Meet the Candidates for District Judge in El Paso County - 2024-02-15

Meet the Candidates for District Judge in the 388th District court

Joy Kelly Degenhart: I believe that this court is vital to El Paso. I believe that El Paso deserves a Judge that is dedicated to the people of El Paso. I would strive every day to be the Judge that El Paso deserves.

Marlene Gonzalez: As the current Judge for the 388th Family DC, I bring experience, passion, and a commitment to the families of El Paso, Texas. I am honored to continue my service and contribute to the betterment of El Paso through the role of Family District Judge.

Meet the candidates for district judge in the 383rd District court

Lyda Ness Garcia: I am proud of our innovative solutions in resolving cases efficiently and fairly. I have gathered an effective and dedicated team that has already reduced the case backlog by over half because children and families deserve swift resolutions to their cases. We have made the Court accessible and remain committed to treating all litigants with dignity, fairness and kindness while finding the best solutions to each individual and unique family’s needs. I intend to keep building on our successes.

Mike Herrera: Show up every day to work; No important hearings over video monitors; fair and impartial to everyone; don’t ex parte with attorneys/ don’t grant relief not requested; not threaten children or parents; not use court to grant favors to attorneys or to benefit attorneys; comply with law, best interest of child; and, have transparency in awarding legal fees to appointed attorneys.

Meet the Democratic candidates for district judge in the 65th District court

The 65th District Court is a family and juvenile court that handles juvenile protective orders, adoptions, terminations, child protective service cases and juvenile prosecutions. Three associate judges work for the 65th District Court handling juvenile cases and protective order cases. The judge serves a four-year term and the starting salary is $158,000 a year.

Omar Carmona Omar Carmona, 42, a Democrat, is an attorney in private practice. Selina Saenz Selina Saenz, 45, a Democrat, is an assistant county attorney in the child protective services division where she is the chief.

Meet the Democratic candidates for judge of County Criminal Court at Law No. 1

Linda Noelle Estrada: After I was licensed in 2012, I worked as a criminal defense attorney representing individuals charged with offenses from Class C misdemeanors to murder. In 2018, I was appointed as a part-time magistrate and worked evenings, weekends and holidays while maintaining a law practice.

Linda Perez: I’ve always wanted to serve the El Paso community as a judge. I have tailored my legal career with the goal of preparing me to one day serve as a judge. That opportunity to serve culminated on December 18, 2023, when I was sworn in as your Judge of County Criminal Court at Law Number 1.