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

Justia Lawyers - Patricia Burns

Patricia Burns - Ballotpedia

Patricia Burns earned a bachelor of arts in general studies from Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College and a law degree from Texas A&M University. 

Patricia previously worked as the Associate Judge of Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2 and as an attorney at Decker Jones, P.C., where she practiced civil and probate law, and she also founded her own law firm focusing on business, tax, and probate litigation.

Patricia currently serves as the Judge for Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1 in Texas. She was appointed in 2025 and previously ran for Judge of Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1 in 2018, but did not win.

As an attorney at Decker Jones, P.C., Burns researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

As a probate court judge, she administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.

As a probate court associate judge, she oversaw cases involving estates, guardianships, and related probate matters.

As an attorney at Decker Jones, P.C., she practiced civil and probate litigation and transactional law, and she also founded her own firm focusing on business, tax, and probate litigation.

- As a probate court judge, she administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.
- As a probate court associate judge, she oversaw cases involving estates, guardianships, and related probate matters.
- As an attorney at Decker Jones, P.C., she practiced civil and probate litigation and transactional law, and she also founded her own firm focusing on business, tax, and probate litigation.

Legal Experience

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

Judicial Administration

States that she prioritizes deciding cases based on legal principles rather than personal or political influence.

- States that she prioritizes deciding cases based on legal principles rather than personal or political influence.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Volunteered as the chair of Clark Educational Services, Inc. , which aims to provide financial assistance to international music students studying on scholarships and to promote music in low income elementary schools.

- Volunteered as the chair of Clark Educational Services, Inc. , which aims to provide financial assistance to international music students studying on scholarships and to promote music in low income elementary schools.

Community Involvement

Facebook

Patricia Burns

Zachary Mangels

Walter Ley

- Texas county probate judges handle all cases in probate, including estate administration, wills, guardianships, and incapacitation cases.
- There are a total of 24 probate judges across 12 counties within the state.
- They are paid an annual salary between $158,000 and $193,400.

Tarrant Probate Court Judge, Republican Primary

Election results

Candidates (1)