Republicans win in southern Denton County elections | Flower Mound

Harris Hughey has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas Wesleyan University and a law degree from the University of Tulsa. He lives in Northlake, Texas, with his wife, Cheryl, and has two sons.

Harris currently works as the Denton County Precinct 4 justice of the peace. He previously worked as an attorney in private practice and as a municipal prosecutor for the City of Northlake.

Candidate Essay: Harris Hughey stresses importance of experience ...

Harris currently serves as the Denton County Precinct 4 justice of the peace. He was first elected to the position in 2018 and is serving her second term.

2026 Texas General Election

When asked whether the Justice of the Peace position should require an attorney, Hughey replied: “Here’s what I believe. Twenty-six other states have already changed their law. It was brought over from England initially and all states were not required to be licensed attorneys; now you’re starting to see states change that. After practicing law for 20 years, I can tell you that the statute books and code books are huge and they are hard to understand. If you don’t have a legal background, it’s hard for the layman to understand it.” The April 20, 2014 interview identified him as a candidate for Denton County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4.

Hughey offers legal expertise to the JP court - Cross Timbers Gazette

Practiced law for 20 years, citing the complexity of statutes and code books.

He previously practiced law as a criminal defense attorney and served as a municipal prosecutor for the City of Northlake, where he prosecuted Class C misdemeanor cases.

- Practiced law for 20 years, citing the complexity of statutes and code books.
- He previously practiced law as a criminal defense attorney and served as a municipal prosecutor for the City of Northlake, where he prosecuted Class C misdemeanor cases.

Legal Experience

During an April 20, 2014 interview about the Justice of the Peace role, Hughey said: “I want people to have their day in court. I want them to be able to come in and be treated with courtesy and respect. When you walk into a courtroom you’re in a place you’ve probably never been in before. It’s a hybrid of many different courts that I’ve been in and I’ve watched judges, and their behavior, and I’ve watched how they deal with people. You learn what makes people feel comfortable to have their day in court, and what makes them feel intimidated. It’s important to have the ability to communicate with people when they’re going through a difficult period. I get respect because I give respect! You don’t get respect simply because you put the robe on; it’s the way you treat people that will get you similar treatment in return.”

Wants court users to have their day in court and be treated with courtesy and respect.

- Wants court users to have their day in court and be treated with courtesy and respect.

Judicial Administration

In a candidate essay, Hughey wrote: “As a candidate for Justice of the Peace, I want to emphasize the importance of experience in this role. The Justice of the Peace court is often the first point of contact for individuals navigating the legal system, and it is crucial that the person in this position has a deep understanding of the law and the ability to apply it fairly and impartially.”

Candidate essay: Harris Hughey stresses importance of experience in JP court

Hughey wrote: “My background in law and my years of service in various legal capacities have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve as a Justice of the Peace. I have spent countless hours in the courtroom, gaining firsthand experience in handling cases and understanding the nuances of the law. This experience has taught me the importance of listening to all parties involved and making informed decisions based on the evidence presented.”

In his candidate essay, Hughey wrote: “In addition to my legal experience, I believe that empathy and compassion are essential qualities for a Justice of the Peace. Many individuals who come before the court are facing difficult situations, and it is important to approach each case with understanding and respect. I am committed to treating everyone with dignity and ensuring that their voices are heard.”

Believes Justice of the Peace courts should apply the law fairly and impartially.

Said judicial decisions should follow the evidence presented after listening to all parties involved.

Committed to treating people appearing before the court with dignity, respect, and an opportunity to be heard.

- Believes Justice of the Peace courts should apply the law fairly and impartially.
- Said judicial decisions should follow the evidence presented after listening to all parties involved.
- Committed to treating people appearing before the court with dignity, respect, and an opportunity to be heard.

Judicial Philosophy

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

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Facebook

Harris Hughey

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

Harris is the Justice of the Peace for Denton County Justice Court Precinct 4. He works at the Denton County Justice Court Precinct 4. He previously worked at his private law practice, where he spent over 15 years representing clients in criminal defense cases, handling personal injury claims, and advising horse breeders, racers, and trainers on equine law.

Judiciary - Denton County Bar Association

Harris R. Hughey - Bedford, TX - DFWCarAccidentLawyers.com

Harris Hughey is currently the Denton County Justice of the Peace representing Precinct 4. He was elected in 2018 and has served one term.

2026 Candidate Filings - Denton County GOP

Has over 15 years of trial lawyer experience.

For Candidate Harris Hughey on Issue community-involvement:  
Emphasizes the importance of community involvement, accessibility, and engagement in addressing the needs of the people served, with a commitment to continue community service and outreach if elected.

Harris attended both Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University. He received his law degree from the University of Tulsa and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1996.

Harris is a trial lawyer. He works at a law firm in Bedford, Texas, where he has practiced personal injury and trial law for more than 15 years. He previously handled equine law cases representing horse breeders, racers and trainers.

Harris Hughey's campaign for Denton Justice of the Peace, Justice Precinct 4 is his first entry into politics.

Said, "I recognize the importance of community involvement in this role. A Justice of the Peace should be accessible to the community and actively engaged in addressing the needs and concerns of the people they serve."

Harris Hughey attended Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University. He received his law degree from the University of Tulsa. 

Harris is a trial lawyer with over 15 years of experience. He has worked in various legal capacities, including personal injury law. 

Harris is currently a Justice of the Peace for Denton County's Precinct 4.

Harris is an attorney with over 15 years of trial experience. He specializes in personal injury cases and equine law, representing horse breeders, racers, and trainers. He is fluent in both English and Spanish. 

Harris is currently a Justice of the Peace for Denton County, Precinct 4.

For Candidate Harris Hughey on Issue community-involvement:  
Emphasizes the importance of community involvement and accessibility as a Justice of the Peace, with a commitment to ongoing community service and outreach.

Buket Urgen

Pavel Tantchev

Will Robertson

- 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.