2026 Texas General Election

Richard T. Bell

LinkedIn

Buket Urgen

Richard "Rick" Bell is from Richmond, Texas. He has a bachelor 27s degree in business from Southwestern University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church. 

Governor Abbott Appoints Bell As Judge Of The 501st Judicial ...

Richard is a judge. He was appointed to the 501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County in December 2025. He previously served as an associate judge for the 387th District Court in Fort Bend County. Before taking the bench, he practiced family law for nearly 20 years. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center. 

501st District Court - Fort Bend County

Richard is currently a judge of the 501st Judicial District Court. He was appointed in 2025 and is currently serving his first term. He previously served as an associate judge for the 387th District Court.

As a practicing attorney for nearly twenty years, Judge Bell specialized in family law, handling complex property cases and child custody disputes throughout Texas.

Legal Experience

As of July 22, 2026, Richard T. Bell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Latosha McGill Clayton

- 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. 