The 2018 Republican Primary election has several opposed judicial races due to retirements and new courts.  To assist our readers, we interview candidates and endorse those we feel have the strong moral compass our readers want.  While we do endorse some unopposed candidates, such as Judge Ken Cannata whom we introduced to you last issue, for this issue we concentrate on those judicial races with opponents.

268th Judicial District Court

John “Hawk” Hawkins – A judge with strong Christian values

In the race for the 268th Judicial District Court, this magazine endorses John “Hawk” Hawkins.  With over 30 years of legal experience, Hawkins is currently serving as the Associate Judge for both the 268th and 434th District Courts.  He has presided over hundreds of Civil, Criminal and Family Law trials.  We believe judicial temperament is very important and Hawkins has the right kind.  He said, “It is important for a judge to be tethered by a strong set of core values and be committed to following the law.”

We believe his knowledge, experience and values make John “Hawk” Hawkins the right candidate for the 268th judicial district court.

County Court at Law #6

Lewis White – A constitutionalist for a new court

County Court at Law #6 is a newly created court. These kinds of courts in Fort Bend County handle a variety of cases such as criminal misdemeanor cases like driving while intoxicated, assault, family violence and theft under $4000. It includes juvenile, mental health, and civil cases valued from $500 – $200,000.

Because this court has jurisdiction over such serious issues, it is important that the presiding judge strictly follows the law.

Lewis White has served in the District Attorney’s office, his own private practice, and as a Special Prosecutor. He is a constitutionalist believing judges should follow, not make, the law. He credits his grandmother for teaching, “that faith and family come first and I am firmly committed to those values.”

We endorse Lewis White for County Court at Law #6 because we believe his experience, values and energy make him the best choice.

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3

Kelly Crow – A respectful, experienced and fair judge

Going to court is frightening. For many, justice of the peace court is the only court they will ever experience. In Fort Bend County, Precinct 3 is the busiest Justice of the Peace Court, yet it has a reputation of being friendly and efficient. Kelly Crow has been the prosecutor in that court and others as well. She also serves, or has served, as judge of several municipal courts. Crow believes a judge should be respectful to all who enter a court. Since one can represent oneself in JP Court, she believes the judge should be willing to explain the rules of the court and the law when issuing opinions. Because JP Courts have jurisdiction in cases valued up to $10,000, it is important that the judge has legal experience, especially in a court that handles so many complicated civil matters like this court does. Crow believes everyone in court deserves, “fairness and respect; a judge who is knowledgeable and has integrity. That is the judge I promise to be for everyone, every day.”

Crow’s experience as a judge, as a prosecutor and an attorney make her uniquely qualified to serve as judge of this court. We believe she is the judge you would want to appear before and that is why we endorse Kelly Crow for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3.