thomas is a double HBCU graduate from Spelman College and Howard University School of Law. While attending Spelman College, she was given the opportunity to intern at the White House under the leadership of President Obama. While attending law school, she pursued criminal defense work in the Criminal Justice Clinic where I represented indigent clients. She was able to try cases in the District of Columbia and facilitate gaining the best outcome for my clients. After law school, I knew that I wanted to return to my home-Houston-to serve my community as an Assistant District Attorney for the fourth largest and most diverse county in the country. As an Assistant District Attorney, she has reviewed and evaluated several thousand cases ranging from petty misdemeanors to Capital Murder. As a felony prosecutor, she has balanced a caseload of an average of over 2,000 cases. That means on a day-to-day basis she wears several hats–counselor, investigator, and attorney. "To me, my cases are not a number and I understand full well that there is a person and a story behind each one of the cases that come across my desk. As a counselor, I walk hand in hand with victims of crime to better understand the crime that was committed against them and how to advocate for them."
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Katherine_Thomas_(Texas)
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 185th Judge Andrea Beall (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Prior to practicing law, Andrea graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts inPolitical Science, minoring in Philosophy. Andrea also has a Masters in International Development with an emphasis on Urban Planning and Development from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. Andrea then went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from South Texas College of Law Houston, where she received her Juris Doctorate. Andrea has previously served the United States Senate as a legislative intern for Senator Richard “Dick” Durbin (D-IL), the Majority Whip of the United States Senate. While in that role, Andrea conducted legislative research on a variety of political issues including immigration reform and mental health assistance for veterans. Andrea has also worked for Agape Development, a non-profit Community Development Organization, working with at-risk youth and young adults in Houston’s Third Ward. Andrea served in Houston’s Second Ward through Mission Year, a non-denominational, non-profit, Christian Community Development organization. Andrea is currently employed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as a Felony Chief in the Child Fatality Division. Andrea is in charge of half of all investigations and pending cases in Harris County where a child under the age of 14 has been killed. Andrea has served her community by seeking justice in cases involving serious crimes such as Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child, Murder, Capital Murder (Non-Death Penalty), Aggravated Robbery, and cases involving Domestic Violence. Since the killings at the Harding Street raid, Andrea has been employed by the City of Houston to train police officers in Search and Seizure Law and to aid them in understanding the 4th Amendment protections provided to members of our community. Additionally, Andrea is an Adjunct Professor at South Texas College of Law Houston. Andrea serves on the Houston Bar Association’s Gender Fairness Committee as well as the HAY Center Committee, an association dedicated to empowering current and former foster youth.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 189th Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Craft entered Texas A&M University in the Fall of 1994 with 12 college hours obtained during high school and went on to graduate from the University of Houston with a degree in Criminal Justice. I then attended South Texas College of Law where I held the position of Assistant Editor-In-Chief of South Texas’ Law Review and was on the Dean’s List several semesters all while raising 3 year-old twins. I also graduated from South Texas Law School in 2 years, instead of the typical 3 years. In November of 2003, I was licensed in the state of Texas and I am currently licensed to practice in the Eastern, Northern and Southern Federal District Courts and the 1st, 13th and 14th Courts of Appeals. In June of 2017, I became licensed in the highest Court in the land, the United States Supreme Court. Only 10% of the over 700,000 in the United States are eligible to practice before the United States Supreme Court. I am the first African American ever elected to the 189th Civil District Court. I have been a fighter for justice and equality since I was a teenager in the late 80's. In 1987, my cousin and his two small kids were murdered by his wife and the offender was sentenced to death row. The murders would change the trajectory of my life. During law school, the offender in my cousins’ murders was sentenced to her death day in a Harris County courtroom, I was there. After her death day was set I went to the Harris County jail and visited the offender as she had vehemently expressed her innocence. Again I am a fighter for justice and despite the fact that I was not making a popular decision within my family, I began a personal journey to ensure that my family would know the truth and ultimately receive justice. Since 2003, I have practiced and tried cases in many areas including: civil, criminal, family, education, labor and employment law, real estate and property tax law. I am a 24 year Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated woman where I am a charter member of Alpha Alpha Kappa Omega chapter of the sorority. As an AKA, my personal mission mirrors my sorority's mission which is to provide "SERVICE TO ALL MANKIND."
Source: https://www.craftforjudge.com/about
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 190th Judge Beau Miller (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Beau Miller earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Louisiana State University in 1995 and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2001. Miller's career experience includes working as an attorney. He is the founder and president of Live Consortium and a member of the State Bar of Texas’ Texas Minority Counsel Program, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, and the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts Dean’s Taskforce. The Honorable Beau A. Miller is the Presiding Judge of the 190th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas. Before election to the bench in 2018, Judge Miller was in private practice, representing a wide range of clients, both plaintiffs and defendants, in commercial, products liability, and Section 1983 litigation. From 2001 through 2003, Judge Miller was a law clerk to The Honorable Ricardo H. Hinojosa, United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, McAllen Division. Judge Miller received his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law and serves as the Permanent Class President of the Class of 2001. Prior to his legal career, Judge Miller was the Associate Director of Bands at Stephen F. Austin High School, Austin, Texas. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He also served as the Drum Major of the “Golden Band from Tigerland.” While on the bench Judge Miller has served as Chair of the Harris County District Courts’ Civil Trial Division’s Ethics and Continuing Legal Education Committee in 2020 and 2021. He also served as Co-Chair of the Houston Bar Association’s 2021-2022 LGBTQ+ Committee for which he received the Houston Bar Association’s President’s Award. During the Pandemic, Judge Miller was responsible for producing the District Court of Harris County’s COVID-19 in-person jury trial information campaign which consists website,
www.HarrisCountyJuryService.com, pamphlet, and video highlighting the safety procedures and protocols in place for in-person jury trials in Harris County. In addition, he was the first judge in Harris County to preside over a Zoom bench trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first judge in Harris County to preside over the first in-person jury trial during COVID-19. Currently, Judge Miller is the Administrative Judge for the Harris County District Courts’ Civil Trial Division, Co-Chair of the Houston Bar Association’s 2022-2023 Civil/Appellate Bench Bar Conference Committee, and Co-Chair of the Houston Bar Association’s 2022-2023 LGBTQ+ Committee. In addition to his own docket, Judge Miller is the Pretrial Judge of the Multidistrict Litigation In re July 27 Chemical Release Litigation and In re Channelview Flooding Litigation.
Source: https://www.justex.net/court/190
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 208th Judge Beverly Armstrong (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Armstrong earned a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University. She earned a law degree from the South Texas College of Law. Her career experience includes working as a first assistant criminal district attorney. Armstrong is affiliated with the Texas District and County's Association, the National Black Prosecutors Association, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Harris County Democratic Party. Beverly has been a public servant most of her legal career. As a licensed attorney for 24 years, she began her career helping families navigate probate and guardianship issues and guiding families through bankruptcy proceedings. She discovered her passion for criminal justice when she accepted a position as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Polk County. After three years as a Court Chief in Galveston County, she returned to Polk County as First Assistant. In total, Beverly has served as a Prosecutor for 15+ years. Over the course of her prosecutorial career, Beverly has handled numerous serious cases such as murder, aggravated assault, robbery, child sexual assault amongst a number of other felonies. As First Assistant, Beverly carries an extensive case load while also managing office operations. Beverly believes the community no longer has faith, trust or respect for the judiciary. She has a vision to restore the community’s belief in the justice system. Her vision requires a totality of the circumstances approach to rulings and decisions. Every case is unique with different parties and circumstances. The impact on the community is different with every crime. Therefore, every ruling must be unique to address those issues.As Judge, Beverly’s goal is to tailor rulings and decisions to ensure justice for all parties involved in the case while addressing the needs and concerns of the community.
Leadership
-
Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT)
-
Board of Directors for Children Advocacy Center
-
Former collaborator with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
-
Adjunct Professor at Southwest Professional Institute
Professional Accomplishments
-
Successful argument before the 9th Court of Appeals
-
Former Chief Prosecutor in the 110th and 212th Criminal District Courts
-
Former Child Abuse Division Chief
-
First Assistant Criminal District Attorney
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 209th Judge Brian E. Warren (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Brian Warren of the 209th Criminal District Court on being named 2022 Judge of the Year by the Texas Gang Investigators Association. Houston Chronicle--"Judge Brian Warren “has been a successful judge in his first term on the bench… His courtroom has the 7th-lowest number of active cases pending of the 23 district courts, with an above-average one-year clearance rate of 108 percent… Voters shouldn’t sweat this one. Warren is clearly deserving of another term.”'
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 215th Judge Elaine H. Palmer (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge
Palmer received her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston, and earned her J.D. from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Prior to her judicial election, Palmer was a practicing attorney for 14 years. Judge Elaine Palmer is the consummate professional. She has mastered the art and science of listening attentively and paying attention to detail. She was elected in November 2012 and once again in 2016 to serve as the Judge of the 215th Civil District Court of Harris County. She is honored to continue serving the residents of Harris County and to give back to her community in a way that is progressive and just
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 215th up for re-election in 2024
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 228th Judge Frank Aguilar (IN) up for re-election in 2026. From the Houston Chronicle: Aguilar, 64, has done a solid job managing his docket. His one-year clearance rate of 104 percent is about average among the 23 district courts, as is his active caseload. His courtroom has the third-lowest daily average number of people who are detained pretrial merely due to their inability to afford bail.He’s also handled one of the highest-profile cases in recent memory — the murder trial of Gerald Goines, the former Houston police officer who led the disastrous and deadly raid on Harding Street as officers attempted to serve a no-knock warrant that police say Goines lied to get approved. Aguilar has managed to keep that trial on track despite many delays, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 230th Judge Chris Morton (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Having worked on all sides of the criminal justice system, and having previously advocated on behalf of both the accuser and the accused, Judge Chris Morton is well-equipped to understand the challenges facing both sides and well-qualified to provide fair and impartial judgments. As an Assistant District Attorney, Chris represented the State of Texas and the citizens of Harris County. His job was to pursue justice—in whatever form that might take. In some cases that meant pursuing the maximum sentence under the law. In others, it meant dismissing a case because he felt that the defendant’s rights had been violated. Later, as a criminal defense attorney, Chris worked zealously on behalf of people who had been accused of a crime to protect their Constitutional rights. Chris was honored in 2018 to be elected by the citizens of Harris County to be Judge of the 230th Criminal District Court. During his first term as judge, Chris has earned a reputation for providing his full attention to the cases in front of him and evaluating them individually, fairly, and honestly. Chris has also become known for challenging the status quo with respect to much-needed reforms within the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, including on hot-button topics such as bond reform. As one practitioner recently stated, Judge Morton is "smart enough to know the law and courageous enough to follow it."
Source: https://chrismortonforjudge.org
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 232nd Judge Josh Hill (IN) up for re-election in 2026. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. Digital creator, Former Lawyer at The Hill Law Firm, Former Owner/Instructor at Fighting Arts Academy, LLC, Former Assistant District Attorney at Harris County DA, Former Assistant District Attorney at Harris County District Attorney's Office, Studied Law at University of Houston Law Center, Studied Spanish at The University of Texas at Austin Board Certified in Criminal Law. Judge Hill was both an experienced criminal defense attorney and prosecutor who was elected in November, 2018 to preside over the 232nd Criminal District Court of Harris County. Board certified in criminal law, Hill also volunteers his time to serve on the Monday STAR Drug Court Docket. He worked for over eight years as an intern and prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney's Office, assigned to a variety of divisions, before joining the Hill Law Firm in Houston.
Hill is not only a fighter in the courtroom; he has also competed in multiple combat sports over the years. He has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and he also wrestled and boxed in college.
Source:https://www.justex.net/adult/judges
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 234th Judge Lauren Reeder (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Lauren graduated with Honors from New York University with a degree in Dramatic Writing. She attended Harvard Law School, where she was the Co-Chair of La Alianza, the Latino Law Students’ Association. Judge Reeder is a dedicated public servant. She maintains a busy trial docket and a large hearing docket. Lauren is regularly Involved in mentorship and speaking events for the various committees of the Houston Bar Association. Prior to her time on the bench, Lauren was an experienced civil and criminal litigator, where she was seasoned first chair trial lawyer. She has worked in large law firms, a specialized litigation boutique, and as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County. She was named a Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers Magazine and is also on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Lauren has a fierce love for the law, which is exemplified by her work ethic on the bench. Lauren is known for her preparedness, her comprehension of all facets of the law, and her ability to get the heart of complicated legal disputes. She does all of this with a respectful and friendly temperament to both sides and with a deep respect for the justice system. Lauren is also passionate about a wide variety of organizations and causes outside of the courtroom. Lauren is prior member of The Junior League of Houston, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for The Catastrophic Theatre and for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast.
Source: https://laurenreeder.org/about/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 245th Judge Angela M. Lancelin (IN) up for re-election in 2026. I have proudly served Harris County for 26 years at the Office of the Attorney General with 29 years of litigation experience as an attorney. I have dedicated my career as a public servant protecting the rights of our children and parents.
Qualified and ready to serve the public
-
Over 29 Years of Experience as an Attorney
-
Served 26 Years in Office of Attorney General
-
Licensed in Bankruptcy Courts (North, South, East)
-
Child Protective Services Liaison
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 246th Judge Angela Graves-Harrington (IN) up for re-election in 2026.
Judge Graves-Harrington graduated from Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Judge Angela Graves-Harrington is the Administrative Judge of the Harris County Board of Family District Judges. She also presides over of the Harris County 246th District Court as the first woman and second African American person ever elected to that bench. In addition to her judicial duties, she was instrumental in developing the Child Welfare Clinic at Thurgood Marshall School of Law where she serves as an adjunct professor. Judge Graves-Harrington is Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is a member of the Texas Bar College. Judge Graves-Harrington consistently strives to implement trauma-informed practices and policies in the Harris County child welfare system. She is committed to ensuring that every parent receives their due process and the support he or she needs to navigate the child welfare system while remaining focused on the ultimate goal of positive permanency for every child in every case. In 2021, to advance that goal, Judge Graves-Harrington hosted a free, 8-hour trauma-informed training for all Harris County child welfare professionals. Judge Graves-Harrington was selected by the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission to preside over one of only six trauma-informed project courts in Texas. Judge Graves-Harrington is active in both her local and state bars through service on various committees. In 2020, Judge Graves-Harrington was appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission where she serves on the Training Committee, a program that develops and oversees training efforts that promote judicial leadership and attorney development. She was appointed as co-chair of the Child Welfare and Juvenile Advisory Committee of the National Counsel of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, where she serves on the Membership and Legislative Committees. Judge Graves-Harrington serves as a member of the Houston Area Local Advisory Group for the Texas Permanency Outcomes Project (TXPOP) and an advisory member of Safe Babies, a First 3 Years® initiative. Judge Graves-Harrington was appointed as co-chair of the Houston Bar Association Family/Probate Bench Bar committee, where she organized the first family/probate bench bar conference in 19 years. Most recently, Judge Graves-Harrington was invited by the Children’s Commission to serve as faculty for the Judicial Academy on Reasonable Efforts through the Capacity Building Center for Courts. She serves as Co-Chair of the Judicial Subcommittee for the Coalition of Child Serving Sectors, Community Based Care Readiness Initiative. Finally, when not in court or the classroom, Judge Graves-Harrington shares her knowledge with the legal and child welfare community through speaking engagements and seminars. In addition to service through professional legal organizations, Judge Graves-Harrington serves her community as a twenty-one-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and Jack and Jill, Incorporated®, Greater Channel Chapter. In honor of Angela’s commitment to the community, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee declared November 19, 2021 as Judge Angela Graves-Harrington Day.
Source: https://www.justex.net/court/246
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 247th Judge Janice Berg (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Janice received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 2003 and her JD from the University of Houston Law Center in 2008. For nearly nine years, Janice has represented Houston-area clients in family cases not only at the trial level but also in the Courts of Appeals and at the Texas Supreme Court. Janice has held leadership positions in the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute and she is a member of their Civil Rights Committee and Associate Board. For the past two years, Janice has traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby on ADL’s behalf in support of increased voting rights protections and robust refugee programs.Janice is committed to providing equal treatment to all litigants, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion, or immigration status.
Source: https://janicebergforjudge.com/about-janice/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Criminal District Court 248th Judge Hilary Unger (IN) up for re-election in 2024.A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, her broad range of experience affords her an impartial perspective, allowing her to view cases without bias. Her extremely-high code of moral, ethical values is supported by her years as an assistant district attorney, as a public defender, and as a private attorney in both New York and Texas where she dedicated her time and passion to helping economically-disadvantaged clients. As a former member of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (UAW Local 2325 - 1989-1992), she walked picket lines with her fellow union members. She was a legal observer for the ACLU, a member of numerous Democratic
organizations, a Volunteer Deputy Registrar, and has canvassed neighborhoods, attended phone banks and volunteered for various political campaigns. As a judge she has been the chair of the Fair Defense Management Committee where she worked to improve the quality of indigent defense in Harris County and where she also initiated a pilot program to seamlessly appoint the Public Defender to represent indigent defendants. Hilary Unger currently serves as a co-chair of the Community Supervision and Pretrial Services Standing Committee. Harris County needs strong leadership that can fairly administer equal and impartial justice, with compassion for all. With over two-and-a-half decades of experience as both a prosecutor and as a defense attorney, Hilary Unger remains the right choice for Judge for the 248th Criminal District Court.
Source: https://www.judgehilaryunger.com/about.html
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 257th Judge Sandra Peake (IN)
up for re-election in 2026.Judge Peake earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. She is an attorney with the Law Offices of Sandra J. Peake in Harris County. She has been practicing law for 30 years, focusing primarily on family law cases.
Professional Memberships: State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Houston Lawyers Association, The Family Law Group
Licenses: State Bar of Texas, U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Texas
Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston College of Law, B.A., University of Houston
Experience: 35 Years of private practice experience, certified mentor, past instructor, hearing examiner
Community Service: Blue Triangle Multicultural Association, Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Texas Spring Cypress Chapter, Links Inc., volunteer and referral attorney for various non-profit organizations
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 262nd Judge Lori Chambers Gray (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Gray earned her J.D. from the South Texas College of Law.. Judge Gray was first licensed to practice law in Texas.. She is a private practice attorney based in Houston. Judge Gray has partnered with the Community Supervision Department to start the “New Chapter” community service reading program; expanded drug treatment opportunities; and presides over a mental health competency restoration court. Always working to keep courtrooms ahead of the times, she has also worked to extend the use of technology in court proceedings and jury trials. With nearly 25 years of experience in court, 20 of which were spent in her own criminal practice, Gray is seeking re-election to continue her service. Her presence on the bench brings deep litigation experience to the bench while inspiring the next generation to continue breaking down barriers in the profession.
Source: https://www.lawdragon.com/news-features/2022-02-14-judicial-limelight-lori-chambers-gray
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 263rd Judge Melissa Marie Morris (IN) up for re-election in 2026.I am a criminal defense attorney of sixteen years. I’ve handled every type of case that is heard in front of this bench. I am active in the community through mentorship and service organizations. I believe in a wholistic approach to administering justice and have the career and life experience to keep the people of Harris County safe from both crime and the overreach of government. I’m especially passionate about giving people the resources needed to succeed in rehabilitation. Mental illness, substance abuse and poverty are the root causes of a great deal of criminal activity. Offering resources and assistance to address these concerns will not only reduce crime, it will increase the quality of life for our communities by keeping people employed, housed and healthy.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Melissa_Morris
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 269th Judge Cory Don Sepolio (IN) up for re-election in 2026.
Community Involvement:
Houston Bar Association
Houston Bar Association Gender Fairness Committee Member
Association of Women Attorneys - Houston
National Organization for Women
Texas Bar Association Grievance Committee Panel Member
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - Houston
Houston Black American Democrats
Texas Coalition of Black Democrats
Oak Forest Democrats
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish Member
Harris County Tejano Democrats
L.U.L.A.C. #4967
South Texas College of Law Hispanic Alumni Association - Founding Member
Hispanic Bar Association of Houston
Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Houston Lawyers Association
Houston Trial Lawyers Association
Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association
Texas Exes - The University of Texas Alumni Association
Meyerland Democrats
The University of Texas at Austin College Democrats
Texas Democratic Women Association
Texas District and County Attorneys Association - Former Member
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association - Former Member
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association - Former Member
Source: https://cory4judge.com/?fbclid=IwAR0EY0f1TYV3AOyHYvZsj6S0eF-lXAJkgkUxqRoULQHCxpo5vF--upzP504
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 270th Judge Debra Davis (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Davis received her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University, and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law.Judge Dedra Davis is presiding judge of the 270th District Court. She is one of the illustrious 17 African American females elected in Harris County as judge on November 6, 2018. Since being elected, Judge Davis has successfully executed her campaign promises. By the time the pandemic halted courthouse tours, in March 2020, over 1000 students had already visit her courtroom, as well as many participating ithe Leadership
program she created. Judge Davis immediately put her words into action! Judge Davis has been innovative and creative while on the bench. A true public servant serving the public. Judge Davis founded the group “Lawyer To Litigator.” The group was formed as a vehicle to assist lawyers with procuring more trial experience, as well as, an avenue for litigants that are unable to afford a lawyer, to get free legal help from a licensed attorney. During the pandemic, Judge Davis has gallantly forged on and has presided over more than 40 virtual bench trials via Zoom. Judge Davis refuses to allow the wheels of justice to slow down. Judge Davis is the recipient of numerous awards including being formerly named “Legal Executive of the Year,” receiving a “Dedra Davis’ Day” from a Houston Mayor, and a proclamation from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
MEMBERSHIPS:
Texas Bar College
Lifetime Fellow - Texas Bar Foundation
Judicial Advisor - Civil Jury Project
President, Board - SEE YOU AT THE POLLS
Trustee - CBTU
Vice President, Board - BAC, STCL H
Judicial Ethics Committee - SBOT
Texas Association of District Judges
National Association of Women Judges
International Association of Women Judges
American Bar Association
Houston Bar Association
Houston Lawyers Association
Houston Association of Women Attorneys
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
NAACP, ACLU, and a number of other groups and organizations.
Source:https://www.justex.net/court/270
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 280th Judge Damiane “Dianne” Curvey (IN) up for re-election in 2024. Judge Curvey has nearly 16 years of experience representing individuals, business owners and other professionals from East Texas to El Paso. Attorney Curvey has handled almost two thousand family law, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters. While trial court litigation is key to her practice, she also conducts mediations for other colleagues who have family lawcases. This allows her the opportunity to resolve even more family law cases and to use her sound judgement to assist those who seek out her services.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 281th Judge Christine Weems (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Bachelors UT Austin, JD from South Texas College of Law Judge Christine Weems is a double board certified trial attorney in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law with a wide range of experience representing individuals as well as multinational corporations in litigation. In 2018, Judge Weems was elected to be only the sixth judge of the 281st Civil Judicial District Court bench. Since taking the bench, she has presided over 60 jury trials in the face of courtroom shortages due to Hurricane Harvey damage to the criminal courthouse as well as COVID-19.
- Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law
- Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates
- Member of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists
- Licensed in Texas and California, passed the bar in New York
- Director of the Mock Trial Program at the University of Houston Law Center and Adjunct Professor in Trial Advocacy and Voir Dire: The Art of Jury De-Selection
- 2021 Honorary Alum award from the University of Houston Law Center Alumni Association
- 2023 Outstanding Mentor award from the Asian Pacific Interest Section of the State Bar of Texas
- Founding Board Member and Executive Director of Cone Man Running Production - an award-winning Houston-area community theatre
Source: https://www.weemsforjudge.com/biography
Jurisdiction: Harris
Civil District Court 295th Judge Donna Roth (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Bacholor's Degree from St. John’s University, with a JD from South Texas College of Law.
-
Cum laude graduate, South Texas College of Law
-
More than 30 years of civil trial experience
-
Thousands of cases tried or settled both in mediation and through negotiation
-
Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
-
American Board of Trial Advocates Member
-
First chair jury trial experience in the types of cases that come before the 295th Civil District Court
-
Principal of a downtown Houston firm practicing mostly civil trial litigation
-
Harris County resident for 32 years
-
Moot Court/Mock Trial Judge at South Texas College of Law, Houston
-
Houston Trial Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors
-
HTLF Gala Chair benefiting Shriner's Children Hospital
-
Houston Black American Democrats, Member
-
Houston GLBT Caucus, Member
-
Houston Young Democrats, Member
-
Harris County Democratic Party, Sustaining Member
-
Volunteer at JFK Elementary, mentoring 4th grade students
-
Pro bono legal representation of abused women
-
Meyerland Democrats, Member
-
Harris County Democratic Party Election Day legal counsel
Source: https://electdonnaroth.com/about/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 308th Judge Gloria E. Lopez (IN) up for re-election in 2026. She received her bachelor’s degree in Government and Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin. Thereafter she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She was also the first Latina to be elected in the 308th District Court.Prior to taking the bench Judge López was a family law practitioner in Harris County and surrounding counties.
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 309th Judge Linda Marie Dunson (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Dunson comes to us with a double-major background in Psychology and Sociology. She has been practicing law for over 16 years. Judge Dunson also has an L.L.M. in Tax Law from the University of Houston Law Center and is licensed as a US Customs Broker. Judge Dunson served on the Children at Risk law advisory board. Her mission is to improve the efficiency of the Court, restore the integrity of the bench, and provide justice, equality, and fairness for families of different ethnicities, cultures, and various financial means without prejudice or discrimination.
Source: https://www.ramosfamilylaw.com/help-center/family-court-judges/309th/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 310th Judge Sonya L.Heath (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Sonya Heath is the presiding judge for the 310th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas (taking the bench January 1, 2019). A graduate of TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Judge Heath was formerly a solo practitioner at The Law Office of Sonya Heath, focusing exclusively on family law matters. With almost 40 years in the legal industry, her particular emphasis has been on family, labor and employment, criminal and appellate law. Judge Heath previously worked for The Craig Washington Law Firm and at the First Court of Appeals as judicial intern. She was published in the 2010-2011 Edition of The Adelphia Law Journal of South Texas College of Law on Human Papillomavirus: Can the Legislature Mandate the Vaccine. Previously Vice-Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association's Family Law Committee, Judge Heath is currently a member of The College of the State Bar of Texas. During 2008-2009, she was Vice Chair, Employee Benefits General Committee, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the ABA. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Mexican American Bar Association, and also holds memberships with the Burta Rhoades Raborn Family Law American Inn of Court and the Association of Women Lawyers.
Source: https://www.justex.net/court/310
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 311th Judge Germaine J. Tanner (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Germaine Tanner earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. She then received a J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Tanner is an attorney and established her law office with a concentration in family law in 2003. She has been appointed as an amicus attorney, attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, and special master. Tanner is also a certified hearing examiner for the Texas Education Agency.Tanner established her law office with a concentration in family law in 2003. She handled a wide range of family law issues including divorce with emphasis on complex property issues, child custody, child support, post-divorce modifications and enforcements, family law-related appeals, and mediations. Tanner allowed for her experience and compassion for others to speak for itself and ultimately, Tanner was elected as the Presiding Judge of the 311th District Court on November 6, 2018 and was sworn in on January 1, 2019. Since her election, Judge Tanner has provided FREE Brown Bag CLE seminars for practicing attorneys out of the 311th District Court. Additionally, Judge Tanner has given numerous presentations at continuing legal education seminars for attorneys and paralegals in the area of Family Law, through various organizations.
Source https://www.judgegermainetanner.com/germaine-s-story
Jurisdiction: Harris
Family District Court 312th Judge Teresa J. Waldrop (IN) up for re-election in 2026.Teresa Waldrop earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the St. Mary's University School of Law. Her career experience includes working as an attorney.Upon graduation and passing the bar, I went to work as an associate with a San Antonio general plaintiffs-oriented civil litigation firm, where I remained for 4 years. In 1996, I went to work as an associate in a Houston law firm handling both civil litigation and complex divorce cases. I ended the civil litigation part of my career as an associate with a Houston defense-oriented civil litigation firm at the close of 2000, to focus on divorce litigation.
Trial lawyer in 3 family law cases of first impression in Texas
∙ Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, Member
∙ Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Member
∙ Burta Rhoads Raborn (family law) Inn of Court, Barrister
∙ Fellow, Houston Bar Foundation
∙ Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
∙ Fellow, American Bar Foundation
∙ Former President, Houston Association of Women Attorneys
∙ Leadership Houston graduate, Class XXII
∙ Woman of Excellence Honoree, Federation of Houston Professional Women
Source: https://www.teresawaldropforjudge.com/about
Jurisdiction: Harris
Juvenile District Court 313th Judge Natalia Cokinos Oakes (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Natalia Cokinos Oakes received a B.A. in English Literature from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and received her J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law of TSU in Houston, Texas. She is a former schoolteacher. Having practiced Juvenile Law for 19 years, she was elected Judge of the 313th Juvenile Family District Court in 2018. She served two years as Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Section. Judge Oakes presides over GRIP (Gang Recidivism Intervention Program) Court, serves on the TJJD Advisory Board and the Strategic Planning Committee. She is serving her second term as the 313th District Judge and is currently Co- Chair of the Juvenile Board.
-
Is the Administrative Judge of the Harris County Juvenile Division
-
Is on the Advisory Board and the Strategic Planning Committee of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department
-
Sits on the Harris County Juvenile Board
-
Presides over the Gang Recidivism Intervention Program Court and works with the Mayor’s Anti Gang Office
-
Works with the Annie Casey Foundation
-
Works with the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
-
Works with the Dual Status Harris County Youth Collective for Specialty Courts
-
Member of Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
-
Member of the Redefining Youth Justice Coalition; and
-
Works with community partnerships to rehabilitate youth, including My Brother’s Keeper
Sources: :https://www.justex.net/court/313; https://nataliaforjudge.com/biography/meet-natalia/
Jurisdiction: Harris
Juvenile District Court 314th Judge Michelle Moore (IN) up for re-election in 2026.
Judge Michelle Moore was elected to the 314th Juvenile District Court for a 4-year term that commenced on January 1, 2019. She was re-elected to serve a second 4-year term that commenced on January 1, 2023, at which time she was also re-elected to her third 1-year term as Administrative Judge of Juvenile Division. Judge Moore also presides over the Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (S.O.A.R.) specialty teen drug court. Prior to becoming a jurist, Judge Moore was an Assistant County Attorney at the Harris County Attorney's Office where she was the 315th Court Chief in Child Protection Division from 2012 through 2018, and from 2006 through 2010 she worked at the Cameron County and Dallas County District Attorney Offices as an Assistant District Attorney.
Source: https://www.justex.net/court/314
Jurisdiction: Harris
Juvenile District Court 315th Judge Leah Shapiro (IN) up for re-election in 2026. Judge Shapiro attended New York University where she received her bachelors of arts in philosophy. Judge Shapiro received her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Judge Shapiro was a member of the inaugural Juvenile Division of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office in 2011. Judge Shapiro was re-elected to her second term that began in 2023. The Honorable Leah Shapiro is the Presiding Judge of the 315th District Court, Harris County, Texas. Judge Shapiro, elected in 2018, was sworn in January 2019. Judge Shapiro presides over the CARE Court: Creating Acceptance Recovery Empowerment Court, a specialty court designed to serve victims of juvenile sex trafficking. The 315th District Court’s Associate Judge, Judge Fisher, presides over Court 360, the Juvenile Mental Health Court. Judge Shapiro and Judge Fisher work to improve the lives of youth involved in both the delinquency and child welfare systems by presiding over the Dual Status Docket. As a member of the Houston Area Child Sex Trafficking Team Advisory Council, Judge Shapiro works to improve collaboration and transparency, eliminate the additional victimization caused by detention in the criminal justice system, and ensure that every Houston-area child sex trafficking victim receives the most coordinated, effective, and trauma-informed response possible. She also joined the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission Human Trafficking Judicial Workgroup. More recently, Judge Shapiro was honored to be invited to the Children’s Justice Act Statewide Multidisciplinary Task Force. In addition to serving on the Harris County Juvenile Board, Judge Shapiro serves as a member of the Harris County Judicial Working Group and Jury Committee, where she, along with other judges, coordinated jury plans, crafted policies and procedures with local authorities, assisted with compliance coordination, and addressed the needs of the county and district courts during the pandemic.
Source:https://www.justex.net/court/315
Jurisdiction: Harris