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

Steve Burgess

Walter Ley

Steve Burgess - Ballotpedia

How one Denton County judge is fighting the fentanyl crisis | wfaa.com

Steve is a District Judge. He works at the 158th District Court of Denton County, Texas.

Steve Burgess is currently a judge of the Texas 158th District Court. He was first elected in 2014 and is serving his third term.

As an attorney, practiced law in Denton County for 14 years and worked as a fraud auditor for McDonnell Douglas while attending graduate school.

Legal Experience

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

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Decorates courtroom with posters of local individuals who died from drug-related issues.

Provides resources about rehabilitation centers and nonprofits for first-time offenders.

Community Involvement

- 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. 