Angela Lancelin, the Democratic incumbent judge on Harris County's 245th District Court, is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Republican Paula Vlahakos is also on the ballot.

Asked in our questionnaire why she is running, Lancelin said: "My work in public service exceeds 30 years and deeply rooted in family law. I am seeking re-election to the 245th District Court to maintain confidence in the Court system by applying the law fairly, listening carefully, and remembering that behind every case are real people with real lives."

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Education: Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University | Houston, Texas | Juris Doctor, 1991 … University of San Diego | San Diego, California | Bachelor of Arts, 1988

Family: Lancelin said in our questionnaire: "I am native of Los Angeles California, raised by a single parent and village of loved ones. I am the oldest of three daughters, all of whom have graduate degrees. I am a proud single parent of a college sophomore."

Endorsements: AFL-CIO, Greater Heights Democratic Club and Harris County Democratic Party, according to BallotReady.

Experience and public service

Lancelin has served as judge of the 245th District Court since 2023, according to BallotReady. Asked about her work history, Lancelin said in our questionnaire: "I began my legal career in 1992 with the Lone Star/Gulf Coast Legal Foundation, providing legal aid in family law, landlord-tenant, Social Security, and probate matters. From 1995 to 2022, I served the Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Division as a designated Special Litigator, handling complex litigation involving child support enforcement, bankruptcy, probate, CPS, tax liens, and foreclosure throughout Harris and contiguous counties."

On the issues

What sets her apart from other candidates: Lancelin said in our questionnaire: "As the sitting Judge of a family court, it has been my responsibility to manage diverse and often complex cases. I have 30 years of case management review, procedure and docketing experience that set me apart. … The rise in the number of self-represented litigants requires a constant review of how to provide meaningful assistance. The impact of AI requires diligent review of cases and statutes to ensure an outcome is based the laws according to the State of Texas."

Accomplishments: Lancelin said in our questionnaire: "Since taking the bench, I have focused on expanding access to justice for the many families who appear in the 245th without an attorney. I continuously review and modify our court procedures whenever they create a hindrance to court access/resolution. Further I look forward to adding program referrals to legal aid, legal clinics and law schools to broaden the litigants access to legal assistance."

Access to justice for self-represented litigants: Lancelin said in her Houston Voters Guide response: "The Court has to address the needs of parties that do not have access to legal services or low-cost representation. Establishing community engagement with law school clinics will assist in providing legal services at little or no cost."

Best advice: Lancelin said in our questionnaire: "Throughout my time with the Office of the Attorney General there was a daily reminder that behind every case are people with real lives, maybe some similar or different than my family. Nonetheless each and every case deserves the grace and humility to resolve disputes by applying the law objectively."