Julia Maldonado, a Democrat, is running for judge of the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Republican Lance Long is also in the race.

Asked why she is seeking the office, Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I believe my experience, both as an attorney and a former District Court Judge, has prepared me to serve the people of Harris County with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law." She added, "Every person who enters the courtroom deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and every decision must be guided by the Constitution, Texas law, and the facts before the court."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Education: Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I am a first-generation college graduate. I earned my bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Houston-Downtown and my Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law … I am also Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization."

Family: Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I am the proud mother of two sons, blessed with two wonderful daughters-in-law, and a very proud grandmother."

Endorsements: AFL-CIO, Harris County Democratic Party, Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio, Texas AFT, El Paso Central Labor Union, Greater Heights Democratic Club, and Dallas AFL-CIO Council, according to BallotReady.

Experience and public service

Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "I was elected Judge of the 507th District Court in Harris County in 2016 and proudly served for eight years, through 2024. During my tenure, I presided over jury and non-jury trial and managed diverse and demanding court docket. Since January 2025, I have continued my public service as a visiting judge, accepting judicial assignments and presiding over matters including criminal dockets in Harris County and other Texas counties."

On her criminal defense background, she said, "I practiced criminal defense for over 18 years, handling approximately 2,000 criminal cases in Harris County, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony matters, including jury trials and appeals."

Maldonado also described her current practice: "I am also the owner of Julia Maldonado Law, PLLC, where my practice includes criminal law, family law, personal injury, mediation, and arbitration."

She served as a board member of the Harris County Juvenile Board from 2019 to 2024 and as administrative judge of the Harris County Family Trial Division from 2018 to 2020, according to her campaign website.

On the issues

What distinguishes you from other candidates? Maldonado said in our questionnaire, "What distinguishes me is the breadth and depth of experience I bring to this position. I have 28 years of legal experience, including over 18 years practicing criminal defense. In Harris County alone, I have handled approximately 2,000 criminal cases … My experience ranges from misdemeanors to serious felony cases and jury trials." She added, "My experience on both sides of the bench has given me a broad perspective on our justice system."

Court management and due process: Maldonado told the Houston Voters Guide, "The two most pressing issues facing the 183rd Criminal District Court are managing a high-volume docket and ensuring fairness and due process for all parties." She said she would address caseload concerns "through firm but fair docket management, early case evaluation, consistent scheduling, and encouraging timely resolution of cases without sacrificing defendants' constitutional rights."

Best advice: Asked about the best advice she ever received, Maldonado said in our questionnaire that it came from her mother: "She always said that we must work hard, remain diligent, and never be afraid to admit when one does not know something. When in doubt, she would say, do the work, research the issue, and make sure you understand it before making a decision."