District 457
Jurisdiction: Montgomery,
County Court at Law Judicial Candidates
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
County Courts
Bexar County (2,127,737) population)
Cesar Garcia (IN) for County Court of Law No. 10
Education:​ University of Texas at Austin for my undergraduate degree (BA Biology), Southwest Texas State University Master’s in Business Administration, St. Mary’s University School of Law
Profession: Currently Judge of Civil Court, County Court of Law, No.10. First job out of law school was at the Law Offices of Wayne Wright, LLP, where I did Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury cases. I did that for five years then left to open my own law firm. After being a solo practitioner for 8 years, I got a job at Texas Health and Human Services as an Enforcement Attorney for three years then I ran for judge and won. I’m currently serving my third year as a judge.
Community Envolvement: my community involvement included being a board member of the Rape Crisis Center of San Antonio, and San Antonio Youth Literacy, where I was also a Reading Buddy for 2nd graders. I was also on my neighborhood’s Feral Cat Committee. ​​​​​​
Plans for the future: I’d like to continue the good work I’ve been able to do for the past three years. I’ve been able to clear the backlog from COVID, go paperless, establish a library of forms for self represented litigants to use. I also created three additional new dockets for more case adjudications. One of these dockets is a dismissal docket for old, stale cases. Most of the cases on this docket are old debt collection cases and eviction cases.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Run off May 26, 2026
Shannon Roberta Salmóm County Court of Law No. 10
Education: J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law
Community Service: Before she ever stepped into a courtroom, Shannon Roberta Salmón served her community as a 911 emergency operator and caseworker, learning firsthand what families face in their hardest moments. Today she serves on the boards of Blu House and the THRU Project, advocating for children in high-conflict divorces and foster youth aging out of care.
Profession: Has since practiced in family, criminal, civil, and immigration law. As a former Bexar County prosecutor, Legal Aid attorney, and experienced mediator, Shannon brings a rare breadth of perspective to serve as your next Judge.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Run off May 26, 2026
Judge Helen Petry Stowe (IN) County Court of Law No. 1
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from UTSA; St. Mary’s University School of Law
Profession: Helen taught 8th grade English at S.J. Davis Middle School in S.A.I.S.D.; Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney; served as a felony prosecutor, 2018 Judge of Bexar County Court at Law #1; Helen has a breadth of experience in criminal law, having handled more than fifty trials and post‑conviction appeals in juvenile justice, criminal trial, domestic violence, and child abuse matters. She has also worked with the DWI task force and as a state’s attorney in the Bexar County mental health unit. Helen has presided over a multitude of trials as judge, working diligently to ensure due process for every individual who comes before the court. In the summer of 2020, she took on TRAC‑D, a DWI specialty court that provides a treatment‑focused probation program for people with substance‑abuse issues who have had multiple DWI arrests, aiming to achieve restorative justice for the community.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge Melissa Saenz (IN) County Court of Law No. 2
Education: University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Political Science; law degree at the Texas Tech School of Law in Lubbock, Texas. Interned in San Antonio with the Civil Division of the City Attorney's Office and later with Judge Xavier Rodriguez at the Federal Courthouse learning civil and criminal law. During her last year of law school, she obtained a Student Bar Card and began handling divorces cases that came to us through legal aid.
Profession: worked as a Prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. For over a decade I tried and handled numerous cases like DWIs, Physical and Sexual Crimes Against Children, and Murder. More than half my career was spent handling violent crimes and seeing how it affected the many people in our community. I ran for Judge of Bexar County Court #2 because it's where I felt I could make the most change. Unlike felony cases, the majority of misdemeanor crimes are non-violent. They include offenses like Criminal Trespass, Thefts, DWI, and assaults with minor injuries. Because they tend to be non-violent, rehabilitation is key. Taking a rehabilitative approach not only helps the individual charged but those in our community by helping them to become a more productive and successful member of our society. Currently she has been proudly serving her community as Judge of Bexar County Court No.2.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge David J. Rodriguez (IN) County Court of Law No. 3
Education: B.B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio, going on to receive his J.D. from St. Mary's University of San Antonio. He was admitted to the bar in 1990.
Profession: Judge Rodriguez has served in County Court at Law No. 3 since 2003 and has tried over 350 jury trials to verdict. Judge Rodriguez has been previously voted as No. 1 judge among all Bexar County Courts at Law by SACDLA and has been rated as one of the top judges in Bexar County, regarded by his peers as one of the County's best Judges, ranked as Best Qualified Candidate, and commended for his work ethic and integrity. Judge Rodriguez serves as a mentor and coach to our younger generation community members and remains active with his high school and law school alma mater. The Judge also spends his time away from the bench serving as a leader among various Boards of Directors.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Source: https://judgedavidrodriguez.com/; https://ballotpedia.org/David_Rodriguez_(Texas)
Judge Alfredo Ximenez (IN) County Court of Law No. 4
Education: Ximenez earned an associate degree in applied science from San Antonio College and a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas. He earned and a J.D. degree from St. Mary's University of San Antonio .
Profession: For more than two decades, Judge Alfredo Ximenez has dedicated his life to the law and to serving the people of Bexar County. With 22 years of legal experience as a practicing attorney and 8 years of service on the bench, Judge Ximenez has built a reputation for fairness, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice. As a judge, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that every case is heard with respect and impartiality. His decisions are guided not only by the law but also by the values he learned growing up—hard work, honesty, and treating every person with dignity.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Source: https://judgeximenez.com/; https://ballotpedia.org/Alfredo_Ximenez
Judge Andrea Arevalos (IN) County Court of Law No.5
Education: Criminal Justice degree from UTSA in 2008 and gained firsthand legal experience as a Victim’s Advocate at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Her time there solidified her passion for law, leading her to Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she graduated with honors in 2013.
Profession: Elected to Serve as Judge of County Court at Law No. 5 in 2022; Former Prosecutor for eight years, Former Victim's advocate, dedicated public servant 13+ years​, 2021 Best San Antonio Female Lawyer - Scene in SA magazine, Spring 2021;
She began her career as an attorney at a large Texas personal injury firm but soon returned to public service as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Bexar County. For eight years, Andrea handled thousands of cases—ranging from misdemeanors to felonies—and served in multiple divisions. In 2022, Andrea was elected to County Court at Law No. 5. She has since earned a reputation as a fair, consistent, and reasonable judge who treats everyone with dignity and respect. Andrea brings a wealth of experience to the bench, having served as both a prosecutor and a victim's advocate, giving her a deep understanding of the justice system from multiple perspectives. She is a dedicated public servant who enjoys serving the citizens of Bexar County.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge Erica Dominguez (IN) County Court of Law No.6
Education: undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada–Las Vegas and later obtained my law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University
Profession: I proudly served nearly eight years in the United States Air Force as a 2W1-Weapons Loader, deploying twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 and 2003. After separating from the military in 2009. While in law school, I volunteered at immigration events, earned clinic hours in the criminal law clinic, and served as a senior editor of the Law Review. After passing the Bar Exam, I volunteered at the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital, helping veterans with wills, consumer issues, tenant disputes, and legal advice. After College I worked at the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office. I represented more than 1,000 clients—from their initial arrest to the close of their cases—dedicating countless hours to ensuring that those who could not afford legal counsel still received zealous, compassionate representation. I also served as a defense attorney in several specialty courts, including Mental Health Court, DWI Court, and Adult Drug Court. Today, I proudly serve as Judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 6, where I bring a client-centered approach to the bench. I have been described as a judge who exemplifies firm but fair leadership, accountability, and unwavering support—values that guide every decision I make. In addition to presiding over Court at Law No. 6, I oversee the Bexar County Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court, one of the largest Veterans Treatment Courts in Texas. Since taking the bench, I have expanded the court’s reach, helping 179 veterans in 2023 and 209 veterans in 2024.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge Melanie M. Lira (IN) County Court of Law No.7
Education:
At just 16, Melanie began her college education at San Antonio College, where she discovered the transformative power of learning. She later transferred to the University of Houston, where she explored a variety of academic paths before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Religious Studies. Before graduating, Melanie was accepted into the University of Denver’s Iliff School of Theology, where she pursued a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies. It was during this time that she began working with nonprofits that served undocumented communities—a turning point that revealed her true calling: legal advocacy. After completing her graduate studies, she returned to San Antonio, determined to become a lawyer, and began preparing for law school. Melanie earned her J.D. from St. Mary’s School of Law in 2015. While in law school, she also completed a second Master’s Degree in International Relations, focusing on conflict resolution, and graduated in the top five percent of her class.
Profession:
Throughout her career, Melanie has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice, both at home and abroad. From 2014 to 2017, she worked with the nonprofit Amal ou Salam to support Syrian refugee children. In 2015, she was honored with the Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award and the Justice Alma Lopez Women in Law Leadership Award. Prior to being elected, Melanie serves as an Immigration Staff Attorney at The Treviño Law Firm, a Bexar County Court-Appointed Attorney, and an immigration attorney at her own firm, Lira | Cazares Defense Firm, PLLC—where she reserved 40% of her cases for pro bono representation. As Judge of County Court-at-Law 7, Melanie brought compassion, diligence, and leadership to the bench. In just two and a half years, she presided over more than 45 trials, prioritized fairness and efficiency, and fostered a healthy balance of hard work and wellness among her staff. Most importantly, she remained grounded in the community that raised her—committed to serving it with integrity every step of the way.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge Victoria Cruz (IN) County Court of Law No.8
Education: Valedictorian of her High School class. Bachelors of Arts degree in Government with a minor in Spanish University of Texas in Austin, where she graduated with honors. Her undergraduate thesis on the evolution of immigration law won the Model Thesis Award for her graduating class. St. Mary's School of Law where she was a member of the Board of Advocacy, participated in the External Advocacy Mock Trial Program, and along with her mock trial partner, won the 2016 Renna and Jeff Embry Mock Trial Competition.
Profession: Clerked for a year for the prominent law firm of the now Honorable Norma Gonzales, worked for the Children's Program at the Refugee and Immigrant Legal Services (RAICES), where she specialized in advocating for the detained unaccompanied minors in immigration deportation proceedings. joined the Law Office of Raymond Martinez and Frances M. Herrera, where she specializes in criminal defense, family law, and intersections of criminal defense and immigration. Victoria is also certified in Guardianship Law and well versed in Child Protective Services litigation. Victoria's trial experience extends outside Bexar County where practices and represents clients throughout South Texas.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Source: https://www.votevictoriacruz.com
Jessica A. Gonzales County Court of Law No.9
Education: St. Mary’s School of Law
Profession: I have a passion for the criminal justice system and Constitutional law. I interned at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Bexar County District Attorney’s office as a criminal prosecutor, 20 years I have worked hard for all citizens of Bexar County in my professional and personal life. With the District Attorney’s office I spent over eight years working for victims seeking justice for crimes against them. I helped victims of family violence obtain orders of protection against their abusers. I prosecuted driving while intoxicated and drug cases in order to make our streets safer. I charged abusers for crimes they committed against children. I analyzed legal issues to write briefs filed in the Fourth Court of Appeals keeping criminals in prison. I protected children against abuse and neglect with Child Protective Services. I tried various cases to a jury including thefts, assaults, DWI and drug offenses, burglary of habitations, resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and evading detention with successes in the majority of my trials. For over eight years I worked for the citizens of San Antonio to keep them safe and secure. With all my successes in the D.A.’s office, my most beloved achievement is my involvement in drafting legislation for an amendment to the Texas Constitution, a statute in the Texas Penal Code, and an article in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. In 2006 a San Antonio woman was the victim of a horrific murder. In accordance to then procedure, a judge released the victim’s estranged husband on bail after he was arrested for assaulting her. Because of my extensive work in protective orders and knowledge in appellate law, I worked with my colleagues in drafting legislation denying bail in certain family violence cases. In all my successful convictions and fruitful endeavors with the D.A.’s office, I take the most joy in seeing my own research, experience, and hard work turn into a section in the Texas Constitution and provisions in Texas codes. From a tragic loss of life came a legal way to help and protect future victims of family violence. As a volunteer for the Junior League of San Antonio, an executive board member of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, and a graduate of Leadership Women, I have a vested interest in our community, and I look forward to further serving this wonderful city I proudly call my home. ​​
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge Erica Peña (IN) County Court of Law No.11
Education: Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Sociology for UT San Antonio; JD at St. Mary's University School of Law
Profession: Currently Judge of County Court of Law No. 11. Began her legal carrier with her own private practice. Was an attorney at Bexar County Office of Court Administration. She conducted Legl Research, Drafted legal Memorandums, and reviewed writs of habeas corpus for the Judges of the criminal district courts. Prior to that she spend 6 years as an assistant District Attorney with Bexar County's District Attorney's Office. Case Manager with the Guardianship Program at Catholic Charities. Interned with Bexar County Criminal District Court Administration, and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aide.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Lauren Zamora County Court of Law No.12
Education: Trinity University, BA - Political Science/Business Administration; St. Mary’s University, JD; Yale Women’s Campaign School
Profession: Public Defender, Private Defense Attorney, and Child Welfare Attorney Over the course of my twenty year career, I have served as an assistant public defender, in private criminal defense, as a child welfare attorney, and as a prosecutor. Today, I work in the Conviction Integrity Unit, an independent and autonomous division within the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. Our team corrects injustices because even one wrongful conviction is too many. Each of these roles has provided me a unique perspective of the judicial system—its strengths, flaws, and, most importantly, the profound impact it has on real people and their families.
Community Service:
Thrive Youth Center, Metamorphosis Society, 2025-present
Bexar County Women's Bar Association, Member, 2024-present
Close to Home, Homeless Response System Advisory Committee - Justice Involved Partner, 2024 - present
Altrusa International San Antonio, Member, 2008 - present
Vice-President of Foundation Committee (2023-2025)
Vice-President of Club (2017)
Chair of ASTRA Youth (2010)
NAMI Texas, Executive Board Member, 2021 - 2023
Trinity University—Gamma Chi Delta, Vice-President Alumnae Board, 2013-2014
"I believe judges should be more than legal experts—they should be leaders who bring integrity, balance, and empathy to the bench."
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Alicia Ali Perez County Court of Law No.13
Education: graduated in three years from Goshen College; CUNY School of Law JD. She trained in conflict mediation and anti-bias practices. She attended college on academic and service-based scholarships. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is a certified professional coach.
Profession: For nearly twenty years, Alicia has served San Antonio in roles across the justice system — as an immigration lawyer, public defender, prosecutor, family violence attorney, and community organizer.
She began her legal career at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, representing survivors of domestic violence in protective order and child custody cases, including matters involving international family reunification. In 2011, while working with the HIV Law Project in New York City, Ali passed the New York Bar and advocated for housing stability, confidentiality, and immigration protections for members of the HIV-positive community. Since 2013, Ali has operated her own law practice in Texas, focusing on immigration and criminal defense. That work required navigating high-stakes cases involving liberty, family unity, and public safety — and reinforced the importance of clear judicial procedures and careful courtroom management. In 2023, after more than a decade running her own practice while raising her family, Ali returned to full-time public service. She served both as a prosecutor with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and as a public defender with the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office, gaining firsthand experience on both sides of the courtroom. That perspective deepened her understanding of how each role serves the public — and how judicial leadership shapes whether the system functions fairly and efficiently.
"A judge’s role is not to promise outcomes or advance personal views. It is to apply the law as written, safeguard due process, and manage the courtroom in a way that is predictable, fair, and humane."
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Audrey Martinez County Court of Law No.14
Education: The University of Texas at Austin, bachelor’s degree. Then the following year attended law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law. I completed law school in two and half years to graduate in December 2017 and immediately took the February Bar Exam. During my 2L year I wrote an article that received Honors covering the USA Women’s Soccer Team fight for Equal Pay.
Profession: Clerk for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 under the honorable Judge Tejeda, student attorney in the Immigration Clinic. Prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. While there, I was in the juvenile division of the District Attorney’s Office where I learned the intricacies of juvenile law and what makes it unique. From there, I went on to work in the Family Violence Felony Division where I prosecuted some of the most egregious crimes against children. After leaving the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office in 2022, I came to work at the 81st District Attorney’s Office. I became the Felony Prosector for Karnes and Atascosa County where I have prosecuted all types of cases ranging from Murder, to crimes against children, Drug Cases, Aggravated Assaults and Robberies. Working as a prosecutor has allowed me to fight for those who have been wronged, to be voice for those without one.
Community Service: Raised over $15,000 for the Robb Elementary School Memorial Fund
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Judge Melissa Vara (IN) County Court of Law No.15
Education: Graduated as the Salutatorian from High School. University of Texas at Austin Batchelor of Arts in Government and graduated with the highest honors. St. Mary's University School of Law
Profession: Presiding Judge of County Court of Law No. 15. She opened the Law Office of Melissa M. Vara, where she specialized in criminal defense, family law, and probate. Melissa has always been an advocate for the community, which eventually propelled her to run for Judge of County Court No. 15. In November of 2018, she was elected as judge at the age of 32. Melissa is currently the youngest elected judge in Bexar County.
Jurisdiction: Bexar County
Travis County (1,290,188 population)
County Court at Law #2 Leslie Dippel
EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP
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Executive County Attorney, Travis County Attorney’s Office
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Director, Civil Litigation Division Travis County Attorney’s Office
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20+ years litigating complex civil cases, including trial and appellate courts
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First-chair trial attorney with experience in jury trials, administrative hearings, and appeals
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Legal advisor to the Travis County Commissioners Court and other local officials
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Frequent speaker and trainer on legal ethics, government practice, and employment law
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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Former President, Austin Bar Association
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Board Member, Travis County Women Lawyers Association
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Former Board Member, State Bar of Texas
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Member, Robert W. Calvert American Inn of Court
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2003 and 2008 Most Outstanding Committee Chair Austin Bar Association
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Leadership Austin graduate and former board member
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Former Chair Austin Bar Association Labor and Employment Section
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Co-chair of the Austin Bar Association Honorable Lora J. Livingston Fellowship Program
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Former Co-Chair, Austin Bar Association Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee
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2010, Most Outstanding Director Austin Bar Association
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Former President of the Austin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
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2013, Travis County Women Lawyers Association Contribution to Minority Community Award
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2020, Most Outstanding Director, State Bar of Texas Board of Directors
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2020, Texas District & County Attorney Association Civil Practitioner of the Year
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2022, Regina Rogoff Award for Public Service, Austin Bar Association
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2023, State Bar of Texas Presidential Citation
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2024, Travis County Women Lawyers Association President's Award
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Former President, Circle C Area Democrats
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Former President of childrens’ lacrosse and soccer team booster clubs
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Numerous leadership roles supporting access to justice, legal education, and diversity in the legal profession
Source: https://www.lesliedippel.com
Jurisdiction: Travis
Young County (17,867 Population)
Zapata County (13,889 Population)
Zavala County (9,670 Population)
