Judge Velasquez lives in Houston. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Houston and her law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Keep Judge Vanessa Velasquez | 486th Criminal District Court

Vanessa Velasquez lives in Houston. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Vanessa lives in Houston. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Before she took the bench, Judge Velasquez spent more than a decade prosecuting criminal cases for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

She rose to Chief Prosecutor in three criminal district courts and in Probable Cause Court, and she worked cases in the Special Crimes and Major Offenders divisions.

She has also worked as a defense attorney, which means she has argued from both sides of the courtroom.

Vanessa previously worked as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney's Office and as a defense attorney. She served as chief prosecutor in three criminal district courts and in Probable Cause Court.

In July 2026, Governor Greg Abbott appointed her to serve as Judge of the 486th Criminal District Court. That term ends December 31, 2026, and she is asking to be on the ballot this November.

She first became a judge in 2005, when Governor Rick Perry appointed her to the 183rd Criminal District Court. She served on that court through 2018.

Vanessa was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in July 2026 to serve as judge of the 486th Criminal District Court, with the term ending December 31, 2026. She was previously appointed to the 183rd Criminal District Court in 2005 and served on that court through 2018.

Vanessa Velasquez was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in July 2026 to serve as judge of the 486th Criminal District Court, with the term ending December 31, 2026. She was previously appointed to the 183rd Criminal District Court in 2005 and served on that court through 2018.

2026 Texas General Election

From 2019 to 2026, she served as a senior district court judge for the Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region.

She has been lead attorney in more than 100 jury trials, including nine death penalty cases, and she has prosecuted gang members, drug dealers, and other major offenders.

Serves as judge of the 486th Criminal District Court after Governor Greg Abbott appointed her in July 2026.

Served as judge of the 183rd Criminal District Court from 2005 through 2018.

Served as a senior district court judge for the Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region from 2019 to 2026.

Prosecuted criminal cases for more than a decade in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, including as chief prosecutor in three criminal district courts and Probable Cause Court.

Worked as a criminal defense attorney, arguing cases from the defense side of the courtroom.

- Serves as judge of the 486th Criminal District Court after Governor Greg Abbott appointed her in July 2026.
- Served as judge of the 183rd Criminal District Court from 2005 through 2018.
- Served as a senior district court judge for the Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region from 2019 to 2026.
- Prosecuted criminal cases for more than a decade in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, including as chief prosecutor in three criminal district courts and Probable Cause Court.
- Worked as a criminal defense attorney, arguing cases from the defense side of the courtroom.

Legal Experience

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS: We must always make sure our courts run efficiently and the rights of all who enter are protected. We must also make sure we are innovative and constantly looking for better ways to do things. That’s why I’m one of the judges in the highly-successful Success Through Addiction Recovery Drug Court.

10-21-10 Opinions.indd (jhvonline.com/candidates.pdf)

Since taking the bench, I have consistently been one of the highest-rated criminal judges in the local bar polls and I have worked to streamline the docket in my court.

Judicial Q&A: Judge Vanessa Velasquez - Big Jolly Politics

Since taking the bench, I have consistently been one of the highest-rated criminal judges in the local bar polls and I have worked to streamline the docket in my court. I have also worked in innovative projects like the highly-successful STAR (Success Through Addiction Recovery) Drug Court.

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS: We have too many repeat young offenders who seem to lack responsibility as well a sense of direction. I have addressed this by requiring nonviolent offenders who are on probation to pursue an education or vocational training, and I order employment. I closely monitor my probationers and encourage strong family and/or church support through community-based programs in an effort to build better self-esteem and basic values.

Prioritizes efficient court operations, protections for everyone entering court, and innovation in court administration.

As a criminal district judge, worked to streamline the docket in her court.

Participates in the Success Through Addiction Recovery Drug Court.

Requires nonviolent probationers to pursue education or vocational training and obtain employment.

- Prioritizes efficient court operations, protections for everyone entering court, and innovation in court administration.
- As a criminal district judge, worked to streamline the docket in her court.
- Participates in the Success Through Addiction Recovery Drug Court.
- Requires nonviolent probationers to pursue education or vocational training and obtain employment.

Judicial Administration

I’m respectfully asking for votes because public service has been my career for 20 years. I have worked in the criminal justice system because I believe it works. I want to continue to be a part of a system that protects the accused, the victims, the community and the Constitution.

5. Why is this race important?

Because, again, the people of this county deserve judges who will be fair. They deserved judges who are experienced and willing to step out and be leaders, like with the STAR Drug Court.

Said the criminal justice system should protect accused people, victims, communities, and the Constitution.

Said the county deserves fair and experienced judges willing to lead initiatives such as the Success Through Addiction Recovery Drug Court.

- Said the criminal justice system should protect accused people, victims, communities, and the Constitution.
- Said the county deserves fair and experienced judges willing to lead initiatives such as the Success Through Addiction Recovery Drug Court.

Judicial Philosophy

As of September 11, 2026, Vanessa Velasquez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Vanessa Velasquez

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Kathryn "Katie" Wilson

- 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. 