Judge Alexandra Smoots Thomas and Cheryl Elliott Thornton for Judge, 164th Civil District Court - July 14, 2020 Democratic Runoff

"Judge Alexandra Smoots Thomas and Cheryl Elliott Thornton are the two Democratic candidates who will face off on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in the runoff race for Judge, 164th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Early voting will begin on Monday, July 6, 2020, and end on Friday, July 10, 2020."

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

"We must make it our business to elect the best-qualified candidates who value our vote, prayers, and support every time we enter a voting booth."

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

"Who you vote for in any given election is a personal decision. So, as you endeavor to make a quality decision at the ballot box, please consider casting your ballot for duly-qualified candidates who respect, appreciate and ask for your vote."

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Democrats Should be Researching Runoff Candidates Like Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas and Cheryl Elliott Thornton

"Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas finds herself in unfamiliar territory as she finished well behind Attorney Cheryl Elliott Thornton back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. In case you don't remember, Attorney Cheryl Elliott Thornton received 103,179 votes for 41.28% of the vote to earn the front-runner status heading into the Tuesday, May 26, 2020, Democratic Party Primary runoff election. Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas finished as the runner-up in the three-person field with 82,590 votes for 33.04% of the vote. The third-place finisher was Attorney Grant J. Harvey who missed the runoff by a wide margin."

Attorney Cheryl Elliott Thornton Won the Absentee Ballot Phase, Early Voting Turnout Phase, and Election Day Turnout As Well...

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©

As Americans rush into stores to grab food, hand sanitizers, toiletries, and other necessities in the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), candidates running for office in the state of Texas (and other states) are kind of in limbo. In case you haven't heard, the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control, our nation's health protection agency, said yesterday that all events of 50 people or more should be canceled for the next eight weeks, and urged Americans to continue to engage in "social distancing" through early May. And you know it has to be getting worse when the MGM Resorts decides to close all of its Las Vegas Properties -- which is what they announced they would be doing this week, according to published reports. But what about our upcoming Democratic and Republican runoff elections? Well, according to Diane Trautman, our Harris County Clerk, "...all election officials in Texas are waiting to hear something from the governor on what can be done to increase access for voters in the upcoming May and November elections," she says. According to Trautman, things like "No Excuse Voting by Mail" can only be done with the approval of Gov. Greg Abbott," she told me in a Facebook post. So what should Harris County runoff candidates be doing in the meantime? My professional opinion is that "ALL RUNOFF CANDIDATES" should continue to use creative ways to keep their names out there in front of potential voters until further notice. Why? Well, there's already going to be a "HUGE DROP OFF IN VOTER TURNOUT" for the runoffs. So, it's important for candidates to try to keep up the momentum they've worked so hard to build, just to make it to this point. Because after all, the candidates with the best name identification, resources and "GROUND-GAME STRATEGY" are the ones who more than likely are going to dominate the runoff election races. That being said, the runoff turnout for Democrats isn't going to come anywhere close to the 328,596 voters we just saw cast ballots back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, for the Democratic party primary in Harris County, Texas. What am I talking about? Well, you have to keep in mind that Harris County, Texas currently has 2,370,540 registered voters. However, only 13.86% of the registered voters in Harris County, Texas turned out to vote in the Democratic primary, which was held back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. While that was considered a great turnout by most political pundits and analysts, turnout for the runoffs is going to be significantly lower in my opinion. How low will the runoff turnout go in Harris County, Texas? Well, back on May 22, 2018, the turnout for the Democratic Party Primary runoffs was only 2.56% in Harris County, Texas. Back on May 24, 2016, the turnout for the Democratic Party Primary runoffs was only 1.43% in Harris County, Texas. Back on May 27, 2014, the turnout for the Democratic Party Primary runoffs was only 0.94% in Harris County, Texas. Back on July 31, 2012, the turnout for the Democratic Party Primary runoffs was only 8.71% in Harris County, Texas. Back on April 13, 2010, the turnout for the Democratic Party Primary runoffs was only 1.54% in Harris County, Texas. And back on April 8, 2008, the turnout for the Democratic Party Primary runoffs was only 0.53% in Harris County, Texas. Anyways, like I said, candidates had better keep campaigning, because every vote will matter! Houston Business Connections Newspaper© is published by Aubrey R Taylor Communications. All Rights Reserved.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

"We must make it our business to elect the best-qualified candidates who value our vote, prayers, and support every time we enter a voting booth."

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Diane Trautman currently serves as the Harris County Clerk. A Democrat, Trautman was elected to this office back in the history sweep by Democrats running countywide back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the Midterm Elections.

MESSAGE FROM DIANE TRAUTMAN

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is currently working on a plan to continue to make voting accessible for upcoming elections. This includes discussions with the Harris County Commissioners Court, Texas Secretary of State, and several other governmental entities to make the plan feasible and timely.

At this time, the County Clerk does not have the authority to go to an all-mail ballot program, because this would need approval from the governor and legislature. We are working with all levels of state and county government to look at all possible solutions.

I can assure you our office will do all we can to make sure voters are able to cast a ballot in elections they qualify to vote in. Once the plan is ready it will be shared with the public.

Harris County Clerk

Harris County Civil Courthouse

201 Caroline, Suite 310

Houston, TX 77002

(713) 274-8600

MJ "Mary Hegar" is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for the United States Senate as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Royce West. In case you don't know, MJ Hegar received 412,897 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

State Sen. Royce West is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for the United States Senate as the "RUNNER-UP" against MJ Hegar. In case you don't know, State Sen. Royce West received 269,027 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Sima Lajervardian is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for United States Representative, District 2 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Elisa Cardnell. In case you don't know, Sima Ladjevardian received 26,410 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Elisa Cardnell is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for United States Representative, District 2 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Sima Ladjevardian. In case you don't know, Elisa Cardnell received 17,210 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Michael Siegel is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for United States Representative, District 10 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Pritesh Gandhi. In case you don't know, Michael Siegel received 35.450 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Pritesh Gandhi is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for United States Representative, District 10 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Michael Siegel. In case you don't know, Pritesh Gandhi received 26,683 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Chrysta Castañeda is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Roberto Alonzo. In case you don't know, Chrysta Castañeda received 592,770 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Roberto Alonzo is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner as the "RUNNER-UP" against Chrysta Castañeda. In case you don't know, Roberto Alonzo received 503,666 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Michelle Palmer is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Member, State Board of Education, District 6 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Kimberly R. McLeod. In case you don't know, Michelle Palmer received 51,778 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Kimberly R. McLeod is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Member, State Board of Education, District 6 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Michelle Palmer. In case you don't know, Kimberly R. McLeod received 38,297 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Akilah Bacy is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for State Representative, District 138 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Jenifer Renee Pool. In case you don't know, Akilah Bacy received 4,387 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Jenifer Renee Pool is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for State Representative, District 138 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Akilah Bacy. In case you don't know, Jenifer Renee Pool received 2,751 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

State Rep. Harold Dutton is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for State Representative, District 142 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Jerry Davis. In case you don't know, State Rep. Harold Dutton received 5,723 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Jerry Davis is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for State Representative, District 142 as the "RUNNER-UP" against State Rep. Dutton. In case you don't know, Jerry Davis received 3,199 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

State Rep. Anna Eastman is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for State Representative, District 148 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Penny Morales Shaw. In case you don't know, State Rep. Anna Eastman received 6,159 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Penny Morales-Shaw is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for State Representative, District 148 as the "RUNNER-UP" against State Rep. Anna Eastman. In case you don't know, Penny Morales-Shaw received 3,269 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Tamika Craft is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Justice 14th Court of Appeals, Place 7 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Cheri Thomas. In case you don't know, Tamika Craft received 137,360 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Cheri Thomas is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 7 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Tamika Craft. In case you don't know, Cheri Thomas received 86,821 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Cheryl Elliott-Thornton is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Judge, 164th Civil District Court as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas. In case you don't know, Cheryl Elliott-Thornton received 102,777 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Judge, 164th Civil District Court as the "RUNNER-UP" against Cheryl Elliott-Thornton. In case you don't know, Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas received 82,345 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Te'iva Bell is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Judge, 339th Criminal District Court as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Candance White. In case you don't know, Te'iva Bell received 108,764 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Candance White is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Judge, 339th Criminal District Court as the "RUNNER-UP" against Te'iva Bell. In case you don't know, Candance White received 89,286 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Texas Secretary of State.

Diana Alexander is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Michael Moore. In case you don't know, Diana Alexander received 16,472 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Michael Moore is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Diana Alexander. In case you don't know, Michael Moore received 16,092 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Israel Garcia is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Roel Garcia. In case you don't know, Israel Garcia received 26,701 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Roel Garcia is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Israel Garcia. In case you don't know, Roel Garcia received 16,933 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Lieutenant Jerry Garcia is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Constable Precinct 2 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Constable Chris Diaz. In case you don't know, Lieutenant Jerry Garcia received 5,766 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Constable Chris Diaz is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Constable Precinct 2 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Lieutenant Jerry Garcia. In case you don't know, Constable Chris Diaz received 5,122 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Constable Sherman Eagleton is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Constable Precinct 3 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against former Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ken Jones. In case you don't know, Constable Sherman Eagleton received 10,008 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Former Constable Ken Jones is heading into the Tuesday, May 26, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Constable Precinct 3 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Constable Sherman Eagleton. In case you don't know, Ken Jones received 3,391 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk. However, in a recent turn of events, Eric Reed, Deborah Florus, and Michel (Poppy) Pappillion have all decided to throw their support behind Ken Jones. This could make the runoff showdown between Constable Sherman Eagleton and former Precinct 3 Constable Ken Jones one of the most intriguing races on the entire May 26th Democratic runoff ballot. Why? Well, at first glance it would appear that Constable Sherman Eagleton is the clear, and decisive "FRONT-RUNNER" heading into the runoff showdown. However, when you take into account that Eric Reed received 1,810 votes for 8.58% of the vote; Deborah Florus received 3,279 votes for 15.54% of the vote; Michael (Poppy) Pappillion received 913 votes for 4.33% of the vote, and Ken Jones himself received 3,391 votes for 16.07% of the vote, it isn't difficult to see that the "RUNOFF SHOWDOWN" between Constable Eagleton and Ken Jones won't be as lopsided as their Democratic Primary was back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Another key factor to pay close attention to is the fact that only 23,896 votes were cast back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the race for Harris County Constable for Precinct 3. Why is this significant? Well, according to the Harris County Clerk's Office, there are 197,063 registered voters in Precinct 3 who could potentially turn out on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. So both Constable Sherman Eagleton (the current Constable for Precinct 3) and Ken Jones (the former Constable for Precinct 3) will both have their work cut out for them between now and the start of the "EARLY VOTING PERIOD" which begins on Monday, May 18, 2020, and Friday, May 22, 2020, in Harris County, Texas.

Randal Newman is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Constable Precinct 5 as the "FRONT-RUNNER" against Mark Alan Harrison. In case you don't know, Randal Newman received 23,525 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

Mark Alan Harrison is heading into the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, runoff election in the race for Harris County Constable Precinct 5 as the "RUNNER-UP" against Randal Newman. In case you don't know, Mark Alan Harrison received 18,560 votes back on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary, according to the "Unofficial" election returns published by the Harris County Clerk.

"We must make it our business to elect the best-qualified candidates who value our vote, prayers, and support every time we enter a voting booth."

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

LAW OFFICES OF ALLETTE B. WILLIAMS, P.C., HOUSTON, TEXAS

Attorney Allette B. Williams and other leaders just like her make it possible for us to thrive and do what we do to inspire, encourage, and drive voter turnout and mobilization in Harris County, Texas. So, if for some reason you don't know, Attorney Williams practice's law in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Criminal, Family, Personal Injury, Wills-Trusts-Probate, Entertainment, Immigration, Juvenile, Mediation, and Contracts.

MEET STEVE KHERKHER - PARTNER AT KHERKHER GARCIA, LLP

Steve Kherkher is a national trial lawyer who maintains a litigation practice throughout the country. In his career spanning almost three decades, Steve has developed professional expertise in complex tort litigation.

Throughout his career, Steve has achieved record-setting results through summary judgments, jury verdicts, and arbitration awards. He has successfully represented Plaintiffs in over 40 states in a variety of complex civil litigation matters including catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, commercial automobile and trucking accidents, product liability, toxic torts, premises liability, as well as lawsuits against multi-national pharmaceutical companies. Steve’s expertise is widely respected by judges, opposing counsel, and his fellow colleagues. Due to his notoriety, passion for justice, and zealous representation, Steve has been retained to help other trial lawyers litigate cases throughout the United States.

In his tenure, his litigation expertise and ability to strategically select members of a jury, focusing precisely on outcome-determinative issues, have resulted in a superior representation of his clients. Steve is considered an Industry Leader by his peers. He has built a reputation amongst his colleagues based upon his unwavering loyalty, integrity, respect for all, leadership abilities, excellence, and selfless service.

Steve’s philosophy is to win every case and achieve exceptional results for his clients. Steve has won numerous record-setting verdicts, including a $100 million dollar verdict ($100,000,000) in Pennsylvania, for a single living plaintiff, in an action against a multinational pharmaceutical company.

To date, Steve is the only attorney to spearhead, and first-chair multiple lawsuits against Monsanto, resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments for clients suffering from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Steve prevailed in several lawsuits taken to trial or appeal, despite Monsanto’s repeated efforts to restrict his ability to file suit against them. His most recent suit against Monsanto resulted in a $46,500,000 judgment and verdict. Shortly thereafter, a confidential settlement was obtained for his three clients and their families.

Steve also has extensive experience in insurance coverage litigation, successfully representing homeowners and business owners in actions arising out of coverage disputes between insurers and policyholders, as well as bad faith actions arising out of coverage disputes. Steve helps families obtain favorable judgments against national insurance carriers who wrongfully deny benefits to policyholders.

Steve is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law. In 2015, Steve was recognized in H-Texas Magazine, as one of the Top Mass Tort & Toxic Tort Lawyers in the State of Texas. In 2009, Steve was elected into the American Board of Trial Advocates, an organization that certifies only experienced, first-chair trial attorneys, who are of high personal character and honorable reputation.

Steve is currently a partner at Kherkher Garcia. Kherkher Garcia is comprised of a team of exceptional trial lawyers based in Houston, Texas, with the ability and resources to protect and fight for the rights of their clients against large national and multi-national corporations throughout the United States. Each and every client of Kherkher Garcia receives personalized attention from a dedicated team of trial lawyers known nationally for their legal expertise and dedication to providing the highest quality representation. In addition to exceptional legal representation, Steve’s clients also become his friends who he remains in contact with long after the verdict is read. He often enjoys cookies and other baked goods clients have provided. Steve has enjoyed attending the weddings of former clients and has helped the children of former clients with educational expenses so that they could attend college. One of the recipients of his generosity is now a medical doctor. Steve looks forward to meeting you and helping you get the justice you deserve.

ABOUT JESUS GARCIA, JR. - PARTNER AT KHERKHER GARCIA, LLP

Jesus Garcia handles catastrophic plaintiff’s personal injury cases. Garcia handles wrongful death, maritime, trucking accident, premises liability, product liability, dram shop, traumatic brain injury, and negligence actions. He is passionate about representing those who are injured and those who have lost loved ones due to the carelessness and greed of others. He has collected millions for his clients. Below are a few examples of Mr. Garcia’s success in representing injury victims.

"As personal injury attorneys, Kherkher Garcia is committed to fighting for people who are injured and hold those responsible for the harm accountable. They are great at assisting their clients to obtain justice so that our society can be safer, and so that people come before profits. Kherkher Garcia is here to help you win your case. And don't forget, if you don’t win, you don’t pay. For more information call them at 713-333-1030 today!"

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033