Juli Mathew
Juli Mathew (Democratic Party) is a judge for Number 3 of the Fort Bend County Court at Law in Texas. She assumed office on January 1, 2019. Her current term ends on December 31, 2026.
Mathew (Democratic Party) ran for re-election for the Number 3 judge of the Fort Bend County Court at Law in Texas. She lost in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.
Elections
2026
See also: Municipal elections in Fort Bend County, Texas (2026)
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
General election for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Paula Miller (D) and Jessica Jaramillo (R) are running in the general election for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Paula Miller (D) | |
| Jessica Jaramillo (R) | ||
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Democratic primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Paula Miller (D) defeated incumbent Juli Mathew (D) in the Democratic primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paula Miller | 55.9 | 36,892 |
 | Juli Mathew | 44.1 | 29,118 | |
| Total votes: 66,010 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Republican primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Jessica Jaramillo (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Jessica Jaramillo | 100.0 | 39,842 | |
| Total votes: 39,842 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Mathew received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
2022
See also: Municipal elections in Fort Bend County, Texas (2022)
General election
General election for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Incumbent Juli Mathew defeated Andrew Dornburg in the general election for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Juli Mathew (D) | 50.8 | 123,116 |
 | Andrew Dornburg (R) | 49.2 | 119,297 | |
| Total votes: 242,413 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Incumbent Juli Mathew advanced from the Democratic primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Juli Mathew | 100.0 | 32,331 |
| Total votes: 32,331 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Andrew Dornburg advanced from the Republican primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Andrew Dornburg | 100.0 | 32,453 |
| Total votes: 32,453 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2018
General election
General election for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Juli Mathew defeated Tricia Krenek in the general election for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Juli Mathew (D) | 54.1 | 135,237 |
 | Tricia Krenek (R) | 45.9 | 114,665 | |
| Total votes: 249,902 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary runoff election
Republican primary runoff for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Tricia Krenek defeated Harold Kennedy in the Republican primary runoff for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tricia Krenek | 52.6 | 4,394 |
| Harold Kennedy | 47.4 | 3,966 | ||
| Total votes: 8,360 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Juli Mathew advanced from the Democratic primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Juli Mathew | 100.0 | 25,802 |
| Total votes: 25,802 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
Harold Kennedy and Tricia Krenek advanced to a runoff. They defeated Jennifer Chiang in the Republican primary for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Harold Kennedy | 42.4 | 12,874 | |
| ✔ | | Tricia Krenek | 37.3 | 11,338 |
| Jennifer Chiang | 20.3 | 6,172 | ||
| Total votes: 30,384 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Selection method
- See also: Partisan election of judges
Judges of the county courts are elected in partisan elections by the county they serve and serve four-year terms, with vacancies filled by a vote of the county commissioners.[1]
Qualifications
To serve on a county court, a judge must:[1]
- be at least 25 years old;
- be a resident of his or her respective county for at least two years; and
- have practiced law or served as a judge for at least four years preceding the election.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Juli Mathew did not complete Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Mathew's campaign website stated the following:
Upholding the Law & Serving Fort Bend County
County Court at Law No. 3 is a vital institution that impacts the daily lives of Fort Bend residents in diverse and profound ways. Under the leadership of Judge Juli Mathew, this court goes beyond simply processing cases; it acts as a guardian of public safety, a protector of the vulnerable, and a pillar of community stability. From ensuring fair trials to pioneering mental health rehabilitation, here is how Judge Mathew utilizes her position to deliver justice with integrity and compassion.
Presiding Over Justice & Public Safety
As the Judge of County Court at Law No. 3, Judge Mathew is responsible for ensuring fair trials and upholding the law. Her court plays a pivotal role in maintaining public order and resolving disputes in Fort Bend County. Her primary judicial duties include:
- Adjudicating Criminal Cases: Presiding over Class A and Class B misdemeanors, such as DWIs, thefts, and assaults, ensuring due process while protecting community safety.
- Resolving Civil Disputes: Hearing lawsuits and civil cases involving monetary damages (up to $250,000), including personal injury, contract disputes, and eminent domain cases.
- Handling Appeals: Serving as an appellate judge for cases appealed from the lower Justice of the Peace and municipal courts.
Championing Mental Health & Juvenile Rehabilitation
Judge Mathew is a leader in reforming how the justice system treats vulnerable populations. She moves beyond simple punishment to focus on the root causes of behavior.
- Leading the JIMH Court: She founded and presides over the Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court, a specialty program designed to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate youth with mental health struggles.
- Reducing Recidivism: Working with probation officers and mental health professionals to create treatment plans that prevent young offenders from returning to the system.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: Overseeing civil mental health commitments to ensure individuals in crisis receive the necessary care and protection under the law.
Safeguarding Families & Estates
Beyond criminal law, Judge Mathew’s court handles sensitive matters that impact the personal lives and legacies of Fort Bend residents.
- Overseeing Probate Matters: Validating wills and overseeing the administration of estates to ensure a deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.
- Managing Guardianships: Appointing and supervising guardians for incapacitated adults and minors who cannot care for themselves, ensuring they are not exploited.
- Ensuring Fairness in Property: Presiding over eminent domain cases where the government seeks to acquire private property for public use, ensuring landowners receive just compensation.
Promoting Transparency & Education
Judge Mathew believes the courthouse belongs to the people. She actively works to demystify the legal process and make the judicial system accessible to all residents.
- Engaging the Community: Hosting the "Chai & Chat" series, which invites residents to meet officials and ask questions in an informal setting.
- Mentoring the Next Generation: Through her "Kitchen to the Courthouse" initiative and internship programs, she opens doors for high school and college students to explore legal careers.
- Educating the Public: Regularly speaking at schools, churches, and civic organizations to explain how the court system works and how it serves the community.
Administrative Leadership
In addition to hearing cases, Judge Mathew plays a key role in the efficient operation of the county’s legal system.
- Managing Court Dockets: Ensuring cases move through the system efficiently to prevent backlogs and ensure timely justice for victims and defendants.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Overseeing the collection of judgments and ensuring court resources are utilized effectively to serve the taxpayers.
- Leading Judicial Colleagues: Having been elected by her peers as the Administrative Judge of the County Courts, she served in this role during the COVID pandemic, helping to guide the judiciary through an unprecedented public health crisis. She coordinated operations across multiple courts, implemented emergency procedures, and worked collaboratively with judges, court staff, and county leadership to ensure continuity of access to justice while improving county wide judicial efficiency.
— Juli Mathew's campaign website (February 6, 2026)
2022
Juli Mathew did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Personal |
Footnotes
Federal courts:
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas
State courts:
Texas Supreme Court • Texas Court of Appeals • Texas Court of Criminal Appeals • Texas District Courts • Texas County Courts • Texas County Courts at Law • Texas Statutory Probate Courts • Texas Justice of the Peace Courts
State resources:
Courts in Texas • Texas judicial elections • Judicial selection in Texas
