2026 Texas General Election

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Jessica N. Padilla

Jessica N. Padilla has a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Jessica Padilla | BallotReady

"Jessica is a judge at Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 14. She previously worked as a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office."

Jessica N. Padilla is currently a judge of the Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law - Court 14. She was first elected in 2022 and is in her first term. She previously ran for Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge - Court 13 in 2018 and did not win.

Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 14

As of July 22, 2026, Jessica N. Padilla’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes the pandemic has shown the need for more efficient court processes to prevent unnecessary delays in serving justice.

Supports the expanded Language Access Plan, stating, "It's essential that all individuals, regardless of their language proficiency, have access to justice. This plan is a step in the right direction to ensure fairness in our courts."

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Jessica N. Padilla is currently a Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge, Post 14. She was first elected in 2022 and is in her first term.

Court Info & Policies - Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Said, "The pandemic has highlighted the need for more efficient processes in our courts. We must adapt to ensure that justice is served without unnecessary delays."

Buket Urgen

Jessica N. Padilla is currently a Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge - Court 14. She was first elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. She previously ran for Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge – Court 13 in 2018 and did not win.

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Yahaira Quezada

- Handles cases for Class A misdemeanors–including assault of a family member, property theft between $750 and $2,500, and using force against a law enforcement officer when resisting or evading arrest–and Class B misdemeanors–including criminal mischief and property theft between $100 and $750.
- Serves as an appellate judge for cases from local courts. They work on all cases they receive until they are closed or appealed to a higher court.
- County criminal court-at-law judges 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 criminal 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 various misdemeanors and criminal appeals from local courts.