1. Please tell voters about yourself. My name is Helen Petry Stowe. I’m a native San Antonian and have lived here all of my adult life. I’ve worked in public service as a public school teacher, teaching 8th grade English in SAISD, before returning to St. Mary’s law school. After law school, I worked as an assistant district attorney for Bexar County for over ten years.

Helen Petry Stowe | 2026 candidate for Bexar County Court at Law No. 1 - San Antonio Report

2. Describe your educational background. I am very proud that I have a GED. I began my undergraduate degree at age 17, as a young, single mother. I have a BA in English from UTSA. After becoming certified to teach English in the State of Texas, I returned to law school at St. Mary’s University and received my JD in 2007.

Helen Petry Stowe is a native San Antonian. She earned a GED, a Bachelor of Arts in English from UTSA, and a law degree from St. Mary’s University in 2007. She has lived in San Antonio throughout her adult life.

Helen Petry Stowe | 2026 candidate for Bexar County Court at Law ...

Helen has experience as an assistant district attorney and felony prosecutor.

Helen Petry Stowe - Ballotpedia

Helen has served as a judge in the Bexar County Court at Law since 2018.

2026 Texas General Election

In February 2008, Helen joined the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney, where she sought justice for the citizens of Bexar County and served as a felony prosecutor for more than ten years until being appointed to the bench.

About Judge Helen Petry Stowe

In November 2018, Helen was elected by the citizens of Bexar County to serve as judge of Bexar County Court at Law #1, after winning the Democratic primary. Helen has a breadth of experience in criminal law, having handled more than fifty trials and post-conviction appeals in juvenile justice, criminal trial, domestic violence, and child abuse matters.

2.1 Judicial Candidate Resource Guide 

Served as a Bexar County assistant district attorney and felony prosecutor for more than ten years, handling more than fifty criminal trials and post-conviction appeals.

As a Bexar County assistant district attorney and felony prosecutor for more than ten years, she handled more than fifty criminal trials and post-conviction appeals.

As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations and issues search and arrest warrants.

- As a Bexar County assistant district attorney and felony prosecutor for more than ten years, she handled more than fifty criminal trials and post-conviction appeals.
- As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations and issues search and arrest warrants.

Legal Experience

4. Philosophically, how do you balance the public’s desire for restitution in all types of crimes, while also providing a productive path forward for offenders who don’t pose a danger to the public? The majority of misdemeanor offenders that take responsibility are facing probation or deferred adjudication for the offense committed, and whether restitution should be ordered is something I consider in every case. In cases where restitution is ordered, I am very clear with probationers that restitution owed to a complainant is one of the most important conditions of their probation, and should be a top priority.

5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose? I am seeking a third term as judge in County Court 1, because I love my job, and I love our community, and I care deeply about due process and the rule of law. I am a lifelong Democrat, and was brought up by my grandmother and mother, a public school teacher and an R.N., who instilled Democratic values.

Said she considers restitution in every case and treats it as a top probation priority when it is ordered.

Said she cares deeply about due process and the rule of law.

- Said she considers restitution in every case and treats it as a top probation priority when it is ordered.
- Said she cares deeply about due process and the rule of law.

Judicial Philosophy

In November 2018, Helen was elected by the citizens of Bexar County to serve as judge of Bexar County Court at Law #1, after winning the Democratic primary. Helen has a breadth of experience in criminal law, having handled more than fifty trials and post-conviction appeals in juvenile justice, criminal trial, domestic violence, and child abuse matters. Helen has presided over a multitude of trials as judge, working diligently to ensure due process for every individual who comes before the court. In the summer of 2020, she took on TRAC-D, a DWI specialty court that provides a treatment-focused probation program for people with substance-abuse issues who have had multiple DWI arrests, aiming to achieve restorative justice for the community.

As a County Court judge, took on Treatment Recovery Accountability Court D, a treatment-focused probation program for people with multiple driving-while-intoxicated arrests.

- As a County Court judge, took on Treatment Recovery Accountability Court D, a treatment-focused probation program for people with multiple driving-while-intoxicated arrests.

Judicial Administration

As of July 22, 2026, Helen Petry Stowe’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Facebook

Helen Petry Stowe

- Served as a Bexar County assistant district attorney and felony prosecutor for more than ten years, handling more than fifty criminal trials and post-conviction appeals.

Helen is a judge at Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She works at Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She previously served as an assistant district attorney with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and practiced law in private practice.

Bexar County Specialty Court Symposium - St. Mary's School of Law

Stowe chosen to replace Fleming for Bexar County court vacancy

San Antonio Criminal Lawyers Blog — Published by San Antonio ...

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

Emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in the legal system.

Plans to implement programs that enhance legal education and resources for the public.

Plans to engage with the community and listen to their concerns, ensuring that the court reflects the values and needs of the people it serves.

Helen is a judge at the Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She works at the Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She previously worked as an assistant district attorney at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and as a private practice attorney.

County Court 1 | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Helen Petry Stowe currently serves as the judge for Bexar County Court-At-Law No. 1. She was appointed by the Bexar County Commissioners Court to fill the remainder of Judge John Fleming’s term and subsequently won election in the November general election. She is the Democratic nominee for the position in the 2026 election.

Plans to implement programs that enhance legal education and resources for the public, believing that informed citizens are better equipped to navigate the legal system and advocate for their rights.

Helen is a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She previously served as an assistant district attorney. She has also worked in private practice. 

Helen is currently a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She was appointed in 2023. Before her appointment, she served as an assistant district attorney.

Believes in fairness and justice, emphasizing equal treatment under the law and improving access to justice for all individuals.

Aims to implement programs that enhance legal education and resources for the public to help citizens navigate the legal system and advocate for their rights.

Commits to transparency and accountability by engaging with the community and addressing their concerns to ensure the court reflects their values and needs.

Helen is a judge for Bexar County Court-at-Law No. 1. She previously served as an assistant district attorney. She has also worked in private practice. 

Helen is currently a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She was appointed in 2022 and won the election in 2022. She is currently serving her first term.

Helen is a judge at the Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She works at the court, where she was appointed by the Bexar County commissioners to fill a vacancy and later won election. She previously worked as an assistant district attorney with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and practiced law in private practice.

Helen Petry Stowe currently serves as the Judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 1 in Texas. She was appointed by the Bexar County commissioners court to fill the remainder of Judge John Fleming's term, and subsequently won election to the same seat.

Helen is currently a judge on the Bexar County Court at Law No. 1. She was appointed in 2023 and subsequently elected. She is currently serving her first term.

As a prosecutor and in private practice, believes her legal experience has equipped her with the necessary skills to serve effectively in the role.

Said, "Stowe emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in the legal system. She is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals receive equal treatment under the law, regardless of their background. Her campaign focuses on improving access to justice and addressing the needs of the community."

Aims to implement programs that enhance legal education and resources for the public, believing informed citizens can better navigate the legal system and advocate for their rights.

Buket Urgen

Isaac Brickman

Bob Behrens

- A County Court-At-Law judge handles misdemeanors, such as assault of a family member, property theft between $750 and $2,500, and using force against a law enforcement officer. They also handle civil cases where the amount in question does not exceed $200,000. 
- County Court-At-Law judges conduct arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and jury trials, as well as accept guilty pleas. 
- They are elected in a partisan, county-wide election to a four-year term. 
- Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 25 years old, have been a Texas and county resident for at least 24 consecutive months, a practicing lawyer and/or judge in Texas for at least four years, and registered to vote in that county.
- The annual salary for County Court-At-Law Judges ranges from $174,000 to $244,500, depending on years of service and how much they receive as a county supplement.

Handles civil and criminal cases from District Courts.