This sample ballot may not include all local party roles or measures on the official ballot. The listed candidates serve only within their party, and the propositions do not change the law.

2026 Texas General Election

2026 Texas Primary Election

Democrat

Republican

2026 Texas Primary Runoff

Melissa Vara

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Rafael Perez

Walter Ley

Melissa is from San Antonio, Texas. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School. She has a Bachelor of Arts in government from the University of Texas at Austin. She has a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Forget it, Republicans. Bexar is a Democratic county.

Melissa Vara - Ballotpedia

As a graduate of St. Mary's University School of Law, opened the Law Office of Melissa M. Vara, specializing in criminal defense, family law, and probate.

Legal Experience

Believes a “tough but fair” approach best serves the administration of justice for the community.

Judicial Philosophy

Dedicated to implementing a fair and impartial court system in Bexar County, committed to objectivity and efficient management of both criminal and civil dockets.

Judicial Administration

As of January 22, 2026, Melissa Vara’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

- A County Court-At-Law judge handles misdemeanors, such as assault of a family member, property theft between $750 and $2,500, and using force against a law enforcement officer. They also handle civil cases where the amount in question does not exceed $200,000. 
- County Court-At-Law judges conduct arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and jury trials, as well as accept guilty pleas. 
- They are elected in a partisan, county-wide election to a four-year term. 
- Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 25 years old, have been a Texas and county resident for at least 24 consecutive months, a practicing lawyer and/or judge in Texas for at least four years, and registered to vote in that county.
- The annual salary for County Court-At-Law Judges ranges from $174,000 to $244,500, depending on years of service and how much they receive as a county supplement.

Handles civil and criminal cases from District Courts.