County Offices on Your Ballot — Bexar 2026
Bexar County · November 3, 2026
County offices on your ballot
These are the local offices that run Bexar County — its prosecutor, its budget leaders, and its courts. Some are countywide, some are voted only within your precinct, and the new 15th Court of Appeals is voted statewide. Find each below.
Who votes on what. Countywide offices (like District Attorney and County Judge) appear on every Bexar ballot. County Commissioner races appear only for voters who live in that precinct. The three 15th Court of Appeals races are statewide. Each race below is labeled. Not sure of your precinct? Check your voter registration at the Bexar County Elections Department ↗
New to some of these names? Get to know the parties first:
How to read each race
Every contested race below is explained the same five ways. Each has its own color and icon, repeated on every contest, so once you learn them you can skim fast.
The Office
What the job actually is.
The Process
The term, the pay, how it’s elected.
Why It Matters
How it touches your life.
Common Mix-up
What this office does not decide.
Who’s Running
Every candidate, alphabetical, with their current role.
Criminal District Attorney
On every Bexar ballot
Open seat. The current District Attorney, Joe Gonzales, is not running again, so this office will have a new leader.
The Office
The Criminal District Attorney is Bexar County’s chief prosecutor. This office decides which criminal cases go to court and prosecutes felony and misdemeanor crimes. It works with crime victims and the police. It does not decide guilt or set the punishment — judges and juries do that.
The Process
Elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term. A new term starts January 1, 2027.
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Openno incumbent running
Why It Matters
The District Attorney sets crime-fighting priorities for the whole county and decides how thousands of criminal cases are handled each year.
Common Mix-up
People often think the District Attorney is a judge or decides who is guilty. The DA is the prosecutor — the lawyer who brings charges for the public. A separate judge runs the courtroom and a jury decides the verdict.
Prosecutor, not judge. A voter may assume the DA “sentences” people. In reality, the DA argues the case; the judge or jury decides guilt and the sentence.
Who’s Running
Luz Elena Chapa
Democratic
Current: former Justice on the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals (2013–2025); recently a visiting judge
More about Luz Elena Chapa
Record
Served about 12 years as an elected appellate judge on the Fourth Court of Appeals before running for District Attorney.
In her own words (from chapaforda.com)
- “As District Attorney, Luz Elena Chapa will make public safety her top priority.”
- “Judge Chapa will work non-stop on behalf of victims of crime and advocate tirelessly for the most vulnerable.”
- “The growing backlog of unprosecuted domestic violence cases is a stain on Bexar County.”
Ashley Foster
Republican
Current: former Bexar County Assistant District Attorney (career felony prosecutor)
More about Ashley Foster
Record
No prior elected office; career felony prosecutor (about 11 years as an assistant district attorney).
In her own words (from ashleyfosterforda.com)
- “Ashley will put victims and survivors at the center of the process with timely updates, trauma-informed advocacy, and a single point of contact.”
- “Backlogs erode public safety and trust. Ashley will attack the bottlenecks with a streamlined intake process, earlier discovery exchange, and smart triage.”
- “I will not accept donations from defense attorneys who practice before the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.”
Jason Wolff
Independent
Current: criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor; former Judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 2 (2011–2018)
More about Jason Wolff
Record
Held prior elected office as a Bexar County Court-at-Law judge (2011–2018); now running as an independent.
In his own words (from tiredofthiscrap.com)
- “I will bring the talent and training back to the courthouse.”
- “I will give discretion to the Assistant District Attorneys and support our local law enforcement officers.”
- “You will be held accountable when I am DA, and if you commit crimes in this town, you will regret it!”
Bexar County Judge
On every Bexar ballot
Open seat. The current County Judge, Peter Sakai, is not on the November ballot, so this office will have a new leader.
The Office
The Bexar County Judge is not a courtroom judge. This is the county’s top elected leader. The County Judge runs the Commissioners Court, which sets the county budget, taxes, and policy. The job is about running county government, not deciding trials.
The Process
Elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term. A new term starts January 1, 2027.
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
~$208,987yearly salary
Why It Matters
The County Judge helps lead a large county government and shapes the budget, taxes, and services for more than two million residents.
Common Mix-up
Many people think the “County Judge” hears court cases. It does not. The County Judge is the head of the Commissioners Court — the county’s chief executive.
Runs meetings, not trials. A voter may expect the County Judge to run criminal trials. In fact, the County Judge leads budget and policy meetings of the Commissioners Court.
Who’s Running
Ron Nirenberg
Democratic
Current: former Mayor of San Antonio (2017–2025); now a professor of practice at Trinity University
More about Ron Nirenberg
Record
Held prior elected office as Mayor of San Antonio for four terms and earlier on the San Antonio City Council.
In his own words (from voteron.com)
- “Build stronger partnerships between the county, city, and suburbs to streamline services and produce results.”
- “Anticipate challenges, plan ahead, and protect our communities before problems grow.”
- “Make county government relevant, transparent, and focused on improving everyday lives.”
Patrick Von Dohlen
Republican
Current: financial adviser (says more than 28 years helping families with financial security)
More about Patrick Von Dohlen
Record
No prior elected office; previously ran for San Antonio City Council (2017, 2019, 2021).
In his own words (from votepatrick.net)
- On spending: “making cuts to non-essential expenses, working to lower taxes anywhere we can and encouraging economic growth.”
- On the jail: calls for “a full audit to ensure efficiency as well as an interim facility” for inmates with mental-health challenges.
- On property taxes: “I will work to stop the bleeding. Bexar County needs our intervention.”
County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Precinct 2 voters only
The Office
A County Commissioner is one of four members of the Bexar County Commissioners Court. The court sets the county budget and the property-tax rate. Each commissioner also oversees roads, parks, and county services in their own precinct.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one precinct to a four-year term. The Commissioners Court has four commissioners plus the County Judge.
4 yearslength of a term
Your precinctwho votes
~$165,470yearly salary
Why It Matters
The Commissioners Court controls the county budget and tax rate. Your commissioner decides on roads, parks, and services where you live.
Common Mix-up
People often confuse a County Commissioner (county government) with a San Antonio City Council member (city government). They are different jobs in different governments.
County vs. city. A pothole on a city street is a City of San Antonio matter. A county road or park, or the county tax rate, is a County Commissioner matter.
Who’s Running
David Sherwood Hill
Republican
Current: business consultant and founder of an artificial-intelligence company
More about David Sherwood Hill
Record
No prior elected office.
In his own words (from his campaign site)
- Campaign slogan: “Sherwood Cut Your Taxes.”
Justin Rodriguez
Democratic
Current: Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 2 (incumbent since 2019)
More about Justin Rodriguez
Record
Commissioner since 2019; earlier served in the Texas House (2012–2019), on the San Antonio City Council (2007–2011), and on the San Antonio ISD board.
In his own words (from votejrod.com)
- “It is a privilege and my responsibility to represent you.”
- “To be accountable to the residents I serve by communicating honestly and openly about the results of our efforts.”
County Commissioner, Precinct 4
Precinct 4 voters only
The Office
A County Commissioner is one of four members of the Bexar County Commissioners Court. The court sets the county budget and the property-tax rate. Each commissioner also oversees roads, parks, and county services in their own precinct.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one precinct to a four-year term. The Commissioners Court has four commissioners plus the County Judge.
4 yearslength of a term
Your precinctwho votes
~$165,470yearly salary
Why It Matters
The Commissioners Court controls the county budget and tax rate. Your commissioner decides on roads, parks, and services where you live.
Common Mix-up
People often confuse a County Commissioner (county government) with a San Antonio City Council member (city government). They are different jobs in different governments.
Not your voting precinct. A county commissioner “precinct” is one of four large county districts — not your election-day voting precinct or a Justice of the Peace precinct.
Who’s Running
Roy Anthony II
Independent
Current: apartment leasing consultant; community volunteer and youth-program founder
More about Roy Anthony II
Record
No prior elected office; ran for San Antonio City Council, District 10, in 2025.
In his own words (from voteroy.us)
- “I’m running as an Independent because my commitment is to the people—not political parties or special interests.”
- “My goal is simple: listen, serve, and work every day to improve the quality of life in Bexar County Precinct 4.”
- “Government should be open and accountable.”
Tommy Calvert Jr.
Democratic
Current: Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 4 (incumbent since 2015)
More about Tommy Calvert Jr.
Record
Commissioner since 2015. His campaign site focuses on completed county projects and community work.
In his own words (from tommycalvert.com)
- Campaign theme: “Together we can build a stronger community.”
225th District Court (Civil)
On every Bexar ballot
The Office
A district court is a state trial court. In Texas, district courts hold trials — felony criminal cases and larger civil lawsuits, with judges, juries, and witnesses. The 225th is one of Bexar County’s civil district courts, so it mostly handles bigger money disputes such as contracts, injuries, property, and business fights.
The Process
District judges are elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term.
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Civilcase type
Why It Matters
This court decides large civil disputes that can change people’s finances, businesses, and property. The judge keeps cases fair and moving.
Common Mix-up
District courts are different from County Courts at Law (misdemeanors and smaller civil cases) and from Justice of the Peace courts (small claims). District courts handle felonies and the biggest civil cases.
Big cases here. A large contract fight goes to a district court like the 225th; a small unpaid-bill claim goes to a JP court.
Who’s Running
Benjamin Robertson
Republican
Current: sitting judge of the 226th District Court (a Bexar County criminal court); running for the 225th (civil) court
More about Benjamin Robertson
Record
Appointed judge of the 226th District Court in 2024; earlier an energy-litigation attorney and an appeals-court staff attorney.
In his own words (from votebenrobertson.com)
- “Judge Ben Robertson is dedicated to serving the 225th court, its participants, and the community to the best of his ability once elected.”
Christine Vasquez Hortick
Democratic
Current: incumbent judge of the 225th Civil District Court (first elected 2022)
More about Christine Vasquez Hortick
Record
Judge of the 225th since 2022; earlier a private-practice attorney and a legal-aid law clerk.
In her own words (from votechristine.com)
- Campaign theme: “Justice, Integrity, and Bold Leadership.”
County Court at Law No. 1
On every Bexar ballot
The Office
A County Court at Law is a “statutory county court.” These courts handle smaller civil lawsuits, Class A and Class B misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, some probate, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts. They are the busy middle layer of the county’s trial courts. Bexar County has 15 of them.
The Process
Judges are elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term.
15courts in the county
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Why It Matters
Most people who ever go to court in Bexar County are more likely to appear before a County Court at Law than any other court — for a misdemeanor, a mid-sized money dispute, or a protective order. The judge sets how fairly people are treated and how fast cases move.
Common Mix-up
County Courts at Law are different from District Courts (felonies and big civil cases) and from Justice of the Peace courts (small claims and tickets). They sit in the middle.
The middle layer. A Class B misdemeanor usually goes to a County Court at Law; a burglary felony goes to a District Court.
Who’s Running
Bob Behrens
Republican
Current: attorney; former judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 15 (2014–2018)
More about Bob Behrens
Record
Former judge of County Court at Law No. 15 (2014–2018); earlier an assistant district attorney. Ran for this seat in 2022.
In his own words
No campaign website was found, so no candidate quotes are listed.
Helen Petry Stowe
Democratic
Current: incumbent judge of County Court at Law No. 1 (since 2019)
More about Helen Petry Stowe
Record
Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 since 2019; earlier judge of Court at Law No. 13 and an assistant district attorney.
In her own words (from judgehelenpetrystowe.com)
- “She has a breadth of experience in criminal law, having handled more than fifty trials.”
- “She took on TRAC-D, a DWI specialty court that provides a treatment-focused probation program.”
County Court at Law No. 4
On every Bexar ballot
The Office
A County Court at Law is a “statutory county court.” These courts handle smaller civil lawsuits, Class A and Class B misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, some probate, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts. They are the busy middle layer of the county’s trial courts. Bexar County has 15 of them.
The Process
Judges are elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term.
15courts in the county
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Why It Matters
Most people who ever go to court in Bexar County are more likely to appear before a County Court at Law than any other court — for a misdemeanor, a mid-sized money dispute, or a protective order. The judge sets how fairly people are treated and how fast cases move.
Common Mix-up
County Courts at Law are different from District Courts (felonies and big civil cases) and from Justice of the Peace courts (small claims and tickets). They sit in the middle.
The middle layer. A Class B misdemeanor usually goes to a County Court at Law; a burglary felony goes to a District Court.
Who’s Running
Jason Roland Garrahan
Republican
Current: attorney; former judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 4 (2014–2018)
More about Jason Roland Garrahan
Record
Held this seat 2014–2018; earlier an assistant district attorney.
In his own words
No campaign website was found, so no candidate quotes are listed.
Alfredo Ximenez
Democratic
Current: incumbent judge of County Court at Law No. 4 (since 2018)
More about Alfredo Ximenez
Record
Judge of County Court at Law No. 4 since 2018; earlier a criminal-defense attorney.
In his own words (from judgeximenez.com)
- Campaign slogan: “Justice You Can Trust. Values You Can Believe In.”
- “22 years of legal experience as a practicing attorney and 8 years of service on the bench.”
County Court at Law No. 8
On every Bexar ballot
Open seat. The current judge, Mary Roman, is retiring, so this court will have a new judge.
The Office
A County Court at Law is a “statutory county court.” These courts handle smaller civil lawsuits, Class A and Class B misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, some probate, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts. They are the busy middle layer of the county’s trial courts. Bexar County has 15 of them.
The Process
Judges are elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term.
15courts in the county
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Why It Matters
Most people who ever go to court in Bexar County are more likely to appear before a County Court at Law than any other court — for a misdemeanor, a mid-sized money dispute, or a protective order. The judge sets how fairly people are treated and how fast cases move.
Common Mix-up
County Courts at Law are different from District Courts (felonies and big civil cases) and from Justice of the Peace courts (small claims and tickets). They sit in the middle.
The middle layer. A Class B misdemeanor usually goes to a County Court at Law; a burglary felony goes to a District Court.
Who’s Running
Celeste Brown
Republican
Current: attorney; former judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 8 (2015–2018)
More about Celeste Brown
Record
Former judge of Court at Law No. 8 (2015–2018); has served as an associate judge in Justice of the Peace courts.
In her own words (from celesteforjudge.com)
- “A courtroom that is serious, efficient, respectful, and fair.”
- “Follow the law, listen carefully, treat people with dignity, and keep the court moving.”
Victoria Cruz
Democratic
Current: attorney in criminal defense, family law, and immigration-related defense
More about Victoria Cruz
Record
No prior elected office; earlier helped unaccompanied minors with the nonprofit RAICES.
In her own words (from votevictoriacruz.com)
- “Victoria looks forward to serving the citizens of Bexar County as your next County Court Judge in County Court No. 8.”
County Court at Law No. 9
On every Bexar ballot
Open seat. The current judge, Gloria Saldaña, is retiring, so this court will have a new judge.
The Office
A County Court at Law is a “statutory county court.” These courts handle smaller civil lawsuits, Class A and Class B misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, some probate, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts. They are the busy middle layer of the county’s trial courts. Bexar County has 15 of them.
The Process
Judges are elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term.
15courts in the county
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Why It Matters
Most people who ever go to court in Bexar County are more likely to appear before a County Court at Law than any other court — for a misdemeanor, a mid-sized money dispute, or a protective order. The judge sets how fairly people are treated and how fast cases move.
Common Mix-up
County Courts at Law are different from District Courts (felonies and big civil cases) and from Justice of the Peace courts (small claims and tickets). They sit in the middle.
The middle layer. A Class B misdemeanor usually goes to a County Court at Law; a burglary felony goes to a District Court.
Who’s Running
Daphne Previti Austin
Republican
Current: attorney; former judge of the 289th District Court and a former juvenile law referee
More about Daphne Previti Austin
Record
Former judge of the 289th District Court; more than 10 years in the District Attorney’s office; board certified in juvenile law.
In her own words (from electdaphne.com)
- “To protect the safety of our community in which we all live while working through the backlog of cases due to the pandemic.”
- Her site notes she has “practiced law for 30 years.”
Jessica A. Gonzalez
Democratic
Current: attorney; owner of a criminal-defense law office and a former Bexar County prosecutor
More about Jessica A. Gonzalez
Record
No prior elected office; a former prosecutor now in private criminal-defense practice.
In her own words (from jessicagonzalezforjudge.com)
- “For over 20 years I have worked hard for all citizens of Bexar County.”
- “I want your vote for Judge of County Court #9.”
County Court at Law No. 12
On every Bexar ballot
Open race. The current judge is not on the November ballot, so this court will have a new judge.
The Office
A County Court at Law is a “statutory county court.” These courts handle smaller civil lawsuits, Class A and Class B misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, some probate, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts. They are the busy middle layer of the county’s trial courts. Bexar County has 15 of them.
The Process
Judges are elected countywide by all Bexar County voters to a four-year term.
15courts in the county
4 yearslength of a term
Countywideall Bexar voters
Why It Matters
Most people who ever go to court in Bexar County are more likely to appear before a County Court at Law than any other court — for a misdemeanor, a mid-sized money dispute, or a protective order. The judge sets how fairly people are treated and how fast cases move.
Common Mix-up
County Courts at Law are different from District Courts (felonies and big civil cases) and from Justice of the Peace courts (small claims and tickets). They sit in the middle.
The middle layer. A Class B misdemeanor usually goes to a County Court at Law; a burglary felony goes to a District Court.
Who’s Running
Deborah Dietzmann
Republican
Current: public defender; more than 25 years practicing law
More about Deborah Dietzmann
Record
No prior elected office; a former prosecutor and current public defender.
In her own words
No campaign website was found, so no candidate quotes are listed.
Lauren Zamora
Democratic
Current: assistant district attorney in the DA’s Conviction Integrity Unit
More about Lauren Zamora
Record
No prior elected office; a prosecutor who co-founded the Bexar County Community Court in 2023.
In her own words (from zamoraforjudge.com)
- “I believe judges should be more than legal experts—they should be leaders who bring integrity, balance, and empathy to the bench.”
Chief Justice, 4th Court of Appeals
On every Bexar ballot
Open seat. The current Chief Justice, Rebeca Martinez, is not running again. Both candidates are sitting judges on other courts.
The Office
A court of appeals does not hold trials. Panels of justices read the record from a finished trial, read written arguments, and decide whether the trial court followed the law. The Fourth Court of Appeals is the regional appeals court based in San Antonio; it covers a 32-county area that includes Bexar County. The Chief Justice also runs the court.
The Process
Elected by voters across the 32-county Fourth Court district, which includes Bexar County, to a six-year term.
6 yearslength of a term
32-county regionwho votes
Includes Bexaryes
Why It Matters
This court reviews decisions from trial courts across South-Central Texas. Its rulings can settle how the law is applied for millions of people in the region.
Common Mix-up
An appeals court does not re-try cases or hear from juries — it reviews whether the trial court got the law right. This regional court (the 4th) is also different from the new statewide 15th Court below.
Review, not re-trial. If someone loses a Bexar County trial and appeals, the Fourth Court checks the trial for legal mistakes; it does not hold a new trial.
Who’s Running
Antonia “Toni” Arteaga
Democratic
Current: sitting judge of the 57th Civil District Court in Bexar County (since 2008)
More about Antonia “Toni” Arteaga
Record
Judge of the 57th District Court since 2008; a past president of the Texas Association of District Judges.
In her own words (from judgearteaga.com)
- Campaign tagline: “Justice You Know. Leadership You Trust.”
- “Every person who comes before the court deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Bert Richardson
Republican
Current: sitting judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (since 2015)
More about Bert Richardson
Record
Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals since 2015; earlier a Bexar County district judge and a prosecutor.
In his own words (from electjudgerichardson.com)
- “Faithfully following the laws of Texas for 37 years.”
- “My job is to treat all cases before the 4th Court of Appeals with equal right.”
Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals
On every ballot in Texas
New seat, first election. Scott Brister was appointed the court’s first Chief Justice in 2024 and is running to keep the seat.
The Office
The Fifteenth Court of Appeals is a new statewide appeals court. Texas created it in 2023 and it began in September 2024. It handles certain civil appeals involving the State of Texas and its agencies, and appeals from the Texas Business Court (large business disputes). Like all appeals courts, it reviews the law — it does not hold trials.
The Process
Elected by all Texas voters statewide to a six-year term. Because the first justices were appointed in 2024, all three seats are on a ballot for the first time in 2026.
6 yearslength of a term
Statewideall Texas voters
New courtfirst election
Why It Matters
This court decides appeals over state-government actions and big business cases for the entire state. Its rulings can shape how Texas government and businesses operate.
Common Mix-up
This is a statewide court — every Texas voter helps elect it, not just Bexar County. It is different from the regional 4th Court of Appeals above, and like all appeals courts it does not hold trials.
Statewide reach. A dispute over a state-agency rule can be appealed to the 15th Court; a neighbor’s small-claims case cannot.
Who’s Running
Scott Brister
Republican
Current: appointed Chief Justice of the 15th Court of Appeals (since 2024); former Texas Supreme Court justice
More about Scott Brister
Record
The court’s first Chief Justice, appointed in 2024; earlier a Texas Supreme Court justice and a Houston-area judge.
In his own words (from justicescottbrister.com)
- “Fairness, clarity, and fidelity to the law. That’s what Texans deserve, and that’s what I’m here to deliver.”
- “Follow the law as written, respect the Constitution, and issue clear, reasoned decisions.”
Jerry Zimmerer
Democratic
Current: attorney; former justice on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston (2019–2024)
More about Jerry Zimmerer
Record
Served on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals (Houston) from 2019 to 2024.
In his own words (from jerryzimmerer.com)
- His site says he has “been part of this community for many years, working tirelessly to make it a better place.”
Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2
On every ballot in Texas
New seat, first election. Scott Field was appointed in 2024 and is running to keep the seat.
The Office
The Fifteenth Court of Appeals is a new statewide appeals court. Texas created it in 2023 and it began in September 2024. It handles certain civil appeals involving the State of Texas and its agencies, and appeals from the Texas Business Court (large business disputes). Like all appeals courts, it reviews the law — it does not hold trials.
The Process
Elected by all Texas voters statewide to a six-year term. Because the first justices were appointed in 2024, all three seats are on a ballot for the first time in 2026.
6 yearslength of a term
Statewideall Texas voters
New courtfirst election
Why It Matters
This court decides appeals over state-government actions and big business cases for the entire state. Its rulings can shape how Texas government and businesses operate.
Common Mix-up
This is a statewide court — every Texas voter helps elect it, not just Bexar County. It is different from the regional 4th Court of Appeals above, and like all appeals courts it does not hold trials.
Statewide reach. A dispute over a state-agency rule can be appealed to the 15th Court; a neighbor’s small-claims case cannot.
Who’s Running
Tom Baker
Democratic
Current: attorney and U.S. Navy veteran; former justice on the Third Court of Appeals in Austin (2019–2024)
More about Tom Baker
Record
Served on the Third Court of Appeals (Austin) from 2019 to 2024.
In his own words (from justicetombaker.com)
- “The judicial branch of government must remain impartial and ensure that each branch acts within its ‘constitutional lanes.’”
- “Texans must regain trust in our courts and the impartial nature in which they must execute their duties.”
Scott K. Field
Republican
Current: appointed Justice of the 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2 (since 2024); founder of a law firm
More about Scott K. Field
Record
Appointed to the 15th Court in 2024; earlier served on the Third Court of Appeals and as a Williamson County district judge.
In his own words (from justicescottfield.com)
- “Every case deserves thoughtful, impartial review grounded in the law, not politics.”
- “Applying the law as written—not rewriting it to fit personal views or political outcomes.”
Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3
On every ballot in Texas
New seat, first election. April Farris was appointed in 2024 and is running to keep the seat.
The Office
The Fifteenth Court of Appeals is a new statewide appeals court. Texas created it in 2023 and it began in September 2024. It handles certain civil appeals involving the State of Texas and its agencies, and appeals from the Texas Business Court (large business disputes). Like all appeals courts, it reviews the law — it does not hold trials.
The Process
Elected by all Texas voters statewide to a six-year term. Because the first justices were appointed in 2024, all three seats are on a ballot for the first time in 2026.
6 yearslength of a term
Statewideall Texas voters
New courtfirst election
Why It Matters
This court decides appeals over state-government actions and big business cases for the entire state. Its rulings can shape how Texas government and businesses operate.
Common Mix-up
This is a statewide court — every Texas voter helps elect it, not just Bexar County. It is different from the regional 4th Court of Appeals above, and like all appeals courts it does not hold trials.
Statewide reach. A dispute over a state-agency rule can be appealed to the 15th Court; a neighbor’s small-claims case cannot.
Who’s Running
April Farris
Republican
Current: appointed Justice of the 15th Court of Appeals, Place 3 (since 2024)
More about April Farris
Record
Appointed to the 15th Court in 2024; earlier served on the First Court of Appeals in Houston and as an Assistant Solicitor General of Texas.
In her own words (from justiceaprilfarris.com)
- “I believe every Texan deserves equal treatment under the law and a fair, impartial judge.”
- “I believe that judges should interpret the law as written—not rewrite it.”
Marc M. Meyer
Democratic
Current: attorney; a retired Houston firefighter and registered nurse
More about Marc M. Meyer
Record
An attorney with a background as a firefighter and nurse; not currently a judge.
In his own words
No campaign website was found, so no candidate quotes are listed.
Uncontested races on your ballot
Running unopposed
No choice to make here, but here’s who’s on your ballot. These county and court seats have only one candidate. Some run only in your precinct. The offices still matter — here is each seat, the candidate, and where to learn more.
Countywide
Christine “Chris” Castillo
Democratic
District Clerk — nominee; retired after about 33 years in the District Clerk’s office
District Courts
Michael De Leon
Democratic
144th District Court — challenger; former county court judge
Anastacia “Ana” Ochoa Nelson
Democratic
226th District Court — open seat; prosecutor, Family Violence Division
Jennifer Pena
Democratic
290th District Court — incumbent judge since about 2019
Raymond A. Villarreal
Democratic
436th District Court — challenger; juvenile and criminal law
County Courts at Law
Cesar Garcia
Democratic
County Court at Law No. 10 — incumbent judge since 2022
Alicia “Ali” Perez
Democratic
County Court at Law No. 13 — sitting judge (appointed 2026)
Audrey Martinez
Democratic
County Court at Law No. 14 — challenger; criminal-defense attorney
Probate Courts
Justices of the Peace
Armando Cruz Jr.
Democratic
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 — open race; about 14 years with the county JP court
Julie Bray Patterson
Republican
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 — incumbent since 2023
Anna Campos
Democratic
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 — sitting JP (appointed); running for a full term