Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I am board certified in judicial administration, civil-trial law, and personal-injury law. In 2021, I was Tex-ABOTA Judge of the Year. I have presided over more than 200 jury and bench trials.
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
As a trial-court judge, I base my decisions on the facts and the law—not on campaign contributions. If elected to the Supreme Court, that would not change. I strive for predictability and consistency so the parties know what to expect when they come to court. I treat everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of socio-economic status, political affiliation, or whether they have donated.
Equity
What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
Many Texans lack the financial resources to hire lawyers. The Supreme Court can adopt rules expanding access to the courts and to ensure that Texans, including self-represented litigants, are not effectively locked out of the judicial system. The Court should choose cases important to all Texans and be mindful that the right to a trial by jury is embedded in the Texas Constitution.
Issues
What do you see as the most pressing challenge facing the courts today, and how would you propose addressing it?
The persistent attacks on judges—both at the state and federal levels. The judicial branch is a coequal branch of government, and maintaining judicial independence is necessary to sustain our democracy. I would rule based on the law and facts and strive for consistent and fair application of the law without favoring any party.
Philosophy
What qualities are most critical for a judge to possess for fair administration of justice?
The Constitution requires every party appearing in Court be treated equally under the law and guarantees a right to a jury trial. It is critical that judges apply the law equally to everyone who appears in court and ensure that juries and their verdicts are respected. Consistent and predictable application of the law is what every Texan should expect from our judicial system.
