2026 Texas General Election

Jennifer Zarate is from Dallas, Texas. She has a bachelor s degree in human development and family studies from Texas Tech University. She is married, has a grown daughter, two rescue dogs, two rescue cats, and a flock of chickens.

Jennifer Zarate announces run for Ellis County District Clerk | Ellis ...

Jennifer Zarate has a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies from Texas Tech University. She is married with one child.

Jennifer has 30-plus years of legal experience.

Jennifer is currently the Ellis County District Clerk.

Believes "Ellis County needs to modernize the District Clerk’s office through streamlining processes, embracing smart technology, and delivering efficient and understanding service that truly reflects our conservative values.”

- Believes "Ellis County needs to modernize the District Clerk’s office through streamlining processes, embracing smart technology, and delivering efficient and understanding service that truly reflects our conservative values.”

Administration

Jennifer Zarate

Buket Urgen

- Serves as clerk and custodian of all records for district courts. Supports attorney general and child protective services courts.
- Indexes and secures all court records and verdicts, collects filing fees, and handles funds held in litigation and money awarded to minors. Also manages court registry funds and may process passport applications.
- Fulfills requests from attorneys or via court order to issue documents, collecting fees and distributing them to state and local agencies monthly.
- Gathers data and reports to various agencies to assist county, state, and Texas Legislature in proper operation of courts, effectiveness of statues, and any need for changes.
- Often in courtroom, filing documents, administrating oaths to defendants, witnesses, and jurors, and assists judge in docket management. Coordinates jury panel selection process and acts as liaison between jurors, courts, and employers.
- District clerks are elected through partisan, county-wide elections to four-year terms. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have been a Texas resident for at least 12 consecutive months, a county resident for at least six consecutive months, and registered to vote in that county.
- The annual salary for district clerks range from $35,236 to $207,952, set by the county’s Commissioners Court.

Preserves records for and serves as clerk in district courts.

Ellis District Clerk

Candidates (1)