All open-minded Houston Business Connections Newspaper© readers are strongly encouraged to vote for Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the race for the 180th Criminal District Court in the Democratic Party Primary. State Rep. Jolanda Jones (top, second from left) will finish her duties in the 89th Legislative Session on June 2, 2025. She is pictured above with Judge Erica Hughes, U.S. Army National Guard Judge Advocate, and presiding judge for the 151st Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. State Rep. Jones is also pictured with Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones (top third from left), the presiding judge for the 180th Criminal District Court, who has TWO BRONZE STAR MEDALS, a Combat Action Badge, and many more accolades. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (top fourth from left) is pictured with three awesome Democratic Civil Court Judges in Harris County, Texas. Judge Tanya Garrison, Judge Donna Roth, and Judge Christine Weems have all announced their plan to run for re-election in next year's Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary Election in Harris County, Texas.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
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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.
Hotly Contested 2026 Midterm Election Races Are Ramping Up in Harris County, Texas, and Fort Bend County, Texas
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, "JUNETEENTH," Hall of Fame Broadcaster Ralph Cooper, will host me (Investigative Reporter Aubrey R. Taylor) from 1:00p.m. through 3:00 p.m., at (www.1230kcoh.com), to debate local and national politics and the state of "BLACK POLITICS" in Harris County, Texas and Fort Bend County, Texas.
In a compelling local race for the 313th Juvenile Family District Court race, a local associate judge named Samantha Davis (Democrat) has already announced that she is challenging Judge Natalia Cokinos Oakes (Democrat) for the bench she currently holds.
Over in Fort Bend County, Texas, embattled Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George (Democrat) faces a stiff challenge from Judge Rachelle Carter (Democrat) for his County Judge bench, if he decides to run for re-election.
Judge Tanya Garrison (Democrat), the presiding judge for the 157th Civil District Court, is running for re-election in next year's Democratic Party primary on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. It is unclear now if Judge Roth will draw a Democratic Party Primary challenger before the December 2025 filing deadline.
Judge Christine Weems (Democrat), the presiding judge for the 295th Civil District Court, is running for re-election in next year's Democratic Party primary on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. It is unclear now if Judge Roth will draw a Democratic Party Primary challenger before the December 2025 filing deadline.
Judge Donna Roth (Democrat), the presiding judge for the 295th Civil District Court, is running for re-election in next year's Democratic Party primary on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. It is unclear now if Judge Roth will draw a Democratic Party Primary challenger before the December 2025 filing deadline.
"TRUTHFULLY SPEAKING."
Overall, twenty-six (26) African American "INCUMBENT DEMOCRATIC JUDGES" are running for re-election in Harris County, Texas. That said, we don't need any more broke attorneys signing up to run for judicial positions in next year's Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Democratic Party Primary for Harris County, Texas, or Fort Bend County, Texas.
The local incumbent judges are already having a tough time raising money, so I am encouraging "BROKE ATTORNEYS" who are planning to run for a local judicial bench because they need a job to resist the temptation to do so.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
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Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones, the presiding judge for the 180th Criminal District Court, in Harris County 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.
"MILITARY DISCLAIMER."
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.
State Rep. Jolanda Jones (center) serves as the State Representative for House District 147. When Judge Erica Hughes (left) was called an animal by a local lawyer during the 2024 Democratic Party Primary, State Rep. Jolanda Jones stepped forward to defend Erica Hughes, who was running against Judge Mike Engelhart, a "GREAT DEMOCRATIC JUDGE" for his 151st Civil District Court bench. With the support she received from State Rep. Jolanda Jones and others, Erica Hughes unseated Judge Engelhart by garnering 93,468 votes, for 60.9% of the vote. Comparatively speaking, Judge Mike Engelhart, who was hugely popular, and well respected, only received 59,964 votes, for 39.1%, which shows that any judge running for re-election in next year's Tuesday, March 3, 2025, Democratic Party Primary can lose their bench, including the twenty-six (26) African American incumbent judges who are up for re-election in the 2026 Midterm Election. Readers of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© are strongly encouraged to vote for Lieutenant Colonel Judge DaSean Jones on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the race for the 180th Criminal District Court in the Democratic Party Primary.
Former United States Attorney General Merrick Garland chose Judge Erica Hughes to serve as an Immigration Judge, where she presided over cases. 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 the Harris County Democratic Party, during the 2024 Democratic Party Primary season she overcame the odds and defeated a very popular Democratic Party Judge named Mike Engelhart, one of our favorite judges in the race for the 151st Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas.
“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 currently occupy eight (8). Judge Latasha Lewis Payne, Judge Tamika Craft, and Judge Dedra Davis are the "BLACK DEMOCRATIC CIVIL COURT JUDGES" up for re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas.
55th - Judge Latosha Lewis Payne
151st - Judge Erica Hughes
152nd - Judge-Elect TaKasha Francis
164th Judge 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 currently occupy ten (10). Judge DaSean Jones, Judge Katherine N. Thomas, Judge Beverly Armstrong, Judge Lori Chambers Gray, Judge Melissa M. Morris, Judge Te'iva J. Bell, and Judge Veronica M. Nelson are the "BLACK DEMOCRATIC CRIMINAL COURT JUDGES" up for re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas.
151st - Judge Erica Hughes
152nd - Judge-Elect TaKasha Francis
164th Judge Cheryl Elliott Thornton
189th - Judge Tamika Craft
270th - Judge Dedra Davis
333rd - Judge Tracy D. Good
334th - Judge Dawn Rogers
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
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. Judge Michelle Moore is the only "BLACK DEMOCRATIC JUVENILE JUDGE" up for re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas.
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
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. Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans and Judge LaShawn A. Williams are the only two "BLACK DEMOCRATIC CIVIL COURT AT LAW JUDGES" up for re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas.
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 six (6). Judge Shannon Baldwin, Judge Toria J. Finch, Judge Juanita A. Jackson, Judge Sedrick T. Walker, II, Judge Genesis Draper, and Judge Tonya Jones are the "BLACK DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW JUDGES" up for re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas.
No. 3 - Judge LaShawn A. Williams
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
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
No. 5 - Judge 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 (4). Judge Lucia Bates and Judge Sharon Burney are the only two "BLACK DEMOCRATIC JUSTICE OF THE PEACE JUDGES" up for re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas.
3.1 - Judge Joe Stephens
3.2 - Judge Lucia Bates
7.1 - Judge Wanda Adams
7.2 - Judge Sharon Burney
3.2 - Judge Lucia Bates
7.1 - Judge Wanda Adams
7.2 - Judge Sharon Burney
Based on their last campaign finance report filings, many of the "AFRICAN AMERICAN JUDGES" in Harris County, Texas, have little to no money in their campaign finance bank accounts. The figures below were taken from their January 15, 2025, Campaign Finance Reports. These judges will file another campaign finance report on July 15, 2025, under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Latosha Lewis Payne, the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court, has “ZERO” in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Melissa Marie Morris, the presiding judge for the 263rd Criminal District Court, has not filed a campaign finance report since 7/16/2024. At that time, she reported having “ZERO” dollars inside her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Sharon Burney, the presiding judge for Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, has not filed a campaign finance report since 1/12/2024. At that time, she reported having “ZERO” dollars inside her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” under penalty of perjury.
Judge Latosha Lewis Payne, the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court, has “ZERO” in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Melissa Marie Morris, the presiding judge for the 263rd Criminal District Court, has not filed a campaign finance report since 7/16/2024. At that time, she reported having “ZERO” dollars inside her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” under penalty of perjury.
Judge Sharon Burney, the presiding judge for Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, has not filed a campaign finance report since 1/12/2024. At that time, she reported having “ZERO” dollars inside her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” under penalty of perjury.
Judge Beverly D. Armstrong, the presiding judge for 208th Criminal District Court, only has $27.23 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Katherine N. Thomas, the presiding judge for the 184th Criminal District Court, only has $96.86 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/11/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Shannon Baldwin, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.4, only has $178.54 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/16/2025, under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Sedrick T. Walker, II, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.11, only has $211.12 in his “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report he filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Sedrick T. Walker, II, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.11, only has $211.12 in his “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report he filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Sandra Peake, the presiding judge for 257th Family District Court, only has $314.00 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/14/2025 under penalty of perjury.
Judge Sandra Peake, the presiding judge for 257th Family District Court, only has $314.00 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/14/2025 under penalty of perjury.
Judge Lori Chambers Gray, the presiding judge for 262nd Criminal District Court, only has $500.00 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/11/2025 under penalty of perjury.
Judge Genesis Draper, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.12, only has $620.54 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/16/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge LaShawn A. Williams, the presiding judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law No.3, only has $999.67 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Veronica M. Nelson, the presiding judge for the 482nd Criminal District Court, has not filed a campaign finance report since 12/27/2024. At that time, she reported having $1,385.03 inside her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” under penalty of perjury.
Judge Juanita Jackson, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.10, only has $1,673.50 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Toria J. Finch, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.9, only has $2,409.46 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/16/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Toria J. Finch, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.9, only has $2,409.46 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/16/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Damiane “Dianne” Curvey, the presiding judge for 280th Protective Order Court, only has $6,000.00 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/13/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Lucia Bates, the presiding judge for Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 2, only has $6,109.55 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/10/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft, the presiding judge for 189th Civil District Court, only has $10,463.98 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/14/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Tonya Jones, the presiding judge for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.15, only has $15,397.41 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/16/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Angela M. Lancelin, the presiding judge for 245th Family District Court, only has $22,588.21 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/14/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans, the presiding judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law No.1, only has $29,984.00 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge DaSean Jones, the presiding judge for 180th Criminal District Court, only has $44,752.07 in his “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report he filed on 1/14/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Linda Marie Dunson, the presiding judge for 309th Family District Court, only has $58,152.12 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/12/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Michelle D. Moore, the presiding judge for 314th Juvenile District Court, only has $61,520.88 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/12/2025, under penalty of perjury.
- VIEW REPORT -
Judge Dedra Davis, the presiding judge for 270th Civil District Court, only has $81,878.82 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Dedra Davis, the presiding judge for 270th Civil District Court, only has $81,878.82 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Angela Graves Harrington, the presiding judge for 246th Family District Court, only has $91,804.11 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/15/2025, under penalty of perjury.
Judge Germaine Tanner, the presiding judge for the 311th Family District Court, only has $101,687.71 in her “CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT” based on the finance report she filed on 1/16/2025 under penalty of perjury.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
DIRECT CONTACT:
(281)788-3033
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
DIRECT CONTACT: (281)788-3033
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
DIRECT CONTACT: (281)788-3033
The newly-drawn 18th Congressional District of Texas is now 43.4% Hispanic, 32.2% Black, 16.7% White, 4.9% Asian, 2.2% Two or more races, and 0.7% Other, according to the (CPVI) Cook Partisan Voting Index. Can the 18th Congressional District of Texas get flipped from "BLUE" to "RED" on Tuesday, November 4, 2025? The answer is YES. However, it will take the correct type of candidates who can draw support from the right and the left side of the political aisle.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
DIRECT CONTACT: (281)788-3033
Christian Menefee is not what the 18th Congressional District of Texas people need as their United States Representative. Suppose Christian Menefee is allowed to win the race for the 18th Congressional District of Texas on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. In that case, he will hand over control of the 18th Congressional District of Texas to Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, making him the "DE FACTO" U.S. Representative for the 18th Congressional District of Texas. The filing deadline to run for the 18th Congressional District of Texas is Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 20, 2025, and end on Friday, October 31, 2025. Election day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Please vote for anybody other than Christian Menefee.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
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