As early voting starts this Tuesday in the Democratic Party Primary, the Williamson County Democratic Party is publishing a series of posts highlighting the races and candidates voters can expect to find on their ballots. Each post focuses on a different office and presents all candidates with the opportunity to answer the same series of four questions. Today, we’re taking a look at the candidates for the Texas Supreme Court.
A Justice on the Texas Supreme Court holds a position of great influence in the state’s legal system. As the highest court for civil matters, the Texas Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting and applying Texas laws. Justices hear appeals from lower courts, and their decisions establish important legal precedents that impact how laws are understood and enforced across the state.
Place 2
Randy Sarosdy
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
I believe it is important that we have judges who will: (1) protect the fundamental rights of all persons under the Texas and U.S. Constitutions; (2) steadfastly support our democratic institutions, which are currently under assault; and (3) reflect the positive values all Texans share.
What are your qualifications?
I have 30 years of civil trial and appellate experience in courts throughout the nation and 15 years of experience teaching judges throughout Texas.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
If elected, I would apply the law fairly and impartially, without political influence or partisan consideration, and do my best to ensure that all persons are treated equally under the law and that fundamental rights guaranteed by the Texas and U.S. Constitutions are fully safeguarded and protected.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
I believe in the rule of law, that the law applies equally to all regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin, and that no one is above the law regardless of status or prior office.
DaSean Jones
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
I aim to bring integrity untainted by political bias to the Texas Supreme Court. The current single-party composition has far-reaching consequences. Establishing balance is crucial for decisions on voting rights, workers’ rights, and healthcare, ensuring sensitivity to diverse Texan concerns.
What are your qualifications?
Judge DaSean Jones, civil rights lawyer turned State District Judge, led 60 trials and managed thousands of cases in Harris County, the third-largest U.S. county. A decorated Army veteran, he seeks your support as the Democratic nominee for TX Supreme PL 2, experience and dedication to justice.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Enhance transparency of the Texas Supreme Court for all Texans. Organize engagement to address significant court activities, ensuring accessibility for all Texans. Also, aim to eliminate the appearance of political alliances, prioritizing true justice within the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
With extensive real-world experience, I am a proven judge committed to impartiality. Ruling without party influence, rest assured of fair judgments that prioritize justice over politics. Your confidence in a just and unbiased Justice is my pledge.
Place 4
Christine Vinh Weems
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
I am running for the Texas Supreme Court Place 4 because it is time for dramatic change on that bench. All 9 justices have been Republican for decades and it is apparent that these justices are making decisions that affect all Texans based on their own principles and beliefs rather than the law.
What are your qualifications?
I am currently in my second term as the civil district court judge in Harris County, Texas. I am double board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law. I am also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates as I was a trial lawyer before taking the bench.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I intend to be zealously prepared to hear all of the cases that come before the Texas Supreme Court and I would not hesitate to dissent when appropriate. I’m not afraid to put in the work to ensure that the law is followed and justice is served.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
I currently do not have a primary opponent, but I think it is important that all voters always get used to voting a full ballot and not leave any race blank.
District 37
Joe Pool
No website provided.
No email provided.
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What are your qualifications?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What are your qualifications?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Candidates for Justice on the Texas Supreme Court for places 2, 4, and 6 will appear on your ballot in this year’s Democratic Party Primary. Don’t forget to vote for this important office, and remember that early voting starts Tuesday, February 20 and continues through Friday, March 1. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.
Find your polling place in Williamson County.