Julia Maldonado, a Democrat, is running for judge of the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County in the Nov. 3 general election.
Republican Lance Long is also on the ballot.
Asked why she is seeking the office, Maldonado said in our candidate questionnaire, "I believe my experience, both as an attorney and a former District Court Judge, has prepared me to serve the people of Harris County with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law." She added, "Every person who enters the courtroom deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and every decision must be guided by the Constitution, Texas law, and the facts before the court."
Candidate information
Party: Democratic
Education: Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I am a first-generation college graduate. I earned my bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Houston-Downtown and my Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law … I am also Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization."
Family: Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I am the proud mother of two sons, blessed with two wonderful daughters-in-law, and a very proud grandmother."
Endorsements: AFL-CIO, Harris County Democratic Party, Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio, Texas AFT, El Paso Central Labor Union, Greater Heights Democratic Club and Dallas AFL-CIO Council, according to BallotReady.
Experience and public service
Asked about her occupation and work history, Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I practiced criminal defense for over 18 years, handling approximately 2,000 criminal cases in Harris County, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony matters, including jury trials and appeals."
She said she was "elected Judge of the 507th Family District Court" in 2016, "where I served for eight years and presided over jury and non-jury trials while managing a substantial court docket." She added, "Since January 2025, I have continued my judicial service as a visiting judge, including presiding over criminal dockets."
Maldonado also said she served as a board member of the Harris County Juvenile Board from 2019 to 2024 and as administrative judge of the Harris County Family Trial Division from 2018 to 2020, according to her campaign website.
On the issues
What distinguishes her from other candidates: Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "What distinguishes me is the breadth and depth of experience I bring to this position. I have 28 years of legal experience, including over 18 years practicing criminal defense … My experience on both sides of the bench has given me a broad perspective on our justice system."
Court management and due process: Maldonado said the two most pressing issues facing the court are "managing a high-volume docket and ensuring fairness and due process for all parties," according to the Houston Voters Guide. She said, "I will address this through firm but fair docket management, early case evaluation, consistent scheduling, and encouraging timely resolution of cases without sacrificing defendants' constitutional rights."
Best advice: Asked about the best advice she ever received, Maldonado credited her mother in our candidate questionnaire: "She always said that we must work hard, remain diligent, and never be afraid to admit when one does not know something. When in doubt, she would say, do the work, research the issue, and make sure you understand it before making a decision."
