Ben Smith

- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least two years, and be licensed lawyers with a minimum of four years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $140,000 to $186,000, depending on years of service.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 

Texas

2024 Texas General Election

2024 Texas General Election Runoff

Criminal Justice

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Judge