2026 Texas General Election

Margaret O'Brien has a graduate certificate in dispute resolution and mediation from Southern Methodist University. She and her husband have two children together.

Margaret O'Brien has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Stefon F. Austin State University, a master's in health sciences from UTHealth Houston, and a graduate certificate in dispute resolution and mediation from Southern Methodist University. She has a husband and two children.

LinkedIn

Margaret has worked in real estate for over 21 years.

Margaret is currently a Dallas County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, Place 1. She was first elected to this position in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Christina Sowells - Ballotpedia

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a justice court judge, she oversees cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administers oaths to public officials, handles requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performs marriage ceremonies.

- As a justice court judge, she oversees cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administers oaths to public officials, handles requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performs marriage ceremonies.

Legal Experience

Provides resources for legal assistance, representation, and financial assurances for renters.

- Provides resources for legal assistance, representation, and financial assurances for renters.
- Supports issuing mental health warrants.

Judicial Administration

Claims to be a judge who "upholds the law and fairness by ensuring everyone is given their chance in the courtroom."

- Claims to be a judge who "upholds the law and fairness by ensuring everyone is given their chance in the courtroom."

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Margaret O'Brien’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Active community volunteer and supporter, involved with organizations such as the Garland NAACP, Dallas Habitat for Humanity, Rowlett Crisis Assistance Program, and Cali Saigon Mall.

Involved with organizations such as the Garland NAACP, Dallas Habitat for Humanity, Rowlett Crisis Assistance Program, and Cali Saigon Mall.

- Involved with organizations such as the Garland NAACP, Dallas Habitat for Humanity, Rowlett Crisis Assistance Program, and Cali Saigon Mall.

Community Involvement

Facebook

Margaret O'Brien

Buket Urgen

Vickie Whiteside

Vickie works in law enforcement, where she has been for 17 years. She previously worked as a Constable Clerk for four years, at GISD Nutrition for five years, and at GISD Transportation for four years.

Vickie Whiteside's campaign for Dallas Justice of the Peace, Justice Precinct 2, Post 1 is her first entry into politics.

Campaign Finance Reports - Dallas County

As of July 22, 2026, Vickie Whiteside’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Served 5 years with GISD Nutrition and 4 years with GISD Transportation.

- Justices of the Peace oversee Justice Courts, trial courts for civil cases up to $20,000, and misdemeanor cases punishable only by fine. They also perform marriages, issue warrants, conduct preliminary hearings, and serve as notaries.
- Texas has 835 Justice Courts, each presided over by a single judge. Every county has between one and eight precincts based on the county's population, each with its own Justice Court.
- Justices of the Peace are elected through partisan, precinct-wide election 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 district resident for at least six consecutive months, and registered to vote in that precinct.
- The annual salary for Justices of the Peace ranges from $19,207 to $151,805 and is by the county's Commissioners Court.


Presides over civil cases and fine-only misdemeanor cases.

Dallas Justice of the Peace, Justice Precinct 2, Post 1

Candidates (2)