194th Judicial District Court

Are you an Incumbent *

I am running for an open seat

Have you been active in the Democratic Party prior to this election?*

Yes

If you answered yes, briefly explain your activism within the Democratic Party.

Yes. I ran for Justice of the Peace 5-2 four years ago and have remained active through ongoing donations, sponsorships of Democratic events, and support for local candidates. My involvement has been consistent and focused on strengthening the party in our community.

Without mentioning your opponent(s) what makes you the best candidate for this position? *

I bring real courtroom experience, a record of fairness, and a deep commitment to the community. I’ve served as a judge, handled felony cases, and I know how to run a court that’s efficient, respectful, and focused on public safety and second chances. My goal is simple: treat people with dignity, move cases faster, and keep our neighborhoods safer.

Have you received any endorsements for your campaign?*

Yes

If yes, list your current endorsements.

Dallas County Clerk John Warren

Dallas City Councilman Chad West

Dallas City Council Member Zarin Gracey

Mexican American Bar Association (MABA)

Duncanville City Councilperson Karen Cherry

Are you seeking endorsement from the Dallas County East Democrats PAC?*

Yes

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND

Are you an Incumbent *

I am running for an open seat

Have you been active in the Democratic Party prior to this election?*

Yes

If you answered yes, briefly explain your activism within the Democratic Party.

I have been elected 5 times as a Democrat to Dallas County Criminal Court No. 9. I have knocked on doors, attended many party functions, sponsored many events over the years, put up yard signs, attended numerous campaign functions for other candidates and worked the polls.

Without mentioning your opponent(s) what makes you the best candidate for this position? *

This court hears felony cases ranging from state jail felonies to capital murder. Because the stakes are so high and people’s lives are directly affected, this court requires a judge with extensive experience handling serious criminal matters. I have that level of experience and expertise.  Before serving 19 years as a misdemeanor judge, I spent a combined 13 years as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. As a prosecutor I served as the lead trial attorney in numerous felony jury trials specializing in complex Homicide and Aggravated Sexual Assault cases.  I have tried complex jury trials involving significant legal and factual issues.  As a criminal defense attorney, I represented individuals charged with serious felony cases. I served as lead defense counsel in numerous hearings and jury trials. In 2006, I sat for the Board Certification exam in Criminal Law and successfully passed the examination which demonstrates my strong knowledge of criminal law.

As the presiding judge of Dallas County Criminal Court No. 9, I have consistently received high ratings in every Dallas Bar Association judicial poll conducted during my tenure, totaling nine bar polls to date. I also developed and presided over PRIDE Court, a specialty court focused on assisting individuals charged with prostitution.  Over ten years, this court helped hundreds of participants successfully exit the criminal justice system. My court routinely maintains a clearance rate exceeding 100 percent, meaning I resolve more cases each month than are filed. In addition, I serve as an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, where I coach a mock trial team and teach students the fundamentals of trial advocacy.

The citizens of Dallas County deserve an experienced criminal judge who will decide cases fairly, equitably, and based solely on the law and the facts.  I will bring that experience to the bench.

Have you received any endorsements for your campaign?*

Yes

If yes, list your current endorsements.

Stonewall Democrats, Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats, Preston Hollow Democrats, Teamsters Local 745, many attorneys and elected officials and the recommendation from the Dallas Morning News.

Are you seeking endorsement from the Dallas County East Democrats PAC?*

Yes