Elizabeth and her husband, Bryan, live in Houston with their rescue dog, Hans. She has worked as a litigator, mediator, and amicus attorney during her legal career. for Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District. Geric Tipsword has been a Houston resident since 2004, coming to Houston to attend law school he remained to begin his law practice. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027. We strongly urge you to consider those candidates when casting your vote. Her legal career has focused on family law, successfully representing litigants in all aspects of marriage and divorce. In addition, he was appointed as a Special Justice of the Texas Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a large commercial case. Lance has been married to his wife Vickie for 23 years and they have one daughter, who will be a junior in the fall at Texas A&M. She was born and raised in Houston and is a proud graduate of Bellaire High School. April Farris was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in 2021. Maria Valeria has four children, who, although they are now adults, continue to be her greatest joy. Website Facebook . He has also served as appellate counsel in numerous trials across thestate. and earned his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. After she received her law degree, she moved back to Houston and has been practicing law in the bayou city since 1986. As an Assistant District Attorney, I gained invaluable criminal law experience, and in my civil litigation practice, invaluable experience in business dissolution and bankruptcy issues, tax issues related to retirement accounts and alimony, and issues related to separate vs. community property, all of which come up frequently in family law matters. Amber Cox is a seasoned attorney with 18 years of civil and criminal court experience. Chambers USA named Wilson as one of the leading commercial litigators in America. Andrew has been Board Certified in Family Law since 2018. Dan Simons is a former Air Force Veteran and graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the University of Houston Law School. For years Fraga has been bringing leadership, fresh ideas, and high energy to good causes in our community. Heathers legal career was inspired by her father, who also served as a prosecutor in Harris County for many years before he was elected to the 14th Court of Appeals. Gardner has twin boys and loves spending time with his family and friends. His first wife passed away and they had 2 sons who also attended school in Houston. The bench does not belong to the DA's Office. Dan Lemkuil has 28 years of Family Law experience, is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has over five years of service as a Family Court Associate Judge, serving the people of Harris County. for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2. Texas is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. for Family District Judge, 310th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 312th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 314th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District. He has been part of Harris County for over 5 decades, working tirelessly to make it a better, safer place for everyone. Brian Staley received his law degree from South Texas College of Law and has been practicing civil and appellate law for 26 years. Sophia is a lifelong member of St. George Orthodox Christian Church, where for approximately 20 years, she served as an elected member of the Parish Council. He served 10 years as the Precinct Chairman of Precinct 216 Senate District 13 (2007 2016). Prior to this next run, I will have served another 3 plus years as a practicing probate and estate planning attorney for the Law Firm of Campbell & Riggs, P.C. Her practice has largely been devoted to child protective services, juvenile, and family law, representing children, parents, relatives, foster parents, and DFPS within those areas. They are members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where they enjoy attending Mass each week. I have often represented executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, and beneficiaries in complex probate proceedings, and recovered millions of dollars in assets lost through fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. As an (almost) lifelong resident of Harris County, she can't imagine a better place to live with her two dogs, Penny and Roch. He owns his firm with his wife, Karleana, who he is raising two children with. To gather this candidate profile data, our research included, as applicable, online searches, review ofmedia reports, visiting each candidate's website, reviewing candidate questionnaires, listening to candidate interviews, observing candidates in public meetings/events, etc. Heather's legal career was inspired by her father, who also served as a prosecutor in Harris County for many years before he was elected to the 14th Court of Appeals. The people of Harris County speak more than 145 different languages and come from every corner of the globe. United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, Harris County Criminal Court at Law, Texas, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2023, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2022, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2021, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2020, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2019, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2018, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2017, Texas local trial court judicial elections, 2016, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Harris_County,_Texas_(Judicial)&oldid=8583314, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. Amber Cox is a seasoned attorney with 18 years of civil and criminal court experience. Fraga credits the support of her large extended family for making it possible for this working mom to serve in these ways. He has also volunteered as a professional auctioneer since 1992, helping numerous non-profit organizations raise funds for worthy causes throughout Harris and Galveston County. As a whole, Harris County criminal court judges came under fire for issues relating to releasing violent offenders on low bonds. for Justice,1st Court of Appeals , Place 4. He was born in Houston Texas and has been living in Harris County his whole life. Graduating with her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1988, which included a summer program in law at Oxford University, Sophia became a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Texas that same year, then launched her law practice in 1991. ", for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. Judge Laryssa received her law degree from the University of Houston in 2003 as a Mixon Scholarship Recipient. for Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District. Xavier is currently a Deputy Division Chief at the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office where he supervises 12 prosecutors in 6 County Courts at Law. Leslie has practiced a mix of civil and criminal law and, from 1997 until 2000, worked in the Harris County Attorney's Office representing public officials, deputies, and correctional officers in civil litigation. Read More FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a dinner for the South Carolina Democratic Party on June 10, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File) Read Less sign up for updates. Chris Carmona received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston and has been successfully practicing multiple areas of law for 12 years. During her five years of service as a district judge, Kristin presided over more than 100 trials and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz, the race's liberal-backed candidate, said Wednesday she would recuse herself from hearing lawsuits brought by or against the Democratic Party of . She was born and raised in Houston and is a proud graduate of Bellaire High School. As a prosecutor, Elizabeth has served as a Misdemeanor Chief and practiced in the Felony, Juvenile and Intake Divisions. Her practice has largely been devoted to child protective services, juvenile, and family law, representing children, parents, relatives, foster parents, and DFPS within those areas. Malcolm Whittaker is a highly experienced civil litigator. Lori spent most of her adult life as an assistant district attorney in the Harris County District Attorneys Office. With the experience and the work ethic that drove him through college, law school and years of practice in our courts, voters can be sure they will be getting a hardworking judge with common sense. She has worked hard to see that justice is done and will be fair but firm and uphold the rule of law. Robert H. Jackson is a decorated Police Officer and a U.S. Army Veteran. During his service, Judge Landrum has been highly rated by members of the Houston Bar, and he looks forward to serving you again. All Rights Reserved. Texas County Courts at Law for Family District Judge, 245th Judicial District. U.S. Congressional District 38 Duncan F. Klussmann Centrell Reed Diana Martinez Alexander Governor Rich Wakeland Beto O'Rourke Joy Diaz Inocencio Barrientez Michael Cooper Lieutenant Governor Michelle Beckley Carla Brailey Mike Collier Attorney General S. T-Bone Raynor Lee Merrit Mike Fields Joe Jaworski Rochele Mercedes Garza Sophia is a past member of Patrons for Bellaire Parks and the Houston Realty Business Coalition. He lives in Houston with his wife, Caroline Dozier, their teenage son, and their two rescue dogs. Prior to his election, Justice Jewell was a litigation and appellate shareholder at Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry in Houston, Texas, where he chaired the firms appellate practice group. In his spare time, Joshua provides legal and tax services to various nonprofits. 3 in the November 2022 General Election. Lance has since worked for the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, the Harris County Office of Court Management, and as special prosecutor for Smith County, Wharton County and the 112th District Attorney. Even without straight ticket voting, Jones said voters tend to stick to their parties and does not expect many if any of the open seats to be turned over to a Republican in the November election. Kevin has been practicing law for over 14 years now in private practice while also serving as a Judge Advocate with the Texas State Guard and working on his LLM at Baylor Law School. When not working tirelessly for his clients, Chris loves traveling with his growing family. In 1999, he became the judge of Probate Court #3 in Harris County, where he served for twenty years. Texas District Courts for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2. 4. While with the Houston Police Department, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award and named Police Officer of the Year. Visit the Action Center for all the ways to get involved. With her heart for public service and her strong commitment to our community, Michelle Fraga stands ready to step into the arena. for Family District Judge, 312th Judicial District. 189th Judicial District He remained there for over 25 years and rose to the level of Division Chief. As an attorney with now over 30 years experience in probate, trust guardianship, estate planning, and elder law, I have developed a reputation for handling the matters entrusted to me with diligence and integrity. Justice Adams has been married for thirty-eight years and has three children. Chuck Silverman, Abigail Anastasio, Amy Martin and Greg Glass all came up short. Please note, the application along with the filing fee or petition in lieu of filling fee must be filed at the same time with the proper filing authority. Before taking the bench, he handled hundreds of appeals and presented oral argument in over 100 cases collectively in the Supreme Court of Texas, all intermediate appellate courts in Texas, and several United States courts of appeals. Leslie and her husband, Houston attorney Dane Johnson, reside in Houston and have two children. He was born in Houston and has lived in Harris County all his life. He expects a higher voter turnout in the fall but said they are typically less familiar with the candidates and stick to their party. I am also a member of the Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association and Attorneys in Tax and Probate. If a candidate was unopposed in the general election, their name will still appear on the general election ballot.[1][3]. In short, Malcolm is ready to serve as a district court judge. She started her legal career as a prosecutor under Johnny Holmes in 1998 and has worked for seven different district attorneys in Harris County before leaving in February of 2019 under the Kim Ogg administration. Having lived in Houston his entire adult life, this is especially true for Harris County. Over the years, I was also appointed by the probate judges to handle both contested and uncontested estate and guardianship matters. Farias got his J.D. I am a member of the State Bar of Texas Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section, Taxation Section and Litigation Section and the Houston Bar Association Probate, Trusts and Estate Section, Taxation Section and Litigation Section. Our office is openMonday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 AM - 4 PM. Elizabeth has evaluated hundreds of cases and been to trial in both Misdemeanor and Felony court. Graduating with her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1988, which included a summer program in law at Oxford University, Sophia became a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Texas that same year, then launched her law practice in 1991. Todd Frankfort, a lawyer with over 27 years experience, is a native Houstonian and 5th generation Texan. Resolutions passed by Executive Committee. We are an independent political blog and simply offer candid, mainstream perspective to help the Democratic Party improve and be successful. This example of selfless service led her to begin her training after law school at the Harris County District Attorneys Office where she handled all types of criminal cases. He is board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. for District Judge, 262nd Judicial District. He has served as an Associate Judge in the Houston Municipal Courts and is currently the Chief Investigator for the Harris County District Attorneys Office. He remained there for over 25 years and rose to the level of Division Chief. In addition, Sophia is a member and Past President (2013-2015) of the Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club, a member of the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club, and previously served on the National Pachyderm Foundation Board. Tonya McLaughlin is a native Texan. State Representatives. 100% remote. for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2. In 1983, Bob began his legal career by establishing his legal practice. Rory graduated from Duke University School of Law. Candidates seeking the nomination of the Democratic or Republican Party must file (1) a candidate application, and (2) a filing fee or petition in lieu of filing fee. for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. While most of our local Democratic candidates barely squeakedby to win, all of our statewide candidates lost. Geric holds an Associates Degree in Transportation, a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, is a certified teacher, has a Masters Degree in Education Intervention, and has his Juris Doctorate (Magna Cum Laude). Individual seeking a County office as an Independent candidate must file for a place on the ballot with the Harris County Judge: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo 1001 Preston, Suite 911 Houston, Texas 77002 Phone: 713-274-7000 Fax: 713-755-8379 Michael grew up in Pasadena where he and his wife of 36 years, Laura, raised their 3 children. She started her career as a prosecutor in the Harris County DAs office and currently runs her own private criminal law practice. Harris County Judge Hidalgo who has three years in office behind her and nearly $1.5 million in her campaign war chest ahead of the upcoming election defeated an extremely popular. He has dedicated his entire legal career to working in Criminal Law and successfully earned a 2018 Judicial Nomination for the Republican Party in a highly contested race. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas has jurisdiction in Harris County. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. United States Representative - U.S. House District 2 Robin Fulford. From my father, I learned that every conversation starts with listening, and from my mother, the compassion to accept people as they are. Harris County, Texas contains 60 judicial districts, four probate courts and one county court. During that time, Judge Hart became known for low dockets, fair trials and justice delivered. If even one is bounced, Abbott could appoint a replacement for those in the criminal courts. A. in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Anderson Cancer Hospital, Sheltering Arms, Houston Independent School District, Young Leaders in Medicine, and the Junior League of Houston. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Thats why 68 Republican judicial candidates have stepped up to run for office this November. Cindy Hide received her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and has been licensed to practice law since 1984. He is a Credentialed Mediator and an Arbitrator. In addition, she has a history of working with domestic violence victims and owns her family law firm, which she has been practicing her entire career. Register Today Lend a hand Monks is dedicated to being firm but fair. Down-ballot races are not typically a hot election topic, but public concerns over rising crime have pushed Harris County's 68 judicial races to the forefront this cycle. After years of working in property management, Judge Korduba then started her law practice and grew it to an industry-leading statewide firm. He has handled numerous cases in the Civil District Courts and Probate Courts. Man, woman shot in grocery store parking lot in SE Houston, police say, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase, Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say. for District Judge, 209th Judicial District. He is a former board member of Star of Hope and Main Street Ministries and an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Houston. Paula has the experience, leadership and knowledge to be the next judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #2. He has volunteered his valuable time to assist several community-based groups that focus on preventing teen suicide, domestic abuse, and poverty. Kevins commitment to the community while furthering his education resulted in receiving a Distinguished Public Service award and his Juris Doctor Degree. Kevin started his legal career as an extern with the Orange County District Attorneys Office, where he learned to balance the constitutional rights of the accused while never forgetting the victims impacted by crime. for District Judge, 263rd Judicial District. Over 87% of cases appealed from her rulings were AFFIRMED by the Courts of Appeals. Texas Court of Appeals A judge should be neutral . Erin and her husband have 2 beautiful children, 2 grandchildren and 4 crazy doggies. She received her law degree from South Texas College of Law and has been practicing criminal law in Harris County for 16 years. Stephen, a proud Texas Aggie and graduate of Strake Jesuit Preparatory, runs a family-owned business his father Lupe Fraga founded in 1962, a legacy of hard work and enduring faith that reflects their past and inspires their future. failing to proactively address the violent crime wave, reckless bail bond decisions, allegations of corruption, scandals, general incompetence, etc.) Sophia is a native Houstonian with her own solo law practice. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison Wisconsin. Prior to serving on the court of appeals, Justice Adams was the head of the appellate practice group at a large litigation firm in Houston. Jeffrey and other officers were serving a high-level narcotics warrant to a 30-year-old suspect at the time. This new political blog websiteofficially launched in late2020and is focused on issues important to Harris County residents. He has been lead counsel in thousands of cases, ranging from small controversies to cases to large. Judge Antu is a 17-year veteran criminal lawyer. for District Judge, 295th Judicial District, for District Judge, 482nd Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 245th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 246th Judicial District, for Family District Judge, 247th Judicial District. Leslie has practiced law for almost 25 years. Mark Montgomery attended the South Texas College of Law school while working as a Houston Police Officer. Lance has since worked for the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, the Harris County Office of Court Management, and as special prosecutor for Smith County, Wharton County and the 112th District Attorney. She was born in Argentina, and emigrated to the United States with her family as a young child. for District Judge, 248th Judicial District. 20162023Harris County Democratic Party, 4619 Lyons Ave He has been married for 22 years to Alyssa Lemkuil, a former state district court judge, with one daughter starting her second year of college. This political blog is also not part of the Harris County Democrats Association formed in 1953 by Mrs. Frankie Randolph and later led by Chair Woman Billie Carr. The experience I garnered served me well during my eight years on the bench. Six other incumbent Democrat judges will not return to the bench in 2023. Kevin Fulton has dedicated his life to serving others. [1][2], Though Texas officially has closed primaries (requiring that voters declare party affiliation in advance in order to participate), the state's primaries are functionally open: any registered voter may vote in any single party's primary if they have not voted in the primary of another party. Kevin Fulton has dedicated his life to serving others. As an (almost) lifelong resident of Harris County, she cant imagine a better place to live with her two dogs, Penny and Roch. Rachel Leal-Hudson received her law degree from South Texas School of Law in 2007 and has been practicing law for 14 years. ", for District Judge, 232nd Judicial District, for District Judge, 234th Judicial District, for District Judge, 248th Judicial District, for District Judge, 262nd Judicial District. He has forty years of experience in the criminal justice system including 11 years as a prosecutor in the City of Southside Place and six years as counsel for the misdemeanor veterans court. Houston, Texas 77020 seasoned criminal defense attorney. He has dedicated his entire legal career to working in Criminal Law and successfully earned a 2018 Judicial Nomination for the Republican Party in a highly contested race.