Judge DaSean Jones (right) and his newly hired legal team got a fair shake yesterday (Thursday, January 30, 2025) in the First Court of Appeals before Justice Clint Morgan (left), Justice Amparo Monique Guerra (top center), Justice Veronica Rivas-Molloy (bottom center), as his appeal was heard. THREE FAIR JUDGES... Justice Morgan, Justice Guerra, and Justice Rivas-Molloy were very respectful to Attorney Paul Simpson, who represented his client, Tami C. Pierce, and Attorney Joakin Gonzalez, who represented Judge DaSean Jones. (CLICK HERE) Please take a moment to listen to the "ORAL ARGUMENTS" for yourself.
Attorney Paul F. Simpson is the lawyer representing Attorney Tami C. Pierce at the appellate phase of the lawsuit she brought against Judge DaSean Jones, represented by Attorney Joaquin Gonzalez. (CLICK HERE) Please take a moment to listen to the "ORAL ARGUMENTS" for yourself.
Attorney Joaquin Gonzalez is the lawyer representing Judge DaSean Jones at the appellate phase of the lawsuit brought against him by Tami C. Pierce, represented by Attorney Paul F. Simpson. (CLICK HERE) Please take a moment to listen to the "ORAL ARGUMENTS" for yourself.
Judge DaSean Jones is the presiding judge for the 180th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. He recently shared his thoughts on the weight of the robe with Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. NOTE: The thoughts of Judge DaSean Jones are his and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of any Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, advertisers, sponsors, or readers.
“The Weight of the Robe”
"Being a judge isn’t just about wearing the robe—it’s about carrying the weight of history, expectation, and the quiet storms that come with leadership.
Every day, I step into a role shaped by those who fought for justice when justice wasn’t meant for them. I think of Judge William Hastie, the first Black federal judge, who endured relentless opposition simply for doing his job. Or Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman on the federal bench, who had to prove herself ten times over just to be given the same respect freely handed to others. Their struggles didn’t disappear with time. They evolved, and I feel their echoes in my own walk.
Some believe the hardest part of being a judge is making difficult legal calls. It’s not. It’s standing firm against scrutiny, against the politics of the bench, against the naysayers who mask jealousy as critique. I fought for this country in a war, stood in places where fear was real, where courage wasn’t optional, and where the price of failure was life itself. Yet, here I am—ridiculed by those who have never had to summon such bravery. People who would never put their own comfort at risk feel entitled to question my sacrifice, my service, and my integrity.
They hurl conjecture and whisper stereotypes, trying to force me into narratives that were never mine to begin with. They dog whistle doubt because they cannot reconcile who I am with the boxes they wish to put me in. But their expectations are not my ceiling.
As my true self, I walk a tightrope where grace is thin and the microscope is unforgiving. Every ruling dissected, every decision challenged, every success met with suspicion. But I didn’t come here seeking comfort—I came to serve. I came to ensure that justice is more than a privilege for some, but a right for all.
This road is steep. The shoes I step into are heavy. But I walk anyway, not for applause, not for permission, but because history demands it, and the future depends on it.
I wear the robe with purpose. And I refuse to let the weight break me."
I’m Aubrey R. Taylor, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper, one of Texas's most formidable politically-focused publications. With the help of my chief investigator, Charles Marler, a former FBI Investigative Specialist, my investigative team is second to none. NOTE: My thoughts, opinions, and reports are published under my First Amendment-protected rights afforded to me under the “FREEDOM OF SPEECH” and “FREEDOM OF THE PRESS” clauses in the U.S. Constitution.
The Hearing for Judge DaSean Jones Went Great; An Unbiased Three Appellate Judge Panel Heard the Oral Arguments
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
While talking to a longtime friend of mine the other day named Chris Latson, aka “BROTHER CHRIS,” he reminded me of a passage of scripture that sums up what I’ve been trying to do over the last few years, which is to use my voice and influence to warn the people of Harris County, Texas, before it’s too late.
Ezekiel 33: 1-9 talks about issuing warnings to the people of impending dangers – if they heed my warning – it’s all good. However, it’s not my fault if they don’t heed my warnings.
African Americans are under siege in Harris County, Texas, and I’m not going to keep saying this for too much longer – Black leaders had better step up and do something.
As “BROTHER CHRIS” interprets the scripture, paraphrasing, “If the swordsman cometh and I don’t warn the people, the people are not at fault – I am. However, if the swordsman cometh and I warn the people, and the people take no action, then I am not at fault; the people are.”
Another powerful word, “BROTHER CHRIS,” reminded me of during our brief conversation, was espoused by famed civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which hit home with me.
According to Dr. King, “Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But, conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one’s conscience tells one that it is right.”
I’m not against my people. However, I’m getting fed up with “BLACK LEADERS” in Harris County, Texas, who aren’t worth a damn. In my opinion, we’ve got some piss-poor Black people occupying positions of authority where we need people with intestinal fortitude and a backbone strategically positioned.
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IS WRONG…
It’s unfortunate, but of the 22 election contest lawsuits filed against Democrats in Harris County, Texas, following the November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, an astonishing (17) seventeen of the lawsuits were against ethnic minorities – no joke!
The serious racial undertones behind the 22-election contests are right there for everyone to see, but “BLACK OFFICIALS” are too afraid and cowardly to address the issue – which is utterly disappointing.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Judge Latasha Lewis Payne, Judge DaSean Jones, Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft, Judge Cory Sepolio, Judge Christine Weems, Judge Erika Ramirez, Judge Toria Finch, Judge Juanita Jackson, Judge Sedrick T. Walker, II, Judge Genesis Draper, Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans, Judge LaShawn A. Williams, Judge Monica Singh, Judge James Horwitz, County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, and County Treasurer Carla Wyatt are the ethnic minorities who all got sued, after the 2022 Midterm Election, in Harris County, Texas.
All of the Republican candidates who were suing ethnic minority Democrats dropped their lawsuits – except for Tami C. Pierce, who is a member of the “LGBTQ+ Community.” That said, Tami C. Pierce is getting some bad advice, and her chances of defeating Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones appear to be dwindling with each passing day, as MAGA “Make America Great Again” voters are becoming aware that her views don’t align with theirs.
FIRST THINGS FIRST…
The first thing people need to realize is that Judge Dasean Jones has switched up his legal team for the appellate phase of his battle to retain his 180th Criminal District Court bench. During the trial phase, Judge DaSean Jones used “Downtown” Oliver Brown to lay the groundwork for his case. For the appellate phase, Judge Jones uses Marziani, Stevens & Gonzalez, PLLC, a nationally recognized firm specializing in election law.
The Marziani, Stevens & Gonzalez website states, “We are nationally recognized experts in all facets of federal, state, and local laws governing elections, including voter registration, campaign activities, ballot access, election administration, and post-election disputes.”
After watching Joaquin Gonzalez yesterday, I’m very impressed with his knowledge of election law. “As a civil rights litigator, Joaquin has played a leading role in some of the most significant Texas voting rights cases in recent years. This includes halting an attempt to improperly purge nearly 100,000 naturalized citizens from the voter rolls as well as forcing Texas to fully comply with the federal motor voter law, which has led to over 2,000,000 voter registrations. He helped design Bexar County’s S.M.A.R.T. Elections initiative in 2020, which successfully expanded access and ensured safe and effective elections during the COVID pandemic,” states his website.
Beth Stevens, a named partner at Marziani, Stevens & Gonzalez, PLLC, didn’t say anything at the hearing. Still, her expertise in voting rights litigation will be helpful as the appeals process approaches the Texas Supreme Court.
According to their website, “Beth Harrison Stevens is a Texas-based attorney with an expertise in voting rights and elections administration. Beth was previously the Voting Rights Legal Director for the Texas Civil Rights Project, leading a team of voting rights attorneys and legal professionals through a tumultuous 2018 midterm election, the 2019 anti-voter state legislative session, and election protection efforts during the March 2020 primary election.”
“In mid-2020, Beth took a leadership position with then-Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins, helping lead a team at the Clerk’s office through running a presidential election during a global pandemic. The team brought innovations like drive-thru voting, 24-hour voting, and extensive mail ballot outreach to Harris County,” the MS&G website states.
UNBIASED DECISION MAKERS…
There are three outstanding “APPELATE COURT JUDGES” who now control the fate of Judge DaSean Jones, and I have the utmost confidence that these three justices are fair, impartial, and unbiased. Justice Veronica Rivas-Molloy took the bench as the Justice for the First Court of Appeals, Place 3, back in November of 2020 and has done an excellent job.
Justice Amparo Monique Guerra took the bench as the Justice for the First Court of Appeals, Place 5, back in November of 2020, and like Justice Veronica Rivas-Molloy, has done an excellent job serving the people of Texas.
The new kid on the block is Justice Clint Morgan, who defeated Justice Julie Countiss during the Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Presidential Election to claim the First Court of Appeals, Place 7, bench, which will expire in the 2030 Midterm Election.
Justice Amparo Monique Guerra is a Democrat, Justice Veronica Rivas-Molloy is a Democrat, and Justice Clint Morgan is a Republican. Still, their political affiliation will not, and should not have any bearing on their decision in the matter before them.
TAMI’S CASE LACKED EVIDENCE…
I viewed the entire live stream of the entirety of the appellate court hearing that took place yesterday (Thursday, January 30, 2025) in the election lawsuit brought against Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones, a decorated combat war veteran who also currently serves as the only African American male Criminal District Court Judge in Harris County, Texas.
The election contest brought against Judge DaSean Jones raises serious questions and concerns as it relates to racial discrimination and the racist targeting of “BLACK JUDICIAL CANDIDATES” in Harris County, Texas.
As Judge Jone’s legal team expressed at the hearing, “Tami C. Pierce’s challenge of Judge DaSean Jones’s 449-vote victory in the 2022 election cited procedural issues without clear evidence. Despite this, the trial court voided over a million votes in one of Texas’s largest election reversals.”
The hearing in the 1st Court of Appeals at 301 Fannin Street in Houston, Texas, was Judge DaSean Jone’s attempt to push back and get Justice for himself.
Judge DaSean Jones appealed the honorable Judge David Peeple’s ruling, arguing, “The court misapplied the burden of proof, labeling ballots “illegal” over minor paperwork errors and disproportionately affecting minority voters.”
After watching the proceeding in the 1st Court of Appeals yesterday, it is evident that Tami C. Pierce’s entire lawsuit relied upon “UNAUTHENTICATED RECORDS” and a so-called expert who was not qualified.
It is clear that African Americans are under siege in Harris County, Texas, and history has proven to us beyond a shadow of a doubt that “BLACK LEADERS” face a heightened level of scrutiny that public officials from other ethnic groups don’t suffer.
“This case is part of a broader pattern of using litigation to suppress minority voices. Now more than ever, voters must stand up to protect democracy,” stated a presser sent out by Judge DaSean Jones’s campaign a few days before the hearing.
BLACKS ARE UNFAIRLY TARGETED…
Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones has been unfairly targeted for extinction by a racist group of (RINOs) “Republicans in Name Only” and (DIN0s) “Democrats in Name Only,” who hate African Americans and have for two election cycles (2022 and 2024) unjustly discriminated against “BLACK JUDGES” by using their “ethnic-sounding” names as the identifiable characteristic, in Harris County, Texas general elections.
The type of racial discrimination we’ve witnessed during the 2022 Midterm Election and 2024 Presidential Election must not be allowed to continue to be perpetuated against African American “JUDICIAL CANDIDATES” as we prepare for the upcoming 2026 Midterm Election and 2028 Presidential Election.
Racial tensions are building in America, as African Americans have come under siege, and precious holidays like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Juneteenth are at risk of being placed on pause.
The new Department of Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has already stated, “Diversity is not our strength,” amid President Donald Trump’s federal ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that’s taking hold of America, and has corporations buckling under the pressure of his executive orders.
Pride Month and other holidays are also on the chopping block, not to mention the onslaught of attacks levied against the “LGBTQ+ Community,” which isn’t the business of the “Black community,” which has its battles to fight.
President Donald J. Trump has ordered all federal agencies to scrub ‘gender ideology’ from all government contracts and government websites. All those pronouns and stuff like that are being cleaned from job descriptions and social media accounts for government agencies to fall in line with President Trump’s executive order declaring that there are only two sexes in America.
And speaking of only two sexes, the two recognized sexes, per a memo issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, states, “recognize women are biological female, and men are biological male,” and that’s it – male and female.
USING THE WRONG STRATEGY…
I love Tami C. Pierce and her wife/husband, Dr. Stephanie L. Gross-Pierce, but I disagree with the advice they are receiving. Until now, they have kept their marriage of more than 22 years a secret. However, MAGA “Make America Great Again” voters in Harris County, Texas, are beginning to figure out that Tami C. Pierce’s life choices don’t line up with the core values of the Republican Party, and they are starting to get upset.
Whoever has advised Tami C. Pierce that trying to trick MAGA “Make America Great Again” voters into casting their ballot for her on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the “DO-OVER” race for the 180th Criminal District Court is a good idea is stone crazy.
In my opinion, a better option for Tami C. Pierce, rather than putting herself through the agony and humiliation that lies ahead, when MAGA “Make America Great Again” voters figure out that she’s an imposter (RINO) “Republican in Name Only,” is to drop her lawsuit against Judge DaSean Jones and run for office as a Democrat in the upcoming 2026 Midterm Election.
TAMI SHOULD DROP HER LAWSUIT…
While Tami C. Pierce ran as a Republican in the 2022 Midterm Election, her core beliefs do not align with the “GOP PLATFORM.” Thus, she is not a Republican, but rather a (RINO) “Republican in Name Only,” who snuck onto the Harris County Republican Party Primary ballot and ran as a Republican undercover until members of the Harris County Republican Party realized that she had been married to a woman for several decades.
Once Republicans figured out that Tami C. Pierce was a member of the “LGBTQ+ Community,” Tami C. Pierce became afraid of being publicly humiliated.
The notion that I am against Democrats and the LGBTQ+ Community is a lie straight from the pit of hell. And the crazy assertion getting peddled around Harris County, Texas, that I have betrayed Tami C. Pierce and her wife/husband, Dr. Stephanie L. Gross-Pierce, in any way, shape, or form is patently false.
As I’ve said, I helped Judge DaSean Jones get elected to the bench when he signed up to run for office during his first bid, back during the 2018 Midterm Election.
Since Judge Jones took the bench, he and I have become close friends. To be clear, Judge DaSean Jones is a man of valor who respects our Constitution and Rule of Law.
When I received a call from Tami C. Pierce’s consultant, seeking my help back during the 2022 Midterm Election, asking for my help, the first person I called on the phone was Judge DaSean Jones to explain to him what was going down.
After explaining to Judge DaSean Jones that Tami C. Pierce wanted to hire me to help her fend off some of the attacks she was under because she was an “OPENLY GAY” woman, he agreed that the attacks against her were wrong.
Judge DaSean Jones stated, “Go get your money.”
So, I arranged a meeting with Tami C. Pierce and her consultant and drove to Polk County to meet with Tami C. Pierce and her consultant at a Mexican Restaurant. I fell in love with Tami C. Pierce during the meeting and agreed to help her.
Tami C. Pierce paid my company, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, $27,500.00 to run her ground game, design her push cards, and push her campaign during the “EARLY VOTING” period, and in doing so, she nearly defeated Judge DaSean Jones, with my assistance.
While DaSean Jones obtained more “ABSENTEE MAIL BALLOTS” than Tami C. Pierce, it was Tami C. Pierce who dominated the “EARLY VOTING” period. On Election Day, a few thousand more people turned out to vote for Judge DaSean Jones, and when coupled with the provisional ballots, Judge DaSean Jones emerged victorious with 449 votes.
Judge DaSean Jones received 31,914 absentee mail votes, and Tami C. Pierce received 24,814 absentee mail ballots during the 2022 Midterm Election.
Tami C. Pierce received 340,648 early in-person votes, and Judge DaSean Jones received 332,023 early in-person ballots during the 2022 Midterm Election.
On election day, 168,288 voters went to the polls to vote for Judge DaSean Jones in person, and 166,669 voters went to the polls to vote for Tami C. Pierce on election day.
Judge DaSean Jones received 845 early voting provisional ballots and 1,390 election day provisional ballots; Tami C. Pierce received 850 early voting provisional ballots and 1,030 election day provisional ballots.
In the 180th Criminal District Court race, Judge DaSean Jones received 534,460 votes for 50.02% of the vote, and Tami C. Pierce received 534,011 for 49.98%, for a differential of 449 votes.
What’s next? I believe Tami C. Pierce should drop her lawsuit against Judge DaSean Jones and run for a Criminal District Court bench in the upcoming 2026 Midterm Election, where she belongs.
Tami C. Pierce’s window of opportunity is closing, and it is implausible that MAGA “Make America Great Again” voters will support her, given that her family values don’t align with those of President Donald Trump’s or Project 2025.
What lies ahead for Tami C. Pierce is utter heartbreak for her and her loving wife of more than 22 years (Dr. Stephanie L. Gross-Pierce), which they do not deserve. Tami C. Pierce is a senior prosecutor and would make an excellent judge. However, the scheme to trick, bamboozle, and hoodwink MAGA “Make America Great Again” voters into voting for her candidacy on Saturday, May 3, 2025, is going to backfire and ruin their lives in this current political climate.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
DIRECT CONTACT:
(281)788-3033
Lieutenant Colonel DaSean Jones has TWO BRONZE STAR MEDALS, a Combat Action Badge, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism, a Global War Expeditionary, an Army Commendation Medal (3OLC), Army Achievement Medal (10LC), an Overseas Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon, a National Defense Service Ribbon, and a Parachute Badge to his credit. SPECIAL NOTE: The appearance of Judge DaSean Jones in his military uniform and U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.
Tami C. Pierce (left) and her wife/husband, Dr. Stephanie L. Gross-Pierce, have a loving marital relationship that they've shared for more than 22 years. For the most part, before Tami C. Pierce threw her hat into the political ring, she and her wife Stephanie lived a quiet, peaceful life, staying to themselves and out of politics. However, today, a small group of (DINOs), "Democrats in Name Only," and (RINOs), "Republicans in Name Only," have allied themselves together and embraced Tami C. Pierce's campaign for the 180th Criminal District Court as part of a grander scheme to purge "BLACK JUDGES" from local judicial benches in Harris County, Texas. Kay Shepard, who is suspected of being a closet member of the "LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY," is acting as the 'attack dog' for Mike Doyle, the chairman of the Harris County Democratic Party, who also favors "LGBTQ+ WOMEN AND MEN," over "HETEROSEXUAL MEN AND WOMEN," as proven by his recent actions. It appears that Kay Shepard, in her twisted mind and vexed spirit, believes that she is helping her fellow "LGBTQ+ SISTERS" and a more significant cause by working to defeat Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones. By definition, a heterosexual person is someone who is exclusively sexually or romantically attracted to someone of the opposite sex; after having her sexual advances allegedly rebuffed by State Rep. Shawn Thierry at an event, Kay Shepard began to attack her (State Rep. Thierry) profusely and oppose her politically as well.
General Merrick Garland chose Judge Erica Hughes to serve as an Immigration Judge, where she will preside over cases beginning in January 2022. In addition to this new role, Judge Erica Hughes has been an esteemed member of the U.S. Army National Guard of Texas in Austin since 2016, serving as a Judge Advocate. On January 1, 2025, Judge Erica Hughes, after being called an animal by an "LGBTQ ATTORNEY." named Ben L. Aderholt and unqualified by fellow judges from within her own party, will take the bench as the presiding judge for the 151st Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Erica Hughes is pictured above with State Rep. Jolanda Jones (HD-147) and Judge DaSean Jones, the presiding judge for the 180th Criminal District Court.
“CIVIL BENCHES.”
There are 24 Civil District Court benches in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy 8 (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
55th - Judge Latosha Lewis Payne
151st - Judge Erica Hughes
152nd - Judge-Elect TaKasha Francis
164th Juddge Cheryl Elliott Thornton
189th - Judge Tamika Craft
270th - Judge Dedra Davis
333rd - Judge Tracy D. Good
334th - Judge Dawn Rogers
“CRIMINAL BENCHES.”
There are 23 Criminal District Court benches in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025) will occupy 10 of them.
174th - Judge Hazel B. Jones
176th - Jones Nikita V. Harmon
180th - Judge DaSean Jones
184th - Judge Katherine N. Thomas
208th - Judge Beverly Armstrong
262nd - Judge Lori Chambers Gray
263rd - Judge Melissa M. Morris
339th - Judge Te'iva J. Bell
482 - Judge Veronica M. Nelson
487th - Judge Stacy Allen Barrow
“FAMILY BENCHES.”
There are 11 Family District Court benches in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy 7 (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
245th - Judge Angela M. Lancelin
246th - Judge Angela Graves-Harrington
257th - Judge Sandra Peake
280th - Judge Damieane "Dianne" Curvey
309th - Linda Marie Dunson
311th - Judge Germaine "Ja'net" Tanner
507th - Judge Lillian Henny Alexander
“JUVENILE BENCHES.”
There are only three Juvenile District Court benches in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy one (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
314th - Judge Michelle Moore
“CIVIL AT LAW.”
There are only four County Civil Court at Law benches in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy two (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
No. 1 - Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans
No. 3 - Judge LaShawn A. Williams
“CRIMINAL AT LAW.”
There are only 16 County Criminal Court Law benches in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy 6 (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
No. 4 - Judge Shannon Baldwin
No. 9 - Judge Toria J. Finch
No. 10 - Judge Juanita A. Jackson
No. 11 - Judge Sedrick T. Walker, II
No. 12 - Judge Genesis Draper
No. 15 - Judge Tonya Jones
“COUNTY PROBATE.”
There are only four Probate Courts in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy one (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
No. 5 - Judge-Elect Fran Watson
“JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.”
There are only 16 Justice of the Peace Courts in Harris County, Texas, and heading into the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, African American Democrat judges will occupy four (on Wednesday, January 1, 2025).
3.1 - Judge Joe Stephens
3.2 - Judge Lucia Bates
7.1 - Judge Wanda Adams
7.2 - Judge Sharon Burney
Below are the photos and courts held by African American Democratic incumbents in Harris County, Texas, which will be relevant in the 2026 midterms.
Judge Lashawn Williams, Judge Angela Graves Harrington, Judge Shannon Baldwin, Judge Tonya Jones, and Judge Toria J. Finch will be in the fight of their political lives as Democrats are already contemplating challenging the (26) twenty-six "AFRICAN AMERICAN JUDGES" who are up for re-election in the upcoming 2026 Midterm Election for Harris County, Texas. However, I'm not sure why so many potential candidates are seeking to run against the (26) twenty-six African American incumbent judges when there will be (68) sixty-eight local benches up for grabs in the 2026 Midterm Election in Harris County, Texas.
There are (68) Sixty-Eight Local Benches to Choose From in the 2026 Midterms
55th Civil District Court
Judge Latosha Lewis Payne (DEM)
113th Civil District Court
Judge Rabeea Collier (DEM)
157th Civil District Court
Judge Tanya Garrison (DEM)
180th Criminal District Court
Judge DaSean Jones (DEM)
182nd Criminal District Court
Judge Danilo "Danny" Lacayo (DEM)
183rd Criminal District Court
Kristin M. Guiney (REP)
Judge Kristin M. Guiney ran for the 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 8, and defeated Judge Richard Hightower and, therefore, will not be on the 2026 Midterm Election ballot.
184th Criminal District Court
Judge Katherine "Kat" Thomas (DEM)
185th Criminal District Court
Judge Andrea Beall (DEM)
189th Civil District Court
Tamika Craft-Demming (DEM)
190th Civil District Court
Judge Beau Miller (DEM)
208th Criminal District Court
Judge Beverly Armstrong (DEM)
209th Criminal District Court
Judge Brian E. Warren (DEM)
228th Criminal District Court
(Deceased) Judge Frank Aguilar (DEM)
230th Criminal District Court
Judge Chris Morton (DEM)
232nd Criminal District Court
Judge Josh Hill (Dem)
234th Civil District Court
Judge Lauren Reeder (DEM)
248th Criminal District Court
Judge Hilary Unger (DEM)
262nd Criminal District Court
Judge Lori Chambers Gray (DEM)
263rd Criminal District Court
Judge Melissa Marie Morris (DEM)
269th Civil District Court
Judge Cory Don Sepolio (DEM)
270th Civil District Court
Judge Dedra Davis (DEM)
281st Civil District Court
Judge Christine Weems (DEM
295th Civil District Court
Judge Donna Roth (DEM)
482nd Criminal District Court
Judge Veronica M. Nelson (DEM)
246th Family District Court
Judge Angela Graves Harrington (DEM)
247th Family District Court
Judge Janice Berg (DEM)
257th Family District Court
Judge Sandra Peake (DEM)
280th Family Protective Court
Judge Damiene Dianne Curvey (DEM)
308th Family District Court
Judge Gloria Lopez (DEM)
309th Family District Court
Judge Linda Marie Dunson (DEM)
310th Family District Court
Judge Sonya Leah Heath (DEM)
311th Family District Court
Judge Germaine Ja'net Tanner (DEM)
312th Family District Court
Judge Teresa J. Waldrop (DEM)
313th Juvenile District Court
Judge Natalia Cokinos Oakes (DEM)
314th Juvenile District Court
Judge Michelle Moore (DEM)
315th Juvenile District Court
Judge Leah Shapiro (DEM)
Harris County Judge
County Judge Lina Hidalgo (DEM)
County Civil Court at Law No. 1
Judge Audrie Lawton Evans (DEM)
County Civil Court at Law No. 2
Judge Jim F. Kovach (DEM)
County Civil Court at Law No. 3
Judge LaShawn A. Williams (DEM)
County Civil Court at Law No. 4
Judge M.K. Monica Singh (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 1
Judge Alex Salgado (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 2
Judge Paula Goodhart (REP)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 3
Judge Leslie Johnson (REP)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 4
Judge Shannon Baldwin (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 5
Judge David Marcel Fleischer (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 6
Judge Kelly Andrews (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 7
Judge Andrew A. Wright (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 8
Judge Erika Ramirez (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 9
Judge Toria J. Finch (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 10
Judge Juanita Jackson (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 11
Judge Sedrick T. Walker, II (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 12
Judge Genesis E. Draper (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 13
Judge Raul Rodriguez (DEM)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 14
Judge Jessica N. Padilla (REP)
County Criminal Court at Law No. 15
Judge Tonya Jones (DEM)
County Probate Court No. 1
Judge Jerry Simoneaux (DEM)
County Probate Court No. 2
Judge Pamela Medina (DEM)
County Probate Court No. 3
Judge Jason Cox (DEM)
County Probate Court No. 4
Judge James Horwitz (DEM)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2
Judge Steve Duble (DEM)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2
Judge Delores Lozano (DEM)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2
Judge Lucia Bates (DEM)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
Judge Laryssa Korduba (REP)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2
Judge Bob Wolfe (REP)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, Place 2
Judge Angela D. Rodriguez (DEM)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 2
Judge Sharon M. Burney (DEM)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2
Judge Louie Ditta (REP)
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Latosha Lewis Payne is the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Latosha Lewis Payne will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft is the presiding judge for the 189th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge DaSean Jones is the presiding judge for the 180th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. He will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election. However, Judge DaSean Jones must defeat his Republican challenger, Tami C. Pierce, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, to remain the presiding judge for the 180th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Katherine N. Thomas is the presiding judge for the 184th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Katherine N. Thomas will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Beverly D. Armstrong is the presiding judge for the 208th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Beverly D. Armstrong will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Angela M. Lancelin is the presiding judge for the 245th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Angela M. Lancelin will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Angela Graves Harrington is the presiding judge for the 246th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Angela Graves Harrington will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Sandra J. Peake is the presiding judge for the 257th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Sandra J. Peake will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Lori Chambers Gray is the presiding judge for the 262nd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Lori Chambers Gray will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Melissa M. Morris is the presiding judge for the 263rd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Melissa M. Morris will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Dedra Davis is the presiding judge for the 270th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Damiane “Dianne” Curvey presides over the 280th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge “Damiane “Dianne” Curvey will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Linda Marie Dunson is the presiding judge for the 309th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Linda Marie Dunson will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Germaine Tanner is the presiding judge for the 311th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Michelle Moore is the presiding judge for the 314th Juvenile District Court in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Veronica M. Nelson is the presiding judge for the 482nd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Shannon Baldwin is the presiding judge for the County Criminal Court at Law No. 4 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Shannon Baldwin will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Toria J. Finch presides over the County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Toria J. Finch will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Juanita Jackson is the presiding judge for the County Criminal Court at Law No. 10 in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Sedrick T. Walker II is the presiding judge for the County Criminal Court at Law No. 11 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Sedrick T. Walker II will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Genesis Draper presides for the County Criminal Court at Law No. 12 in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Tonya Jones is the presiding judge for the County Criminal Court at Law No. 15 in Harris County, Texas.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Audrie Lawton Evans is the presiding judge for the County Civil Court at Law No. 1 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Audrie Lawton Evans will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge LaShawn A. Williams is the presiding judge for the County Civil Court at Law No. 3 in Harris County, Texas. Judge LaShawn A. Williams will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Lucia Bates is the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 2, in Harris County, Texas. Judge Lucia Bates will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.
- 2026 MIDTERM CYCLE -
Judge Sharon Burney is the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, in Harris County, Texas. Judge Sharon Burney will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election.