Samantha Y. Davis seeks District 313 juvenile court bench

Samantha Y. Davis, a Democrat, is running for Texas District Court Judge - District 313 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Republican Amy Strickling.

Asked why she is running, Davis said in our questionnaire: "I'm running because the 313th needs a judge who has already done this work and understands it from every angle, not someone learning it for the first time."

She added: "Since 2019, I have served as the Harris County Juvenile Referee and Associate Judge, presiding over detention hearings, trials, and DFPS [Department of Family and Protective Services] and adoption matters in the Harris County Juvenile District Courts, including the 313th."

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Education: Davis said in our questionnaire: "J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Undergraduate degree, University of Houston-Downtown."

Family: Davis said in our questionnaire: "I am a proud mother, daughter, sister and friend to many."

Family in politics or government: No, according to Davis.

Experience and public service

Davis described her work history in our questionnaire: "Harris County Juvenile Referee and Associate Judge, 2019 to present. Before that, I was a solo practitioner from 1999 to 2019, concentrating in juvenile law, family law, DFPS cases, adoptions, and personal injury, with additional experience in probate, civil, and criminal matters."

She added: "I represented juvenile clients charged with violations of Texas law, and parents and children involved with DFPS. I was certified as an Attorney Ad Litem [a court-appointed attorney who advocates for a person's legal interests] in Civil, Family, Juvenile, Probate, and Tax Courts, and I am a Certified Mediator."

Asked about previous offices, Davis said in our questionnaire: "Harris County Juvenile Referee and Associate Judge, Harris County Juvenile District Courts (appointed, 2019 to present). I have not previously held elected office."

Davis said on her campaign website that she serves on the Executive Board of the Greater Channel Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. She said she is a member of the Houston Lawyers Association and the Association of Women Attorneys.

On the issues

What sets her apart: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, Davis said in our questionnaire: "I am the candidate who is already doing this work. Since 2019, I have presided over the same detention hearings, trials, and DFPS matters that come before the 313th."

She continued: "I have also seen this court from every vantage point: as defense counsel for juveniles, as an advocate for parents and children in DFPS cases … and now as a sitting judge. Children and families have no choice but to be in this court, and delay or inconsistency has lasting consequences for them. I am ready to serve this docket well on day one."

Accomplishments: Davis said in our questionnaire: "For more than six years I have presided over detention hearings, trials, and DFPS, adoption, and immigration-related matters in the Harris County Juvenile District Courts, including the 313th."

She added: "I have built a record of applying the law fairly and consistently, treating every child and family with dignity, and balancing accountability with real opportunities for rehabilitation."

Best advice: Davis said in our questionnaire: "Positive representation when working with families and juveniles has a significant impact on society's future."

Court administration: Davis said on the Houston Voters Guide that she plans to prioritize efficient docket management, preparedness from all parties and clear communication in the courtroom.