Judicial elections in Texas give voters direct power over the judges who shape how justice works at every level of daily life.
Because Texas elects nearly all of these judges in partisan elections, voters play a decisive role in ensuring the courts are fair, competent, and reflective of their community’s values.
Justice of the Peace
A Justice of the Peace (JP) is one of the most community‑focused elected officials in Texas. JP courts handle small civil disputes, traffic and fine‑only cases, evictions, truancy matters, and key early steps in the criminal justice process such as issuing warrants and setting bail. JPs can also perform weddings. In Brazoria County—where there is no Medical Examiner—the Justice of the Peace is additionally responsible for conducting inquests and determining cause of death in certain situations. Because their decisions affect housing stability, school attendance, and everyday interactions with the justice system, this office has a direct impact on families and neighborhoods.
Candidates: William Cook (JP Pct. 1, Plc. 2), Shenequa Harrison (JP Pct. 2, Plc. 2), Mark Wright (JP Pct. 3, Plc. 2), Stephanie Baird (JP Pct. 4, Plc. 2)
County Court Judges
A Brazoria County Court Judge handles many of the everyday legal matters that directly affect residents, serving as a key part of the county’s justice system. These judges oversee probate cases, guardianships, misdemeanors, juvenile matters, and certain civil disputes, ensuring that local cases are resolved fairly and efficiently. They also manage administrative responsibilities within their courts and work closely with county agencies to keep the justice process moving. Because so many cases stop at the county level, these judges play an essential role in how justice is delivered across Brazoria County.
Candidates: Matt Muller (County Court at Law, No. 2)
Judge, Court of Appeals Districts
Reviews civil and criminal appeals from across its multi‑county region, ensuring trial courts follow the law and setting legal interpretations that guide how justice is applied in Texas.
Chief Justice 15th Court of Appeals Candidate: Jerry Zimmerer
Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2 Candidate: Tom Baker
Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3 Candidate: Marc M. Meyer
Chief Justice 14th Court of Appeals Candidate: Sarah Beth Landau
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 7 Candidate: Michael Adams-Hurta, William Demond
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 3 Candidate: Veronica Rivas-Molloy
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 4 Candidate: Julie Countiss
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 5 Candidate: Amy Guerra
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals
Courts of Appeals review trial‑court decisions across large regions, setting legal interpretations that guide how laws are applied for millions of Texans. This is Texas’s highest criminal court, reviewing appeals in serious criminal cases and issuing final statewide rulings that shape criminal justice and legal precedent
Candidate, Place 3: Okey Anyiam
Candidate, Place 4: Audra Riley
Candidate, Place 9: Holly Taylor
Justice, Supreme Court
The Texas Supreme Court is the court of last resort for all civil and juvenile cases in Texas, made up of a chief justice and eight justices elected statewide to six‑year terms. It reviews decisions from the Courts of Appeals, sets binding precedent on issues like property rights, contracts, and constitutional questions, and oversees the State Bar of Texas, attorney licensing, and statewide civil court procedures.
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 Candidate: Chari Kelly
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 Candidates: Kristen Hawkins, Gordon Goodman
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 Candidate: Gisela D. Triana
Chief Justice, Supreme Court: Cory L. Carlyle, Maggie Ellis
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