2026 Texas General Election

Judge Linda Dunson 309th Family Court | Ramos Law Group, PLLC.

LinkedIn

Linda Marie Dunson is originally from Houston, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Houston, a law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and a Master of Laws in taxation from the University of Houston Law Center.

Linda Marie Dunson - Ballotpedia

Linda previously worked as a solo family law practitioner, an attorney providing regulatory compliance consultation, and a contract attorney handling complex litigation support. She has also worked as an attorney with the NAACP Houston Branch providing civil legal services.

Linda Marie Dunson is currently a judge of the Texas 309th District Court. She assumed office on January 1, 2019, and is serving her second term after winning re-election on November 8, 2022.

Linda is currently a judge of the Texas 309th District Court. She assumed office in 2019 and is serving her second term.

309th Family District Court | Eaton Law Group

Holds a law degree and is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker.

As a family court judge for over six years, she reviews and grants requests for domestic and dating violence protection orders and administers proceedings involving divorce, legal separation, spousal support, and the division of child custody and support.

As an attorney in private practice for several years, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents and provided counsel to clients, specializing in family law, wills and probate, estate planning, real estate matters, and contract disputes.

As an attorney with the NAACP Houston Branch, she provided legal counsel and representation to individuals seeking civil legal services.

As a contract attorney, she researched legal issues, reviewed documents for litigation, and assisted with case preparation in complex civil matters.

As a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, she advises clients on compliance with federal customs laws and regulations related to international trade.

- As a family court judge for over six years, she reviews and grants requests for domestic and dating violence protection orders and administers proceedings involving divorce, legal separation, spousal support, and the division of child custody and support.
- As an attorney in private practice for several years, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents and provided counsel to clients, specializing in family law, wills and probate, estate planning, real estate matters, and contract disputes.
- As an attorney with the NAACP Houston Branch, she provided legal counsel and representation to individuals seeking civil legal services.
- As a contract attorney, she researched legal issues, reviewed documents for litigation, and assisted with case preparation in complex civil matters.
- As a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, she advises clients on compliance with federal customs laws and regulations related to international trade.

Legal Experience

League of Women Voters of Houston - Linda Marie Dunson

Wants to improve the efficiency of the court system.

Courts should operate efficiently while maintaining fairness and access to justice.

Court systems should account for trauma affecting families and children.

Courts should expand access to resources for self-represented litigants and individuals with language barriers.

- Courts should operate efficiently while maintaining fairness and access to justice.
- Court systems should account for trauma affecting families and children.
- Courts should expand access to resources for self-represented litigants and individuals with language barriers.

Judicial Administration

Said, "Decisions that effect people should be based on the law and the facts. However, the truth of the facts often lies on the perception within a culture."

Believes judicial decisions must be grounded in law and factual evidence.

Believes bias in the legal system must be addressed.

- Believes judicial decisions must be grounded in law and factual evidence.
- Believes bias in the legal system must be addressed.

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Linda Marie Dunson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Campaign Website

Has served the community through youth, education, and family organizations.

Sits as a board member for TMSL Alumni, Youth Outdoor Unity, Stay Recruited, Children as Risk law advisory board, as well as Family Roots for Life

- Sits as a board member for TMSL Alumni, Youth Outdoor Unity, Stay Recruited, Children as Risk law advisory board, as well as Family Roots for Life

Community Involvement

Instagram

Facebook

Linda Marie Dunson

Buket Urgen

Melissa Fertel is from Houston, Texas. She has a law degree from the University of Houston. 

Top Rated Houston, TX Family Law Attorney | Melissa Fertel | Super ...

Melissa is from Houston, Texas. She has a law degree from the University of Houston. 

Melissa is a lawyer in Houston, Texas, specializing in family law. 

Dion Ramos Defeats Incumbent Republican Judge Jeff Shadwick in ...

Melissa previously ran for the 55th District Court bench in 2008 but did not win.

Melissa Fertel previously ran for the 55th District Court bench in 2008 but did not win.

Has received numerous accolades throughout her career.

- Has received numerous accolades throughout her career.

As of July 22, 2026, Melissa Fertel did not have a website or any information online.

Melissa Fertel

- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 

Texas District Judge, District 309

Candidates (2)

Compare candidates

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement