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

Louie Ditta

Zachary Mangels

Walter Ley

Louie is from Pasadena, Texas. He attended St. Pius V Catholic School and Sam Rayburn High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law. He lives with his wife and their three daughters in the Clear Lake area. He attends St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church.

As Justice of the Peace for Harris County, Precinct 8, Place 2 since 1997, Ditta has extensive experience in the judicial system.

Legal Experience

For Candidate Louie Ditta on Issue judicial-administration:  
Has led continuous improvements in the Justice Court by streamlining operations, embracing technology, modernizing filing systems, and reducing court staff from 17 to 6 positions since 1997, demonstrating a commitment to efficiency.

For Candidate Louie Ditta on Issue judicial-administration:  
Supports reforms that have led to significant taxpayer savings while enhancing accessibility and responsiveness in the court system.

Judicial Administration

Believes in guiding young people toward better choices and stronger futures through educational, prevention, and mentorship programs.

Judicial Philosophy

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

Ethics & Conduct

Volunteers as a professional auctioneer to help non-profit organizations raise funds in Harris and Galveston Counties.

Served on the boards of several charitable and civic organizations, focusing on youth development, public safety, and community support.

Community Involvement

- 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.