Why are you running for Justice of the Peace?

Precinct 3 has had the same JP for nearly two decades. After four terms, I believe our community is ready for fresh energy and for transparent, ethical leadership. Our precinct deserves a judge that is showing up in the community, working with justice partners, and ensuring our courts are keeping up with today’s technology and a commitment to the future, not yesterday’s politics. As a widow, I’ve lived the reality that tomorrow is never guaranteed - it’s abut stepping up when called to serve, and not waiting your turn. Through my experience as the Van Zandt County Youth Diversion Coordinator, I’ve seen firsthand where our justice system is working and what happens when it loses touch with the people it serves. My campaign isn’t about where someone’s from, it’s about where we’re headed and I’m ready to serve our community with transparency and respect for the law.

What qualifies you to be a Justice of the Peace?

I bring over 25 years of courtroom and public service experience. I’ve served as both a JP and municipal court clerk, launched and manage the comprehensive Youth Diversion Program, and worked as a CID case manager. I also collaborate regularly with juvenile probation, CPS, Andrews Center, and school districts to support youth and families. I’ve written grants, authored countywide policies and procedures, trained partners, and managed data-driven results - all skills directly relevant to running an efficient, compliant JP court. I understand how justice should work and how to make it work better.

How will your approach be different?

• CUSTOMER SERVICE: phones answered, messages returned, and respectful treatment at the window - every time.

• TRANSPARENCY & ETHICS: decisions grounded in law and facts; recuse when appropriate; avoid even the appearance of favoritism.

• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: regular outreach within the community so people understand the JP court’s role.

  I believe a Justice of the Peace should be present and responsive. I’ll bring a no-nonsense, but fair and compassionate approach to the bench. I’ll also stay engaged in the community and ensure everyone who comes before the JP court is treated with respect and accountability.

What does a Justice of the Peace actually do?

The JP is your most accessible court for everyday legal matters: Class C misdemeanors (like traffic), landlord/tenant claims (like evictions), small claims, debt claims, magistrations, inquests, truancy, and more. The job requires steady judgment, procedural fairness, and strong administration so people get a fair hearing and a clear outcome.

What principles will guide your decisions?

Faith, integrity, accountability, and transparency. My faith grounds my decisions in humility and compassion, reminding me that every person deserves respect and fairness. I’ll apply the law even-handedly, treat every person with dignity, and provide clear, well-documented rulings so the public can understand the “why,” not just the “what.”

Justice of the Peace courts are not courts of record, which means there are no transcripts, audio, or video recordings of proceedings. That makes it even more important for every decision to be clearly written and communicated allowing everyone who comes before the court to know exactly how and why a ruling was made.

Will you be accessible to the community?

Yes. I’m already present across Precinct 3 at civic clubs, neighborhood meetings, and schools. Accessibility also means being available when duty calls - day or night - for after-hours calls within the precinct, including inquests, magistrations, and emergency warrants, so families and law enforcement receive timely responses. It’s part of the job because public service doesn’t keep banker’s hours, and neither will I.

What about conflicts of interest?

I will follow the law and best practices: disclose, recuse when required or prudent, and document. No favoritism. No back doors. Equal footing for every person before the court.

How can I support your campaign?

• Request a yard sign (email jennifer@JTforJP.com)

• Volunteer to block walk or host a meet-and-greet

• Share our page with friends in Precinct 3

• Follow along on Facebook or Instagram (@JTforJP)

  I’m also happy to chat with your neighborhood meeting, church group, civic club, or small business. Every action - and every dollar - adds up to make a big difference and keeps the campaign moving forward! [Donate link on home page]

When is the election?

The Republican Primary is March 3, 2026, with early voting from February 17–27, 2026. Mark your calendar, make a plan to vote, and bring a neighbor!