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

Brandon Birmingham

Rafael Perez

Walter Ley

Brandon is a judge. He also serves as a continuing legal education lecturer, a visiting professor at Southern Methodist University Law School, a podcast creator and host, and a legal commentator. 

Candidate Spotlight: Brandon Birmingham – Democratic Party of ...

2020 Judicial Comparison Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9

Brandon is currently the presiding judge of the 292nd District Court in Texas. He was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. He ran for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 in 2020 but did not win.

Brandon Birmingham - Ballotpedia

Hon. Brandon Birmingham - SMU Dedman School of Law

As a state district court judge, Birmingham oversees civil and felony criminal trials, rules on pretrial motions and procedures, and exercises authority to grant pardons, parole, and probation.

Legal Experience

As a judge, leads Family Domestic Violence Court, which aims to protect intimate partner domestic violence victims by working to eliminate abusive behavior patterns of offenders.

Judicial Administration

Said, "I firmly believe that judges should not to legislate from the bench where the law is black and white. But where discretion lies - in those gray areas of our law where justice lives or dies - I’ve got a record of practicing and interpreting the law so that no question ever lingers about the veracity of a person’s conviction or the fairness of their punishment."

Judicial Philosophy

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

Ethics & Conduct

Promises to make "justice the top priority for all Texans."

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. 