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

Crystal Gayden is from Houston, Texas. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law). She has a son.

Crystal L. Gayden: The Relentless Advocate Redefining Justice ...

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Crystal Gayden has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a law degree from the Texas A&M School of Law. She is a mother.

Crystal is an attorney at her own law firm, where she focuses on family law. She previously worked as a single mother while attending law school.

Crystal is an attorney at her own law firm, where she has focused on family law for 12 years. 

Crystal is currently an attorney and advocate. She has not previously run for public office.

Crystal lost a 2022 race for district judge in Judicial District 324 in Texas. She also served as the Tarrant County Democratic Party chair from 2023 to 2025 before resigning.

As the founder of the Law Office of Crystal L. Gayden, she manages finances, budgeting, and forecasting; shapes and enforces firm culture; oversees human resources; and guides the firm’s growth and direction.

As the founder of the Law Office of Crystal L. Gayden, she manages finances, budgeting, and forecasting, shapes and enforces firm culture, oversees human resources, and guides the firm’s growth and direction.

- As the founder of the Law Office of Crystal L. Gayden, she manages finances, budgeting, and forecasting, shapes and enforces firm culture, oversees human resources, and guides the firm’s growth and direction.

Legal Experience

Why are women running together for Tarrant County judge seats ...

Seeks to provide resources to families to avoid a "one-size-fits all approach."

- Seeks to provide resources to families to avoid a "one-size-fits all approach."

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 22, 2026, Crystal Gayden did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Serves as president of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Tarrant County.

- Serves as president of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Tarrant County.

Community Involvement

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Crystal Gayden

Crystal lost a 2022 race for District Judge in Judicial District 324 in Texas. She also served as the Tarrant County Democratic Party Chair from 2023 to 2025 before resigning.

- As the founder of the Law Office of Crystal L. Gayden, she manages finances, budgeting, and forecasting; shapes and enforces firm culture; oversees human resources; and guides the firm’s growth and direction.

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

Zachary Mangels

Walter Ley

As president of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association, Gayden led the first Expunction and Non-Disclosure Clinic, which helps residents clear their criminal records.

- 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. 

Texas District Judge, District 324, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (1)