Keep JudgeVanessa Velasquez486th Criminal District Court
Trusted by voters. Go all the way down the ballot.
Endorsed byGovernor Greg Abbott
"Judge Vanessa Velasquez has repeatedly proven she has the experience, integrity, and judicial temperament to serve Texans with distinction. A two-time judicial appointee repeatedly trusted by voters, Judge Velasquez is the clear choice to lead the 486th Judicial District Court, and I urge voters to join me in supporting her."
Governor Greg Abbott
Biography
Two-Time Gubernatorial Appointee
Judge Vanessa Velasquez has spent more than three decades in Harris County courtrooms, first as a prosecutor and then on the bench.
In July 2026, Governor Greg Abbott appointed her to serve as Judge of the 486th Criminal District Court. That term ends December 31, 2026, and she is asking to be on the ballot this November.
She first became a judge in 2005, when Governor Rick Perry appointed her to the 183rd Criminal District Court. She served on that court through 2018.
From 2019 to 2026, she served as a senior district court judge for the Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region.
Before she took the bench, Judge Velasquez spent more than a decade prosecuting criminal cases for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
She rose to Chief Prosecutor in three criminal district courts and in Probable Cause Court, and she worked cases in the Special Crimes and Major Offenders divisions.
She has been lead attorney in more than 100 jury trials, including nine death penalty cases, and she has prosecuted gang members, drug dealers, and other major offenders.
She has also worked as a defense attorney, which means she has argued from both sides of the courtroom.
Judge Velasquez lives in Houston. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Houston and her law degree from South Texas College of Law.
Record and Qualifications
Experience
Education
- South Texas College of Law, December 1989.
- University of Houston, B.A. Degree, 1986.
Affiliations
- Texas District and County Attorney's Association.
- Houston Bar Association.
- Texas State Bar.
Professional Experience
On the Bench
- Judge, 486th Criminal District Court, appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (July 2026).
- Senior District Court Judge, Eleventh Administrative Judicial Region (2019 to 2026).
- Judge, 183rd Criminal District Court (2005 to 2018), appointed by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
As a Prosecutor
- Chief Prosecutor, Special Crimes/Major Offenders Division (March 2003 to October 2005).
- Prosecutor, Major Offenders Gangs and Narcotics Division (February 2002 to March 2003).
- Chief Prosecutor, 228th Criminal District Court (January 2000 to January 2002).
- Chief Prosecutor, 174th Criminal District Court (May 1997 to December 1999).
- Chief Prosecutor, 184th Criminal District Court (July 1996 to April 1997).
- Chief Prosecutor, Probable Cause Court (December 1995 to June 1996).
- Deputy Chief, Misdemeanor Division (1994).
In the Courtroom
- Lead attorney in more than 100 jury trials, including nine death penalty cases.
- Prosecuted gang members, drug dealers, and other major offenders.
- Practiced as a defense attorney.
Election Information
Vote to Keep Judge Velasquez
Election Day: November 3, 2026
Early Voting: October 19 to 30, 2026
Harris County voters can confirm their polling location and registration status at HarrisVotes.com.
Support the Campaign
Contribute
Campaign contributions can be sent to:
The Judge Vanessa Velasquez Campaign6614 Rodrigo StreetHouston, Texas 77007Get in Touch
Contact the Campaign
Questions about the campaign, endorsements, or how to help can be sent using the form below.
This is a campaign address. Please do not use this form to contact the court, ask about a pending case, or request legal advice.
