Our Judicial Candidates
Harris County crime rates have skyrocketed under the Democrats’ leadership. That’s why 68 Republican judicial candidates have stepped up to run for office this November. It’s critical that we elect experienced and qualified judges to restore law and order and make public safety the top priority in Harris County. Learn more about the Republican judicial candidates below and contribute to the party’s joint judicial campaign to help get them elected!
Terry Adams
for Chief Justice, 1st Court of Appeals
Justice Terry Adams was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in 2020. Justice Adams, now back in private practice, has been an appellate lawyer for more than thirty years. 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.
April Farris
for Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 4
April Farris was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in 2021. April is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School and Abilene Christian University. She previously served as a partner at Yetter Coleman, LLP and as an assistant Texas Solicitor General. She is married and has two children.
Kevin Jewell
for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 2
Justice Kevin Jewell was elected to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals on November 8, 2016. 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 firm’s appellate practice group. 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. Justice Jewell has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1998. For over ten years, he was recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine. Justice Jewell is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Houston Bar Association, and a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Randy Wilson
for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 9
Governor Greg Abbott appointed Justice Randy Wilson to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in December 2020, effective January 2021. Before his appointment, Justice Wilson was a partner at Susman Godfrey, one of America's most prominent litigation firms. He is board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates. Chambers USA named Wilson as one of the leading commercial litigators in America. In 2003, Judge Wilson was appointed Judge of the 157th Judicial District Court in Harris County, where he served for over 15 years. He was twice selected as Trial Judge of the Year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. In addition, he was appointed as a Special Justice of the Texas Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a large commercial case. He is only one of two persons ever named by Law Dragon as one of the 500 Leading Judges in America and one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America. He is a former board member of Star of Hope and Main Street Ministries and an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Houston. Judge Wilson received a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston Law School. He graduated first in his class.
Nile Copeland
for Judge, 55th Judicial District
Nile Copeland has been helping in the community for many years through work as well as through various groups and organizations. Nile has been there as a volunteer mediator, in drafting wills in will clinics, in assisting in immigration forums, and sometimes he rolls up his sleeves with friends to do some labor with hurricane relief through groups such as the freemasons, shriners, bar associations, conservationist groups and whomever needs a helping hand in the neighborhood we call Texas.
Nathan J. Milliron
for Judge, 113th Judicial District
Nathan Milliron graduated from the University of Houston Law Center and was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas in May 2004. Nathan has been practicing in Houston and Harris County, as well as in various courts throughout the state, since that time. He has garnered extensive litigation experience in a host of civil matters.
Sonya L. Aston
for District Judge, 157th Judicial District
Sonya Aston is a sixth generation Houstonian, who has dedicated her life to public service through, environmental enforcement, enforcing tax collection laws, working at Transtar during emergency events, administering elections for Harris County for eight years, drafting state legislation, and much more. She is an experienced litigator including having worked on the Exxon Valdez case and Enron matter and participated in litigation in support of the City of Houston, Harris County Tax Office, and County Clerk. As an election integrity expert, she supports entities across the nation to have strong election security.
Tami C. Pierce
for District Judge, 180th Judicial District
Tami C. Pierce has over 30 years experience in the Criminal Justice system. She started out as a police officer, was promoted to investigator then Sergeant. Tami then went to law school, raised a family and began her law career as a criminal defense attorney prior to becoming a prosecutor. 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
for District Judge, 182nd Judicial District
Robert H. Jackson is a decorated Police Officer and a U.S. Army Veteran. He graduated with Honors from the University of Houston Law Center and was Chief Justice and Chair of the U. of H. Law Center Honor Court. He has served as an Associate Judge in the Houston Municipal Courts and is currently the Chief Investigator for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
Kristin M. Guiney
for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District
With over 21 years of experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and District Court Judge, Kristin has the experience to ensure that the criminal justice system works efficiently to give our community and its citizens the justice they deserve. 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. Kristin works with nonprofits that specialize in addiction and recovery. Kristin has been married to her husband Ed for 19 years and they have two daughters.
Lori DeAngelo
for District Judge, 184th Judicial Distric
Lori spent most of her adult life as an assistant district attorney in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. 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. As an assistant district attorney, Lori worked her way up through the ranks of the district attorney’s office. She resolved thousands of cases from DWI to aggravated robbery, child abuse, and capital murder. Then, after more than 20 years, Lori left the office as the chief prosecutor for the 208th District Court. Since leaving the district attorney’s office, Lori has spent the last three years representing indigent defendants in Harris County. Lori holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Baylor Law School. Her husband, Bill Delmore, spent 27 years as a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and is currently a prosecutor in Montgomery County, where he has worked for Republican District Attorney Brett Ligon since he took office on January 1, 2009. Lori and Bill live in Spring with their Italian Greyhound, Lucia.
Chris Carmona
for District Judge, 185th Judicial District
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. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas and has lived in Harris County for 38 years. When not working tirelessly for his clients, Chris loves traveling with his growing family.
Erin Elizabeth Lunceford
for District Judge, 189th Judicial District
Erin Lunceford received her law degree from University of Houston in 1988 and has been practicing law for 34 years. She was previously Appointed Judge of the 61st District Court by Governor Greg Abbott in July 2015. In 17 months on the bench, presided over 30 jury trials and had the lowest inventory of active cases among the 24 civil district judges as of December 31, 2016. Over 87% of cases appealed from her rulings were AFFIRMED by the Courts of Appeals. Voted Qualified/Well Qualified by 83% of respondents in the 2016 HBA Judicial Qualification Bar Poll. Erin and her husband have 2 beautiful children, 2 grandchildren and 4 crazy doggies.
Fred Shuchart
for District Judge, 190th Judicial Distric
Fred Shuchart received his law degree in 1985 from Washington University School of Law and has been practicing law for 37 years. After practicing in St. Louis, he moved to Houston in 1990 to marry the love of his life, Lee Kathryn Shirley and has two children, Emily and Stephen. Fred has tried cases throughout the State of Texas and argued before both State and Federal Courts of Appeal. Fred has been a “Super Lawyer” in Insurance Coverage since 2007. When not practicing law, Fred enjoys traveling with his family and playing golf.
Heather Hudson
for District Judge, 208th Judicial District
Heather Hudson received her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law and has been practicing criminal appellate law as a prosecutor for 14 years. She was born and raised in Houston and has lived in Harris County for 27 years. 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.
Kevin Fulton
for District Judge, 209th Judicial District
Kevin Fulton has dedicated his life to serving others. His strong sense of service and community started when he joined the US Army and served with distinction as reconnaissance in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Provide Comfort, protecting Kurdish refugees. After receiving his honorary discharge from the military, Kevin returned to the community. As a member of the Board of Directors, he volunteered his valuable time to assist several community-based groups that focused on preventing teen suicide, domestic abuse, and poverty. Kevin's commitment to the community while furthering his education resulted in receiving a Distinguished Public Service award and his Juris Doctor Degree. Kevin has served as general counsel for several corporations and handled complex litigation in the public and private sectors. His diverse and rich litigation experience has placed him in the middle of high-profile cases, from representing television celebrities to defending fundamental civil liberties. Kevin is the sort of person who genuinely cares about people, and it shows in his dedication to everything he does. That's the secret behind his incredible success. Kevin loves watching the 17x NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers or the 2017 and 2020 MLB Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in his spare time.
Andy Taylor
for District Judge, 228th Judicial District
Andy Taylor received his law degree from the Texas Tech School of Law in 2009 and has been practicing criminal law throughout the State of Texas for 12 years. He was born in the DFW metroplex and grew up in Burleson, Texas. Andy has lived in Harris County for the last 12 years where he has worked to represent and serve the people of Harris County not only in criminal matters of all degrees but also in many other practical and personal ways. He is a father of three young children and desires to serve Harris County residents to help restore justice and order.
Brad Hart
for District Judge, 230th Judicial District
A prosecutor under iconic Harris County District Attorney Johnny Holmes and appointed to the bench by Governor Rick Perry, Brad Hart served as Judge of the 230th Criminal District Court from 2013 to 2018. During that time, Judge Hart became known for low dockets, fair trials and justice delivered. For those reasons and for advancing safety in our community, Judge Hart was named "2018 Judge of the Year" by the Texas Gang Investigators Association for his legal stewardship which "allows justice to be served in a timely manner" and for his "outstanding contributions in the battle against gangs and organized crime."
Joshua Normand
for District Judge, 232nd Judicial District
Joshua Normand received a BA in Mathematics and a law degree from the University of Texas. Joshua started college at the age of fourteen and has dedicated his career to service by working for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, assisting law enforcement as an attorney for the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, and as a court appointed indigent criminal defense attorney. Joshua has lived in Harris County more than three decades and grew up in Jersey Village. Joshua has been married to his wife, Jenny, for 20 years, who is an entrepreneur, running the successful Shaka Power Yoga in Cypress and also a SUP yoga program in Humble, Cypress, and Texas City. In his spare time, Joshua provides legal and tax services to various nonprofits.
Michael West
for District Judge, 234th Judicial District
Michael West received his law degree from South Texas College of Law-Houston, in 1992. He has been licensed and practiced civil litigation in the Harris County Courts for 30-years. Michael graduated from Baylor University with a BBA, majoring in Finance and Economics. Michael grew up in Pasadena where he and his wife of 36 years, Laura, raised their 3 children. They are also blessed with 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Julian Ramirez
for District Judge, 248th Judicial District
With more than 32 years prosecuting criminal cases and 150+ felony jury trials under his belt, Julian Ramirez is well-qualified to bring needed change to the 248th Criminal District Court. The people of Harris County deserve a judge who will follow the law, treat everyone fairly, and give public safety the importance it deserves. Ramirez pledges to improve the effectiveness of the 248th Judicial District by reducing the huge case backlog, trying more cases, and bringing justice to all parties more swiftly. Ramirez is a native Texan and a product of the University of Texas School of Law. He lives in Houston with his wife, Caroline Dozier, their teenage son, and their two rescue dogs.
Tonya McLaughlin
for District Judge, 262nd Judicial District
Tonya McLaughlin is a native Texan. She received her law degree from South Texas College of Law and has been practicing criminal law in Harris County for 16 years. She started her career as a prosecutor in the Harris County DA's office and currently runs her own private criminal law practice.
Amber Cox
for District Judge, 263rd Judicial District
Amber Cox is a seasoned attorney with 18 years of civil and criminal court experience. Currently an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s office, Amber’s work as a prosecutor has been to maintain the community's safety while seeing that justice is done. Amber’s legal acumen extends outside the public sector realm of the DA’s office to private practice with work in family district courts and felony courts, as well as misdemeanor courts. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin University with a BS in Anatomy and Physiology and with a law degree from South Texas College of Law, Amber is also a mom to two wonderful daughters, Addison and Camryn.
Bruce Bain
for District Judge, 269th Judicial District
Bruce Bain is an accomplished trial attorney with 35 years of civil trial experience. He has practiced in both state and federal courts. His legal affiliations include the State Bar of Texas, The United States District Court for the Southern District, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Houston Bar Association. Bruce has handled cases before civil district courts throughout Texas, before the Texas Courts of Appeals, and the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals En Banc. He has been lead counsel in thousands of cases, ranging from small controversies to cases to large. He has been recognized in Strathmore’s Who’s Who of Professionals, HTown Magazine, and Houstonia Magazine.
Michael Landrum
for District Judge, 270th Judicial District
Judge Michael Landrum served Harris County as a district court judge for six years but was swept out of office in the 2018 election. He served again when Governor Abbott appointed him to fill a vacancy in 2020. With more than 40 years of legal practice, he holds certifications in two relevant fields: Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law. During his service, Judge Landrum has been highly rated by members of the Houston Bar, and he looks forward to serving you again.
Michelle Fraga
for District Judge, 281st Judicial District
For years Fraga has been bringing leadership, fresh ideas, and high energy to good causes in our community. She sits on the boards of the TEACH, Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA and Catholic Charities. She has volunteered at M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital, Sheltering Arms, Houston Independent School District, Young Leaders in Medicine, and the Junior League of Houston. And, she has put her creativity and organizational gifts to work in chairing special programs and events, such as TEW, Steps for Students, the S.E.R. Gala, and Cardinal’s Christmas. Fraga credits the support of her large extended family for making it possible for this “working mom” to serve in these ways. Michelle and her husband Stephen Fraga know firsthand the rewards of building strong families and strong communities. Married for 14 years with three sons Gregory (11), Stephen (11) and Andrew (6), they are committed to showing the next generation the importance of civic responsibility and the value of personal freedoms. 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. The family enjoys taking an active role in their church, schools, and neighborhood, bringing their spirit of teamwork to community causes, and sowing the seeds of patriotism. With her heart for public service and her strong commitment to our community, Michelle Fraga stands ready to step into the arena. A lifelong Conservative, she believes it is an exciting time to be a Republican in Harris County.
Malcolm Whittaker
for District Judge, 295th Judicial District
Malcolm Whittaker is a highly experienced civil litigator. Malcolm understands civil disputes and has successfully guided numerous individuals and corporations though the process. In addition, Malcolm served on the Board of Directors of a Privately Held Corporation with more than 30 million dollars in annual sales. In short, Malcolm is ready to serve as a district court judge.
Maritza Antu
for District Judge, 482nd Judicial District
Judge Maritza Antu was appointed by Governor Gregg Abbott to be the first Judge of the 482nd Criminal District Court. Judge Antu is a 17-year veteran criminal lawyer. She was a tough-on-crime prosecutor for 12 years successfully securing convictions against defendants charged with violent offenses like murder, capital murder, and sexual assault of children. Judge Antu has also represented defendants in drug court. In the five months has served, Judge Antu has reduced the criminal backlog by 900 cases and has presided over 6 jury trials. She is married to her husband, Matthew Peneguy and they have two young children.
Dan Lemkuil
for Family District Judge, 245th Judicial District
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. 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.
Charley Prine
for Family District Judge, 246th Judicial District
Charley Prine received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1992. He practiced law in Harris County for almost 20 years before he was appointed Associate Judge of the 309th District Court. He was elected the Presiding Judge of the 246th District Court in 2014. Judge Prine left the bench in 2019. He now serves as a Mediator and Arbitrator.
Geric Tipsword
for Family District Judge, 247th 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. Geric has been practicing family law since 2007. He is a Credentialed Mediator and an Arbitrator. Geric is a combat veteran having served 11 years in the U.S. Army with a combat tour during Desert Storm. Geric is a former teacher who taught 9th grade math. Geric holds an Associate's Degree in Transportation, a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, is a certified teacher, has a Master's Degree in Education Intervention, and has his Juris Doctorate (Magna Cum Laude). Geric was raised by a single Mexican mother with 2 siblings. He has been co-parenting 3 children for over 30 years. He is currently married and enjoys his 3 grandchildren.
Leonel Leo Farias II
for Family District Judge, 257th Judicial District
As a fifth-generation Latino Texan, Leo Farias understands the state's culture, needs, and struggles. Having lived in Houston his entire adult life, this is especially true for Harris County. Farias got his J.D. from the South Texas School of Law and clerked for various family law firms during his time as a student. He has since been practicing family law as an attorney since 2005 and has owned his own Family law firm since 2006. He owns his firm with his wife, Karleana, who he is raising two children with.
Rose Cardenas
Family District Judge, 280th Judicial District
Rose Cardenas is a lifelong Houstonian. She was born and raised in Houston and is a proud graduate of Bellaire High School. She briefly left Houston to attend the University of Texas, where she got her undergraduate degree and a law degree. After she received her law degree, she moved back to Houston and has been practicing law in the bayou city since 1986. She has worked as a litigator, mediator, and amicus attorney during her legal career. 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.
Todd Frankfort
for Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District
Todd Frankfort, a lawyer with over 27 years experience, is a native Houstonian and 5th generation Texan. He became Board Certified in Family Law in 2007 and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Todd is married to Sarah Frankfort and is the proud father of two daughters, Lucy and Claire.
Jesus Guillen
for Family District Judge, 309th Judicial District
Jesus Guillen received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2014 and has been practicing family law for 7 years. He was born in Houston Texas and has been living in Harris County his whole life. In addition to prosecuting cases for the last 3 years at the Harris County Attorney's Office, his legal experiences include clerking in the family law courts under Judge Georgia Dempster, Judge Denise Pratt, Judge Bonnie Hellums and facilitating permanency for children currently in the Gulf Coast Children' Court. Jesus Guillen is married and has 2 children.
Andrew Michael Bayley
for Family District Judge, 310th Judicial District
Andrew Bayley received his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston in 2009 and has been practicing law for 12 years. Andrew founded the Bayley Law Firm in 2010 that he currently runs with his wife and partner, Yalda Bayley. Andrew has been Board Certified in Family Law since 2018. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, he has called Harris County his home since 2006.
Gardner Eastland
for Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District
Gardner Eastland received his law degree from SMU in Dallas and has been practicing family law for 18 years. He was born in Harris County and has lived here for over 45 years. Gardner has twin boys and loves spending time with his family and friends.
Quyen Pham
for Family District Judge, 312th Judicial District
Quyen graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and has been practicing family law for over 15 years. She was born in Viet Nam but has lived in Harris County for 18 years.
Rachel Leal-Hudson
for Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District
Rachel Leal-Hudson received her law degree from South Texas School of Law in 2007 and has been practicing law for 14 years. She has been a Texan all of her life and has lived in Harris County for almost 20 years.
Cindy Hide
for Family District Judge, 314th Judicial District
Cindy Hide received her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and has been licensed to practice law since 1984. She was born in Lincoln, Nebraska but grew up in Harris County, Texas. Her legal career has focused on family law, successfully representing litigants in all aspects of marriage and divorce. Her most treasured times are spent with her children, granddaughter, and her faithful furry friend, a husky named Star.
Maria Valeria Brock
for Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District
Maria Valeria Brock received her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1990 and has been practicing law for over 30 years. 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. She was born in Argentina, and emigrated to the United States with her family as a young child. Maria Valeria has four children, who, although they are now adults, continue to be her greatest joy. As an (almost) lifelong resident of Harris County, she can't imagine a better place to live with her two dogs, Penny and Roch.
James Lombardino
for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 1
Growing up in San Antonio, my parents instilled in me two valuable lessons, ones that I have carried with me through my three decades of practicing family law here in Houston, my eight years as a Harris County family court judge, and now in my service to you as a family law arbitrator and mediator. From my father, I learned that every conversation starts with listening, and from my mother, the compassion to accept people as they are. Prior to taking the bench, I served as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County before running a successful general civil litigation practice and, soon, devoting my practice to family law. 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. I have tried cases in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Galveston County, Dallas County, Bexar County, and in State and Federal Court. As judge of Harris County’s 308th Family District Court, I resolved over 400 cases per month across the full spectrum of family law matters. These included everyone from professional athletes and millionaires to pilots and firemen, and mothers and fathers working multiple jobs to make ends meet. They included visitation and geographical restriction issues, as well as complex property divisions. With the insight gained from these cases—over 38,000 of them—I will, in serving as your arbitrator or mediator, help you see the strengths and weaknesses of your case as a judge or jury would, and thus help avoid unnecessary expenses and stress of going or returning to court. I am a proud graduate of the University of Houston, where I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and of South Texas College of Law. I enjoy fishing, Houston’s original restaurants, and professional sports, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Duke and attending my granddaughter’s soccer games.
Clyde Raymond Leuchtag
for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 2
"Judge Clyde graduated in Top 5% of South Texas College of Law Houston and is an experienced litigation attorney -- licensed since 1990. Judge Clyde was the highest HBA rated County Civil Court Judge while on the bench from June 2015 through December 2016, with zero reversals and only 1 modification on appeal. Until every county-wide Republican up for election in November 2016 was swept out of office, Judge Clyde had earned a reputation for FAIRNESS and for treating all people with RESPECT and courtesy, while faithfully following the law."
Aaron G. Adams
for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 3
Aaron G. Adams is a practicing Attorney of 17 years, Sports Agent, Author, and Real Estate Investor. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison Wisconsin. He has a Masters Degree in Business (M.B.A.) from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. He served 10 years as the Precinct Chairman of Precinct 216 Senate District 13 (2007 - 2016). In 2012 he served as a State Delegate at the Convention in Fort Worth and was a Member of the Rules Committee.
Brian Staley
for Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4
Brian Staley received his law degree from South Texas College of Law and has been practicing civil and appellate law for 26 years. He is also a small business owner. Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, he has lived in Harris County for 29 years. Brian and his wife Carol have been married 32 years and have three children.
Nathan Moss
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 1
Nathan Moss grew up in North Texas before attending the University of Texas at Austin, where he received a BA in Government. After that, Nathan stayed in Austin and attended the University of Texas School of Law, receiving his JD. Immediately after, Nathan moved to Houston, where he began practicing civil law for a brief time before joining the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in 2007, where he is still employed. While at the District Attorney’s Office, Nathan prosecuted an array of offenses while serving in both specialty divisions, such as Major Offenders and Child Abuse, and in the trial bureau, where he was recently promoted to Division Chief. With over 50 felony jury trials, including 20 homicide trials, under his belt, Nathan is an experienced criminal attorney working hard to keep the citizens of Harris County safer.
Paula Goodhart
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 2
Paula Goodhart has practiced criminal law for 29 years. She is the former award-winning judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #1 were she served for more than 8 years. Before being appointed, and subsequently elected, Paula served as felony chief prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where she worked for 14 years. She has tried more than 100 jury trials as an attorney and as a judge presided over more than 200 jury trials. She was elected by her peers to serve as the Presiding Judge of the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law and has repeatedly received the highest ratings by attorneys voting in the Houston Bar Association Judicial poll. She was instrumental in developing the young offender S.O.B.E.R. (Saving Ourselves By Education and Recovery) court addressing the needs of young repeat D.W.I. offenders while ensuring public safety. Since 2019, Paula has worked at the law firm of Shellist, Peebles, McAlister. She and her husband, a retired Assistant District Attorney, have four grown children and one grandchild. Paula has the experience, leadership and knowledge to be the next judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #2.
Leslie Johnson
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3
Houston native and attorney Leslie Johnson is the Republican nominee for Judge of Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law No. 3 in the November 2022 General Election. Leslie has practiced law for almost 25 years. She graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration and South Texas College of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1997. 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. Her work in the private sector since the early 2000s includes extensive experience in our County Criminal Courts. Leslie and her husband, Houston attorney Dane Johnson, reside in Houston and have two children.
Zachary Gibson
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 4
Zachary Gibson is currently a prosecutor for Harris County where he has served his community for the past 6 years. Zachary is a graduate of Baylor University and St. Mary’s University School of Law. A proud Texan, Zachary has made Houston his home for the past six years, and he is an active member of Christ Church Cathedral.
Elizabeth Buss
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5
A career public servant and lifelong Republican, Elizabeth Buss attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law before joining the Harris County District Attorney's Office where she has worked for nearly ten years. As a prosecutor, Elizabeth has served as a Misdemeanor Chief and practiced in the Felony, Juvenile and Intake Divisions. Elizabeth has evaluated hundreds of cases and been to trial in both Misdemeanor and Felony court. She has a unique perspective on justice due to her time working in the Responsive Interventions for Change docket aimed at getting non-violent drug offenders who needed treatment to reestablish themselves in society. Elizabeth and her husband, Bryan, live in Houston with their rescue dog, Hans. They are members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where they enjoy attending Mass each week.
Mark Montgomery
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6
Mark Montgomery attended the South Texas College of Law school while working as a Houston Police Officer. After graduation and receiving his law license, he remained with the Police Department another 14 years working in divisions such as Internal Affairs and as a lawyer in Legal Services for Chief Bradford. Mark honorably retired as a Houston Police Lieutenant after 25 years of service. While with the Houston Police Department, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award and named Police Officer of the Year. Mark has practiced criminal and family law for over 24 years. He has been in Harris County for over 40 years and is proud to call Texas his home with his wife, two sons, five daughters and three grandchildren.
Mike Monks
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7
Mike Monks is a native Houstonian, fourth-generation Texan, and lifelong Republican. 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 veteran’s court. Monks is dedicated to retaking the courthouse and restoring respect for our criminal justice system. Monks is dedicated to being firm but fair.
Mark Goldberg
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8
Mark Goldberg received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston and has been practicing law for over 25 years. He was born in Houston and has lived in Harris County all his life.
Sartaj Bal
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 9
Sartaj grew up in Spring, Texas and attended Klein High School. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Sartaj worked as a Process Engineer prior to attending South Texas College of Law. Sartaj has been a successful attorney practicing in a variety of different settings at the trial and appellate level for more than 12 years. Outside the practice of law, Sartaj has had the privilege to serve as an adjunct professor. In his free time, Sartaj loves to spend time with his family and travel.
Dan Spjut
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10
I’m a long-time attorney, arbitrator, and former Harris county criminal court judge in Houston, Texas. I also had a career with the Houston Police Department, retiring as a Lieutenant. My experiences have taught me that fair, efficient, and objective dispute resolution saves time and legal costs. I believe in justice and fair treatment for all parties.
Dan Simons
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 11
Dan Simons is a former Air Force Veteran and graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the University of Houston Law School. After graduation, Dan worked for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and continues to work as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Harris County. 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. Dan would like to continue his passion by earning your vote to serve our justice system as a judge.
Matthew Dexter
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 12
Matthew, a 20-year veteran of the Houston Police Department and a native Houstonian, wants to restore faith in the community's court system, and bring back a balanced approach to justice as well as a reasonable, common-sense approach to Harris County's criminal justice system. He has been part of Harris County for over 5 decades, working tirelessly to make it a better, safer place for everyone. Whether it be through the Houston Police Department, The District Attorney's Office, or through his work representing indigent adults and children, there is still more to be done to ensure our community's faith is restored in the courthouse.
Lance Long
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 13
Lance was born in Harris County and has lived here for over 45 years. After graduating cum laude from Georgetown University, he then attended The University of Texas School of Law and graduated with honors. Lance started his career in criminal law after being hired by Johnny Holmes to work as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. He remained there for over 25 years and rose to the level of Division Chief. Lance has since worked for the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, the Harris County Office of Court Management, and as special prosecutor for Smith County, Wharton County and the 112th District Attorney. Lance has dedicated his entire career to serving the public. 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.
Jessica N. Padilla
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14
Jessica was raised in a law enforcement family, watching daily as her father put on his uniform and hit the streets to protect the citizens in their community. This example of selfless service led her to begin her training after law school at the Harris County District Attorney's Office where she handled all types of criminal cases. Jessica has continued to serve the community in indigent defense and works in the county’s drug courts helping clients overcome drug addiction. With over 21 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney, Jessica will bring invaluable knowledge, common sense, and experience back to the court. Jessica and her husband, Michael, have been married for 20 years, have two children, and one spoiled pug. As a family they enjoy game nights, traveling, and fostering dogs for a local rescue.
Xavier Alfaro
for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 15
Xavier Alfaro graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and earned his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. Xavier has spent nearly 8 years of his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney. He also spent 7 years as a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Xavier began his career with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where he served as a Chief Prosecutor is two of the County Courts at Law. Xavier is currently a Deputy Division Chief at the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office where he supervises 12 prosecutors in 6 County Courts at Law. Xavier will be the kind of judge who always puts our community and the Constitution first. 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.
Loyd Wright
for Judge, County Probate Court No. 1
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. 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. Over the years, I was also appointed by the probate judges to handle both contested and uncontested estate and guardianship matters. The experience I garnered served me well during my eight years on the bench. 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. Prior to coming to the bench, I was licensed to practice in all Courts in the State of Texas, the United States District Court (Southern District), the United States Court of Appeals (5th Circuit), and the United States Tax Court. I also served two terms as a member of the District 4A grievance committee (which disciplines attorneys) and served as Chair in 1994. 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. I also belong to the Houston Business and Estate Planning Council and the Houston Estate and Financial Forum. I am also a member of the Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association and Attorneys in Tax and Probate.
Sophia Mafrige
for Judge, County Probate Court No. 2
Sophia is a native Houstonian with her own solo law practice. Her legal career has spanned over three decades and delved into many levels of litigation, probate, transactional, and real estate/property matters. 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. She has handled a broad range of legal matters, representing individuals, corporations, and small businesses on both sides of the docket and serving in a representative capacity as ad litem. She is a member of the Houston Bar Association and a Fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation. In 2008 Sophia was appointed to serve as a Commissioner for the City of Houston Police Officers' Civil Service Commission and was elected to and served as Chairman of the Commission from 2008 to June 2022. Sophia is the immediate past president of the Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women (2020-2021) and a past President of Magic Circle Republican Women's Club (2015). She is a past member of HCRP’s Military Partnership Committee. 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. Sophia is a member of the Rotary Club of Houston International and the Middle Eastern Heritage Club of Houston. Sophia is a past member of Patrons for Bellaire Parks and the Houston Realty Business Coalition. Sophia has volunteered for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by serving on the Houston Gala committee from 2006 to 2021. 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. She also held office as Parish Council President, Vice-President, and Secretary for multiple terms in each role and was appointed in 2012 to the Legal Affairs Committee for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the U.S.A. Her campaign slogan is “Mama Mia Vote for Sophia,” in honor of her mom. Sophia is honored to be on the November ballot as the Republican nominee for Judge of Harris County Probate Court #2!
Rory Robert Olsen
for Judge, County Probate Court No. 3
Rory practiced law for over twenty years in Houston. In 1999, he became the judge of Probate Court #3 in Harris County, where he served for twenty years. Rory graduated from Duke University School of Law. He is a proud husband and father of one with two cats and three grandchildren.
Will Archer
for Judge, County Probate Court No. 4
Will Archer has 25 years of experience as a practicing Attorney. He has handled numerous cases in the Civil District Courts and Probate Courts. Archer has also assisted many Attorneys with cases pending in these courts.
Denise F. Graves
for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2
Denise Graves received her bachelors of science in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University before earning her J.D. from the South Texas College of Law. She has since been a practicing attorney for over 30 years.
Laryssa Korduba
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
Judge Laryssa Korduba is the first female Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, serving as Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2. She was elected to this position in November 2014. Judge Laryssa received her law degree from the University of Houston in 2003 as a Mixon Scholarship Recipient. After years of working in property management, Judge Korduba then started her law practice and grew it to an industry-leading statewide firm. She is married to her best friend of 14 years, Matt, and they have four beautiful children together. Since taking the bench as Justice of the Peace, Judge Laryssa has made countless strides to improve customer service, increase and pilot new technology programs, and guarantee efficiency in her courtroom.
Bob Wolfe
for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2
Bob is a native Houstonian, where he was born, raised, and attended public schools. He graduated from the University of Houston, earning a B. B. A. in Business Administration with a major in accounting. In addition, Bob earned his Juris Doctorate from South Texas of Law in Houston, Texas. In 1983, Bob began his legal career by establishing his legal practice. Before that, he practiced as a Certified Public Accountant. Bob is uniquely qualified to serve as Justice of the Peace. Bob has worked on all types of Civil Cases, Foreclosures, Evictions, Family Law, Immigration cases, and Criminal Cases, including Traffic Ticket Defense. Bob is married to Mei Wolfe and their daughter attends public school. His first wife passed away and they had 2 sons who also attended school in Houston. Bob’s oldest son, Mike Wolfe has served as a Board Member of the Harris County Department of Education and is currently a candidate for the Texas State Board of Education, District 6. Both positions are volunteer positions without pay.
Louie Ditta
for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2
Judge Louie Ditta has served as the Presiding Judge of the Harris County Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct 8, Place 2) since 1997, having been re-elected to four consecutive four-year terms in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. In addition, Judge Ditta served as the Presiding Administrative Judge for all 16 Harris County Justice Courts from 2002-2004 and the Co-Presiding Administrative Judge from 2000-2002. Throughout his years of service, Judge Ditta has served as a frequent speaker before numerous civic, professional, and educational organizations and as an instructor for Justices throughout the State of Texas. 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.