Upbringing

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I grew up in the Southwest Independent School District and am the proud daughter of a Housekeeper and X-Ray repairman. I do not come from a family of attorneys or politicians. Instead, I am the first person in my family to become an attorney. I understand the struggles that most families in our community go through because growing up I saw my parents struggle financially to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads.

About Melissa

I am a proud graduate of Southwest High School. I graduated in the top 10% of my class and enrolled at the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. During this time, I started taking legal classes like Constitutional Law, Business Law, and Racketeering and Corruption. These classes sparked an interest in the law for me and opened my eyes to possibilities of becoming a lawyer.

After graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2007, I went on to pursue my law degree at the Texas Tech School of Law in Lubbock, Texas. Moving to west Texas for school was a bit of a culture shock. Roughly ten percent of the students in my law school were Latino. The city itself also lacked diversity.

Melissa Saenz grew up in the Southwest Independent School District. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in political science, then pursued a law degree at Texas Tech School of Law.

Melissa Saenz earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a law degree from Texas Tech School of Law.

Shortly after receiving my law license, I started working as a Prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. After three and half years as Prosecutor, I dove into criminal defense. Working in both capacities taught me that there needs to be a better balance in how cases should be handled in the Criminal Court System.

I went back to work at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office in 2015 and worked my way up to become a Felony First Chair Prosecutor. This position is the highest prosecution position you can have aside from a Division Chief. It's something I am especially proud because I was only one of two Latinas at the office that encompassed that position.

Melissa previously worked as a lead prosecutor on felony cases at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. She also worked in criminal defense and earlier served as a prosecutor in the office.

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ABOUT MELISSA

RE-ELECT JUDGE MELISSA SAENZ
BEXAR COUNTY COURT AT LAW #2

I am Melissa Saenz and I have been proudly serving our community as Judge of Bexar County Court No.2. Since taking office on January 1, 2023, I have made it a priority to handle each case on an individual basis.

Summary Results Report
November 8, 2022 Joint General, Special, Charter and Bond Election

Judge, County Court at Law No. 2
Vote For 1
TOTAL VOTE % Election
Day
Absentee Early
Voting
Jason Wolff (REP) 224,154 43.07% 66,123 9,773 148,258
Melissa Saenz (DEM) 296,327 56.93% 77,808 20,894 197,625
Total Votes Cast 520,481 100.00% 143,931 30,667 345,883

November-8-2022-General-Election-Summary-Report-PDF

Melissa currently serves as a judge of Bexar County Court at Law No. 2. She was elected in 2022 and took office in 2023.

County Court 2 | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

2026 Texas General Election

Prior to becoming a Judge, I worked as a Prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. For over a decade I tried and handled numerous cases like DWIs, Physical and Sexual Crimes Against Children, and Murder. More than half my career was spent handling violent crimes and seeing how it affected the many people in our community.

Practiced criminal defense after serving as a prosecutor.

Returned to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office in 2015 and became a lead prosecutor on felony cases.

Serves as judge of Bexar County Court No. 2 and prioritizes handling each case individually.

As judge of Bexar County Court No. 2, she oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations and issues search and arrest warrants.

Worked as a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and later tried cases involving driving while intoxicated, violent crimes against children, and murder.

As a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, she tried cases involving driving while intoxicated, violent crimes against children, and murder.

- As judge of Bexar County Court No. 2, she oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations and issues search and arrest warrants.
- As a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, she tried cases involving driving while intoxicated, violent crimes against children, and murder.

Legal Experience

I ran for Judge of Bexar County Court #2 because it's where I felt I could make the most change. Unlike felony cases, the majority of misdemeanor crimes are non-violent. They include offenses like Criminal Trespass, Thefts, DWI, and assaults with minor injuries. Because they tend to be non-violent, rehabilitation is key. Taking a rehabilitative approach not only helps the individual charged but those in our community by helping them to become a more productive and successful member of our society.

Working in both capacities taught me that there needs to be a better balance in how cases should be handled in the Criminal Court System. The jail is for violent and dangerous people but for non-violent offenders, we need to try to address the issues that brought them into the court system. Regardless of whether it's mental health, substance abuse or something else, we as the Court System need to address these issues to keep our community safe and stop people from re-offending.

Having diversity helps one to “understand the struggles people go through to survive and that not everyone needs prison, some people just need help,” said Saenz.

Melissa Saenz: A Better System

Belief System

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- Everyone who comes into the Court System should be treated fairly and with respect

- No one is above the law

- An individual's rights should be protected and the law should be followed

- Do what's right

Advocates a rehabilitative approach for nonviolent misdemeanor defendants.

Believes court participants should be treated fairly and respectfully, with their rights protected and the law followed.

- Advocates a rehabilitative approach for nonviolent misdemeanor defendants.
- Believes court participants should be treated fairly and respectfully, with their rights protected and the law followed.

Judicial Philosophy

One of the greatest issues facing Melissa’s community is homelessness. In her role as a county court judge, she sees a lot of misdemeanors where individuals are receiving a conviction or being placed on probation. The problem with being on probation while also being homeless, is that the individual may not have the money or means to complete the programs required of them. “The ultimate thing that needs to be done is to get the unhoused some kind of housing to get them on their feet,” she says.

I am Melissa Saenz and I have been proudly serving our community as Judge of Bexar County Court No.2. Since taking office on January 1, 2023, I have made it a priority to handle each case on an individual basis. Every case is different and when we address the underlying issues that led to the arrest, we can provide the individual with the necessary resources so that they don't re-offend.

Bexar County Court #2

No one in our community should ever feel that the justice system has forgotten about them or that their voice doesn’t matter. As your judge of Bexar County Court #2, I listen to everyone that comes into my court so that fair and reasonable decisions can be made.
- Judge Melissa Saenz

Melissa for Judge

Calls for housing for unhoused people to help them get on their feet.

Prioritizes handling each case individually and addressing underlying issues to provide resources intended to reduce reoffending.

Says she listens to everyone who comes into her court to make fair and reasonable decisions.

- Calls for housing for unhoused people to help them get on their feet.
- Prioritizes handling each case individually and addressing underlying issues to provide resources intended to reduce reoffending.
- Says she listens to everyone who comes into her court to make fair and reasonable decisions.

Judicial Administration

As of July 22, 2026, Melissa Saenz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Melissa Saenz

- Serves as judge of Bexar County Court No. 2 and prioritizes handling each case individually.
- Worked as a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and later tried cases involving driving while intoxicated, violent crimes against children, and murder.
- Practiced criminal defense after serving as a prosecutor.
- Returned to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office in 2015 and became a lead prosecutor on felony cases.

- Prioritizes handling each case individually and addressing underlying issues to provide resources intended to reduce reoffending.
- Says she listens to everyone who comes into her court to make fair and reasonable decisions.

I grew up in the Southwest Independent School District and am the proud daughter of a Housekeeper and X-Ray repairman. I do not come from a family of attorneys or politicians. Instead, I am the first person in my family to become an attorney.

About Melissa | Melissa for Judge

After graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2007, I went on to pursue my law degree at the Texas Tech School of Law in Lubbock, Texas. Moving to west Texas for school was a bit of a culture shock.

Prior to becoming a Judge, I worked as a Prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. For over a decade I tried and handled numerous cases like DWIs, Physical and Sexual Crimes Against Children, and Murder.

I went back to work at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office in 2015 and worked my way up to become a Felony First Chair Prosecutor.

Melissa previously worked as a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, including as a felony first-chair prosecutor, and in criminal defense.

The Honorable Melissa Saenz is a San Antonio native currently serving as a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 2. Prior to being elected to the bench in November 2022, Saenz practiced criminal law for 12 years.

Melissa Saenz: A better system | Lone Star Parity Project

COUNTY COURT 2

HONORABLE JUDGE MELISSA SAENZ
County Court 2

Cadena-Reeves Justice Center
300 Dolorosa, 1st Floor
San Antonio, TX 78205

County Court 2 | Bexar County

Melissa Saenz: A better system - Lone Star Parity Project

I went back to work at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office in 2015 and worked my way up to become a Felony First Chair Prosecutor. This position is the highest prosecution position you can have aside from a Division Chief.

Worked as a prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, trying cases involving driving while intoxicated, crimes against children, and murder.

- :null
- Worked as a prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, trying cases involving driving while intoxicated, crimes against children, and murder.
- :null
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As a lifelong Bexar County Resident and product of a working-class family, I know you have to work hard to succeed. I am committed to ensuring that all people are treated fairly and with respect when they enter the criminal justice system.

Unlike felony cases, the majority of misdemeanor crimes are non-violent. They include offenses like Criminal Trespass, Thefts, DWI, and assaults with minor injuries. Because they tend to be non-violent, rehabilitation is key. Taking a rehabilitative approach not only helps the individual charged but those in our community by helping them to become a more productive and successful member of our society.

Advocates for a rehabilitative approach for nonviolent misdemeanor defendants to help reduce reoffending.

- :null
- :null
- Advocates for a rehabilitative approach for nonviolent misdemeanor defendants to help reduce reoffending.

No one in our community should ever feel that the justice system has forgotten about them or that their voice doesn’t matter. As your judge of Bexar County Court #2, I listen to everyone that comes into my court so that fair and reasonable decisions can be made.

Says listening to everyone who appears in her courtroom helps produce fair and reasonable decisions.

- Says listening to everyone who appears in her courtroom helps produce fair and reasonable decisions.

Bexar County's official County Court 2 page identifies “HONORABLE JUDGE MELISSA SAENZ” under County Court 2 at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center.

County Court 2

Melissa Saenz serves as a judge on Bexar County Court 2.

Serves as a judge on Bexar County Court 2.

In an October 2022 candidate response, Saenz wrote: “I do not come from a family of attorneys or politicians. I am the proud daughter of a housekeeper and X-ray machine repairman. I grew up in a lower economic area of San Antonio where not many people go on to higher education.”

Melissa Saenz | 2022 candidate for Bexar County Court at Law No. 2 - San Antonio Report

Meet the judicial candidates in Bexar County's March primary

The San Antonio Report’s October 2022 candidate profile states: “Saenz has been practicing law for almost 12 years, mostly as a prosecutor with the Bexar County District Attorney’s office. She began her career as a defense attorney. As a first chair felony prosecutor, Saenz handles violent crime cases and supervises other attorneys.”

Melissa has practiced law, primarily as a prosecutor with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. She began her career as a defense attorney.

The official Bexar County courts roster lists: “County Court 2 / Judge Melissa Saenz (D) / Ph: 210-335-2573 / Term: 4 Years / Expires: 2026.”

Bexar County Courts-at-Law | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Serves as the lead felony prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, handling violent-crime cases and supervising other attorneys.

Began her legal career as a defense attorney.

Advocates rehabilitative approaches in predominantly nonviolent County Court 2 cases rather than incarceration, while balancing public safety and reducing returns to court.

Calls for bail reform to reduce the jail population and prevent the criminalization of poverty.

Melissa Saenz's campaign for Bexar County Court-At-Law Judge, Post 2 is her first entry into politics.

Bexar County primary elections kick off: See who's on the ballot for ...

Actively involved in local organizations and initiatives that promote legal education and support for underrepresented groups.

Aims to inspire the next generation of legal professionals and encourage civic participation among young people.

For Candidate Melissa Saenz on Issue community-involvement:  
Believes in the importance of community engagement and collaboration to create lasting change.

Emphasizes the importance of community engagement and aims to ensure justice and equity in the legal system, particularly for marginalized communities.

Emphasizes the need for judicial reform and accessibility to the court system, focusing on transparency, accountability, and issues such as mental health, domestic violence, and juvenile justice.

Melissa Saenz is from San Antonio, Texas. She has a bachelor27s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.

Melissa is a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 2. She previously practiced criminal law for 12 years, working as both a defense attorney and an assistant district attorney. 

Melissa is currently a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 2. She was elected in 2022 and is currently serving her first term.

Top prosecutor who left DA's office after scathing review hampered ...

As a defense attorney and former Assistant District Attorney at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, gained experience in both prosecuting and defending cases.

Believes diversity in the court system is essential for understanding the struggles of individuals, advocating that not everyone needs prison but rather support and help.

Actively involved in local organizations that promote legal education and support for underrepresented groups, aiming to inspire future legal professionals and encourage civic participation among youth.

Believes in community engagement and collaboration to create lasting change, focusing on increasing access to resources for underserved populations.

Melissa Saenz is from San Antonio, Texas. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.

Melissa is an attorney with the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, where she works in the Family Violence Division. She previously worked as a prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office.

Melissa is currently a judge for Bexar County Court at Law No. 2. She was elected in 2022 and is currently serving her first term. Before her election to the bench, she practiced criminal law for 12 years.

As a legal professional, she has worked in various capacities, including as a prosecutor and in private practice, with a focus on justice and equity for marginalized communities.

Melissa Saenz is from San Antonio, Texas. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.

Has worked as a prosecutor and in private practice.

Is involved in local organizations and initiatives that promote legal education and support for underrepresented groups.

Believes in the importance of community engagement and collaboration to create lasting change.

Plans to focus on issues such as mental health, domestic violence, and juvenile justice, advocating for programs that support rehabilitation and prevention.

Buket Urgen

Isaac Brickman

- 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.