195th Judicial District Court

Are you an Incumbent *

Yes

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.

As a life-long Democrat, I have been involved with the Party for many years. I have canvassed neighborhoods to get the vote out (in elections when I was a candidate and elections when I was not up for election/re-election). I have participated in coordinated campaigns to get fellow Democrats elected. I have contributed financially to the Dallas County Democratic Party, as well as many of the local smaller clubs to help Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts. Additionally, I participated in local events hosted by precinct chairs in an effort to GOTV in our underrepresented communities /precincts.

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

I have been the Presiding Judge of the 195th Judicial District Court for the last nine years, and am deeply committed to ensuring justice is done in the courtroom. This includes evaluating and considering all evidence presented at hearings, fairly applying the law to the facts, treating all parties with dignity and respect and always making sure that I consider the safety of the community in decision making. I have a reputation amongst the attorneys of being hard-working and dedicated to ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system. I am a former Presiding Judge over the Dallas County Criminal District Courts, having been selected by my judicial colleagues. 

Most recently, the Dallas Bar Association awarded our Court the 2025 Outstanding Criminal District Court Staff of the Year. I am the only candidate with combined judicial, criminal defense and prosecution experience, in both misdemeanor and felony offenses. Additionally, my dedication to the justice system and community does not stop at the end of a work day; I volunteer as the Presiding Judge of DIVERT Court, and have done so since 2018, to ensure I can help as many people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders. I am involved at the state level as the former treasurer, and current President Elect of the Texas Association of District Judges, and I am a former board member of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts. I am a current board member of A Steady Hand – an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting youth through mentorship and education. I am also, a former board member of Miles of Freedom a non-profit organization that empowers individuals, families, and communities impacted by incarceration through programs for job readiness, financial literacy, and community support.

I am the only candidate in this race that has never been reprimanded as a judge, and I have never been reprimanded as an attorney. I have been involved in our community in various capacities and have repeatedly served as a guest speaker at local schools and universities to encourage students to graduate and pursue higher education, including law degrees. I have also been honored with several recognitions for my judicial service, including being honored for hosting and mentoring many student interns. My leadership in DIVERT Court was recognized in 2023 when DIVERT received the Outstanding Specialty Court Team of the Year Award. I have been named a 2026 “Distinguished Alumni” by the SMU Dedman School of Law – the highest recognition given to the law school’s alumni. 

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; Dallas County Young Democrats; 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats; Mexican American Bar Association - Dallas; North Texas Asian Democrats; Teamsters Local 745; Senator Royce West; Senator Nathan Johnson; Commissioner Elba Garcia; Commissioner John Wiley Price; Commissioner Andy Sommerman; Commissioner Theresa Daniel; Hon. Pauline Medrano; Hon. Regina Montoya

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

Yes

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND