2026 Texas General Election

Joseph Russell

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Joseph Russell is from Kaufman County, Texas. He is a grandfather and is actively involved in the Lions Club.

A Year on the Bench: Judge Joseph Russell on Serving Kaufman ...

Joseph is a judge for the Kaufman County Court at Law. He previously worked as a criminal defense lawyer for 25 years. 

Texas agencies report slight decrease in juvenile crime

Joseph is currently a judge of the Kaufman County Court at Law. He was elected in 2024 and is currently serving his first term. He previously served as a judge in Kaufman County.

Joseph Russell (Kaufman County Court at Law No. 1, Texas ...

County Court at Law | Kaufman County, TX

Has practiced law since 1998, with extensive experience in criminal, family, CPS, and juvenile law, managing thousands of cases and participating in jury trials.

Legal Experience

Believes judges should interpret and apply the law as written, without personal opinions, and that changes to the law should be made through elected representatives.

Judicial Philosophy

For Candidate Joseph Russell on Issue judicial-administration: Emphasizes efficient court scheduling and management of a diverse docket to ensure timely administration of justice.

For Candidate Joseph Russell on Issue judicial-administration: Supports rehabilitation and structured reentry programs like the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Reentry Court and DWI Treatment Court to enhance public safety and reduce repeat offenses.

Judicial Administration

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

Ethics & Conduct

Actively involved in the Lions Club, contributing to initiatives like constructing beds for children in need through the "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" project.

Dedicated to expanding treatment programs and establishing a Juvenile Justice Roundtable to address community issues and support youth through collaboration with local agencies.

Community Involvement

- 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.