I am seeking the endorsement which I believe will help build momentum in my campaign. This endorsement shows alignment with the meaningful change that Hays County needs in the 428th District Court. This is not just an endorsement, but listening to concerns, earning the trust of the community and making sure Hays County moves forward.

I graduated Texas State University (Eat ‘Em Up, Cats!) with my bachelor’s degree and earned my Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law. Raised by parents who dedicated their careers to public service, I learned that serving the community is a responsibility and a calling.

I have spent the last 12 years as a felony prosecutor handling complex felony cases and crimes against women and children. Through this experience I have exercised thoughtful decision making, sound judgment and grounded my decisions in the law. I have worked closely with all stakeholders of the justice system; victims and their families, law enforcement, defense attorneys, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, courts and their staff as well as many others developing strong relationships and making sure justice is sought. I have mentored young attorneys and interns emphasizing to them that seeking justice is of utmost importance.

I have served as the director at large for the League of Women Voters of Hays County from 2024-2025 and have been a member for years. Through my involvement in LWV I have supported voter education and active participation in our democracy by ALL voters. I serve on the board for the Scheib Center in Hays County, which is a mental health center that provides services to our local community. Through these leadership positions I have learned how to make sure systems are working, effectively collaborate with others and ensure that our community is being supported.

One primary goal is to expand and strengthen our drug court program. As a prosecutor I currently serve as part of the drug court team where I work and have witnessed firsthand how the program has impacted and changed so many lives. This program not only holds individuals accountable, but also provides the support and treatment necessary to address the underlying issues of addiction. By enhancing these resources, we can promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and ultimately create a safer and healthier Hays County.

As a District Judge I will ensure that all courtroom proceedings are conducted with fairness, impartiality, and respect. Every individual who comes before the court deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter their background or circumstances. As a District Judge I will be committed to upholding the integrity of the judicial process and creating an environment where justice is administered consistently and without bias.

A third goal is to strengthen community trust in the justice system. Trust is built through transparency, accountability, and open communication. I will work to foster meaningful engagement with the community, increase understanding of the court’s role, and ensure that the justice system reflects the values of fairness and accessibility for all.

I would choose Rise Up by Andrea Day as my “walk out” song. This song is full of hope and strength. The lyrics are a reminder that no matter how hard the journey or heavy the load it is so important to keep moving forward. The song is empowering and represents the mindset I want to have to rise above any obstacle or challenge.

A Judge’s role today is more critical than ever before. Judges are one of the last safeguards to ensure that constitutional rights are preserved for ALL people no matter their background, status, race, gender, sexual orientation or circumstances. A judge needs to ensure that due process, equal protection and fairness are preserved for everyone who walks into the courtroom. A judge must remain impartial, guided by the Constitution and not by personal views or public pressure.

A judge is essential to making sure all people are treated with dignity and respect in the courtroom. Fairness is not only reflected in rulings from the judge, but also how people are heard and acknowledged throughout the entire process in court.

Equal justice under the law means that each case is evaluated based on facts and the law is applied evenly without favoritism, prejudice or outside influence. The laws are applied to each and every person consistently. It also means being mindful of the real-world impact that courtroom procedures and rulings have on our community.

Equal justice does not mean identical outcomes in every case, but outcomes that are driven by the facts of each case and the law. A judge must balance consistency with careful attention to individual circumstances, always within the boundaries of the law. Day to day in the courtroom it means that all parties have an opportunity to be heard and decisions are based on facts and the law and not assumptions.

Judges are critical to ensuring that people are not punished for poverty or lack of resources. An important distinction is being able to see the difference between an unwillingness to comply with an order from the court and an inability to comply with a court order. A judge can have a meaningful conversation on the ability to pay any monies ordered and tailor those monies to the person’s circumstances.

An alternative to some fines, fees or other monetary penalties could be changed to community service, treatment programs or other creative solutions. If monies are imposed having flexible payment plans can prevent people from going into debt. Avoiding incarceration for nonpayment due to the inability to pay is crucial. We do not run a debtors prison in the United States.

Court procedures themselves can be made more accessible. Judges can use plain language to ensure defendants understand their rights, and create courtroom environments where people feel safe disclosing financial hardship. All of these things can help protect against unjust outcomes driven by the resource gap in our community.