It is with respect to the people of Polk, San Jacinto and Trinity Counties that I am seeking re-election to serve a third, and last, four-year term as your 258th District Judge. In Texas you cannot seek election as a District Judge if you are 75 years old. I am now 73 years old; however, if re-elected I can, and will, serve the full term.
I am a seventh generation Texan, born at Connally Air Force Base in Waco in 1952. I graduated from Baylor Law School and was licensed in 1977. In April 1978 I moved to Trinity County to serve as your Assistant District Attorney for the 258th District. I have lived in Trinity County since 1978. After leaving the DA’s office I went into private practice until I was first elected your District Judge in 2018.
The 258th District Court is a court of general jurisdiction, which means that it hears criminal, civil and family law cases. The 258th District Judge must have a wide range of legal experience in order to hear and rule on the broad variety of legal matters that come before the Court. This is the type of law I practiced for 41 years before being elected in 2018, representing thousands of persons in the district, and for the 7 years since taking the oath of office on Jan. 1, 2019.
A State District Judge is supposed to listen to the facts and apply the law and Constitutions of the United States and Texas to its rulings. A State District Judge is not supposed to “legislate” from the bench. A State District Judge is not to base his or her rulings on a political or religious philosophy. All persons coming before the court are entitled to a fair and impartial judge, regardless of their political or religious beliefs. In a criminal case, a State District Judge is not to be a prosecutor or defense attorney, but a fair and impartial judge to all parties.
In being a good judge, one must have good character. The judge should be independent and fair, and should have respect for persons appearing in court.
Before you go to vote in the March 3, 2026, Republican Primary, please educate yourself about the character, experience and qualifications of my opponent and myself to be your District Judge. www.kitchensforjudge.com. I appreciate your consideration and your vote.
