Meet

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

Maya Guerra Gamble is a lifelong Austinite and the first judge elected to preside over Travis County's 459th District Court.

About

Maya earned her B.A. and J.D. from Yale University. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for more than 20 years and are proud parents of two children.

Maya’s commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. She has served as Vice President of the Austin Bar Association, launched the inaugural Equity Summit with more than 350 participants, and created mentoring programs to support new lawyers. She also gives her time as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop and serves on the Executive Board of the Capital Area Council of Scouting America.

Maya Guerra Gamble is a lifelong Austinite. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and a law degree from Yale University and volunteers as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop. She and her husband, Chris, have two children.

First judge elected to the 459th District Court.
Chair, Travis County Security Committee.
Child Welfare Attorney, Solo Practice.
Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP.
Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas.
Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.
Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Maya Guerra Gamble previously worked as a child welfare attorney in solo practice, as counsel at O’Connell & Soifer LLP, an assistant attorney general for the State of Texas, a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program, and a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

The Honorable
Maya Guerra Gamble
Judge Guerra Gamble has served as the presiding judge of the 459th District Court since January, 2019.

Court Staff

459th Civil District Court

In May 2018, Gamble narrowly won the Democratic nomination in a primary runoff against Associate Judge Aurora Martinez Jones. Gamble would later run unopposed in the general election and win the Texas 459th District Court seat. In the November election, Gamble ran unopposed and won another four year term.

Alex Jones in Her Courtroom Is the Least Interesting Thing About Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

Maya currently serves as the presiding judge of the 459th District Court. She was elected to the seat in 2018.

459th Civil District Court | Travis County, Texas

Alex Jones in Her Courtroom Is the Least Interesting Thing About ...

2026 Texas General Election

Prior to becoming a judge, Gamble represented parents and children in child protective services cases; served as an assistant attorney general, where she prosecuted child pornography and child exploitation cases; represented whistleblowers at O’Connell & Soifer, LLP.; and began her career at the U.S. Department of Justice in the honors program as a trial attorney, where she handled major fraud cases.

Before becoming a judge, Maya built her career as a trial lawyer, specializing in Child Protective Services cases and devoting her practice to protecting the most vulnerable in our community. She also worked on whistleblower cases, including one that secured a settlement of more than $100 million against a major hospital chain for fraud.

Worked on whistleblower cases as of counsel at O’Connell & Soifer LLP.

Prosecuted child pornography and child exploitation cases as a Texas assistant attorney general.

Handled major fraud cases as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.

Serves as presiding judge of the 459th District Court and has held the position since January 2019.

Worked as a child welfare attorney and trial lawyer specializing in Child Protective Services cases.

- Prosecuted child pornography and child exploitation cases as a Texas assistant attorney general.
- Handled major fraud cases as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.
- Serves as presiding judge of the 459th District Court and has held the position since January 2019.
- Worked as a child welfare attorney and trial lawyer specializing in Child Protective Services cases.

Legal Experience

“It seems absurd to instruct you, again, that you must tell the truth while you testify,” the Travis County district court judge lectured Jones at one point. “But here I am. You must tell the truth while you testify. This is not your show. You need to slow down and not take what you see as opportunities to further the message you’re wanting to further.”

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

“For me, being a judge is about service to Travis County. I strive to preside over a courtroom that listens to all, treats parties consistently and respectfully, and returns rulings quickly.” 

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

Re-Elect Judge Maya Guerra Gamble | 459th District Court

As a district judge, instructed a witness to testify truthfully and not to use testimony to advance his message.

Strives to run a courtroom that listens to all parties, treats them consistently and respectfully, and issues rulings promptly.

- As a district judge, instructed a witness to testify truthfully and not to use testimony to advance his message.
- Strives to run a courtroom that listens to all parties, treats them consistently and respectfully, and issues rulings promptly.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Service & Values

As a Latina and the child of an immigrant, Maya understands that bias and discrimination still pose real barriers to equal treatment in the legal system. Her lived experience shapes her dedication to ensuring equal justice for all.

Found that Senate Bill 8's private-enforcement lawsuits likely caused irreparable harm without an adequate legal remedy.

On Sept. 3, 2021, Judge Guerra Gamble stopped a lawsuit from the advocacy group Texas Right to Life against workers at Planned Parenthood in Texas from proceeding. The ruling came just two days after Sept. 1, when Senate Bill 8 had gone into effect. This bill allows private citizens to sue women who get abortions and anyone who helps facilitate getting an abortion after six weeks’ gestation.

“The Court finds that S.B. 8 creates a probable, irreparable, and imminent injury in the interim for which plaintiffs and their physicians, staff and patients throughout Texas have no adequate remedy at law if plaintiffs, their physicians, and staff are subjected to private enforcement lawsuits against them under S.B. 8,” Gamble wrote in her decision.

NJC Names Judge Maya Guerra Gamble a Courageous Judge

Advocates for equal justice and recognizes bias and discrimination as barriers to equal treatment in the legal system.

- Advocates for equal justice and recognizes bias and discrimination as barriers to equal treatment in the legal system.

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Maya Guerra Gamble’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Scouting America: Founder and Scoutmaster of Troop 99; former Cub Scout leader; Executive Board Member, Capital Area Council.
PTA Leadership: Volunteer roles at Fulmore Middle School and Bryker Woods Elementary.

Serves as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop.

Serves on the Executive Board of the Capital Area Council of Scouting America.

Volunteers with the parent-teacher association at Fulmore Middle School.

Volunteers with the parent-teacher association at Bryker Woods Elementary.

- Serves as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop.
- Serves on the Executive Board of the Capital Area Council of Scouting America.
- Volunteers with the parent-teacher association at Fulmore Middle School.
- Volunteers with the parent-teacher association at Bryker Woods Elementary.

Community Involvement

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Maya Guerra Gamble

- Serves as presiding judge of the 459th District Court and has held the position since January 2019.
- Worked as a child welfare attorney and trial lawyer specializing in Child Protective Services cases.

- Strives to run a courtroom that listens to all parties, treats them consistently and respectfully, and issues rulings promptly.

Meet Judge Maya Guerra Gamble. Maya Guerra Gamble is a lifelong Austinite and the first judge elected to preside over Travis County's 459th District Court.

Meet Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

Gamble said she recalls people making assumptions about her background. She responded, “I was like, yeah. Because I grew up in Montopolis. I think I will.”

><|DELIM_7S|>BACKGROUND TYPE: personal

Maya Guerra Gamble is a lifelong Austinite who grew up in Montopolis. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and a law degree from Yale University. She and her husband, Chris, have two children, and she volunteers as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop.

459th Civil District Court. The Honorable Maya Guerra Gamble. Judge Guerra Gamble has served as the presiding judge of the 459th District Court since January, 2019.

Maya Guerra Gamble is a lifelong Austinite and the first judge elected to preside over Travis County's 459th District Court. Before becoming a judge, Maya built her career as a trial lawyer, specializing in Child Protective Services cases and devoting her practice to protecting the most vulnerable in our community.

First judge elected to the 459th District Court. Chair, Travis County Security Committee. Child Welfare Attorney, Solo Practice. Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP. Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas. Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program. Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Child Welfare Attorney, Solo Practice. Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP. Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas. Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program. Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP. Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas. Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program. Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas. Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program. Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program. Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Has served as presiding judge of Travis County's 459th District Court since January 2019.

><|DELIM_7S|>Worked as a trial lawyer specializing in Child Protective Services cases.

><|DELIM_7S|>Worked on whistleblower cases, including a hospital-chain fraud case that resulted in a settlement exceeding $100 million.

><|DELIM_7S|>Worked as a child welfare attorney in a solo practice.

><|DELIM_7S|>Served as of counsel at O’Connell & Soifer LLP.

><|DELIM_7S|>Served as an assistant attorney general for Texas.

><|DELIM_7S|>Served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.

><|DELIM_7S|>Served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

- Has served as presiding judge of Travis County's 459th District Court since January 2019.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Worked as a trial lawyer specializing in Child Protective Services cases.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Worked on whistleblower cases, including a hospital-chain fraud case that resulted in a settlement exceeding $100 million.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Worked as a child welfare attorney in a solo practice.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Served as of counsel at O’Connell & Soifer LLP.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Served as an assistant attorney general for Texas.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

“For me, being a judge is about service to Travis County. I strive to preside over a courtroom that listens to all, treats parties consistently and respectfully, and returns rulings quickly.” — Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

><|DELIM_7S|>Strives to preside over a courtroom that listens to all parties and treats them consistently and respectfully.

- ><|DELIM_7S|>Strives to preside over a courtroom that listens to all parties and treats them consistently and respectfully.

Scouting America: Founder and Scoutmaster of Troop 99; former Cub Scout leader; Executive Board Member, Capital Area Council. PTA Leadership: Volunteer roles at Fulmore Middle School and Bryker Woods Elementary.

><|DELIM_7S|>Serves as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop.

><|DELIM_7S|>Serves on the Executive Board of the Capital Area Council of Scouting America.

Volunteers in leadership roles with the Parent-Teacher Association at Fulmore Middle School and Bryker Woods Elementary.

- ><|DELIM_7S|>Serves as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop.
- ><|DELIM_7S|>Serves on the Executive Board of the Capital Area Council of Scouting America.
- Volunteers in leadership roles with the Parent-Teacher Association at Fulmore Middle School and Bryker Woods Elementary.

About — Re-Elect Judge Maya Guerra Gamble | 459th District Court

She has served as Vice President of the Austin Bar Association, launched the inaugural Equity Summit with more than 350 participants, and created mentoring programs to support new lawyers. She also gives her time as a Scoutmaster for a local girls’ troop and serves on the Executive Board of the Capital Area Council of Scouting America.

Chair, Travis County Security Committee.
Child Welfare Attorney, Solo Practice.
Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP.
Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas.

Child Welfare Attorney, Solo Practice.
Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP.
Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas.
Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.

Of Counsel, O’Connell & Soifer LLP.
Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas.
Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.
Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas.
Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.
Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program.
Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.

Before becoming a judge, Maya built her career as a trial lawyer, specializing in Child Protective Services cases and devoting her practice to protecting the most vulnerable in our community.

She also worked on whistleblower cases, including one that secured a settlement of more than $100 million against a major hospital chain for fraud.

Worked on whistleblower litigation, including a hospital-fraud case that resulted in a settlement exceeding $100 million.

- :null
- Worked on whistleblower litigation, including a hospital-fraud case that resulted in a settlement exceeding $100 million.
- :null

For me, being a judge is about service to Travis County. I strive to preside over a courtroom that listens to all, treats parties consistently and respectfully, and returns rulings quickly.” 

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble

Strives to preside over a courtroom where all parties are heard, treated consistently and respectfully, and given timely rulings.

- Strives to preside over a courtroom where all parties are heard, treated consistently and respectfully, and given timely rulings.

Judicial Service & Values

As a Latina and the child of an immigrant, Maya understands that bias and discrimination still pose real barriers to equal treatment in the legal system. Her lived experience shapes her dedication to ensuring equal justice for all.

Meet Judge Maya
Fairness & Respect

Every party is treated with dignity in Judge Maya’s courtroom.

Austin Bar Association: Vice President, Board of Directors; Chair of Mentoring Committee.
Equity Summit Founder: Helped launch and grow this annual event, advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Child Welfare Advocacy: Served on state and county committees to improve outcomes for children in foster care and Child Protective Services.
Scouting America: Founder and Scoutmaster of Troop 99; former Cub Scout leader; Executive Board Member, Capital Area Council.

Maya’s commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. She has served as Vice President of the Austin Bar Association, launched the inaugural Equity Summit with more than 350 participants, and created mentoring programs to support new lawyers.

Scouting America: Founder and Scoutmaster of Troop 99; former Cub Scout leader; Executive Board Member, Capital Area Council.
PTA Leadership: Volunteer roles at Fulmore Middle School and Bryker Woods Elementary.
First judge elected to the 459th District Court.

Maya Guerra Gamble is from Austin, Texas. She has a bachelor 27s degree and a law degree from Yale University. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for more than 20 years and are proud parents of two children.

Maya is a judge for the 459th District Court in Texas. Before taking the bench, she practiced law for over 20 years. 

NJC Names Judge Maya Guerra Gamble a “Courageous Judge”

Maya is currently a judge of the 459th District Court. She was first elected in 2018.

Said, "Before becoming a judge, Maya built her career as a trial lawyer, specializing in Child Protective Services cases and devoting her practice to protecting the most vulnerable in our community. She also worked on whistleblower cases, including one that secured a settlement of more than $100 million against a major hospital chain for fraud."

As Of Counsel at O’Connell & Soifer LLP, provides legal expertise and support within the firm.

Said, "Assistant Attorney General, State of Texas."

As a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program, gained experience in legal proceedings and trial advocacy.

Said, "Law Clerk, U. S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit."

Founder of the Equity Summit, which advances diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

Volunteers at Fulmore Middle School and Bryker Woods Elementary.

Buket Urgen

Sahid Burgos

- 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. 