Linda Marie Dunson
Linda Marie Dunson (Democratic Party) is a judge of the Texas 309th District Court. She assumed office on January 1, 2019. Her current term ends on December 31, 2026.
Dunson (Democratic Party) is running for re-election for judge of the Texas 309th District Court. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.
Elections
2026
See also: Municipal elections in Harris 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 Texas 309th District Court
Incumbent Linda Marie Dunson (D) and Melissa Fertel (R) are running in the general election for Texas 309th District Court on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Linda Marie Dunson (D) | |
| Melissa Fertel (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 Texas 309th District Court
Incumbent Linda Marie Dunson (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 309th District Court on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Linda Marie Dunson | 100.0 | 293,264 |
| Total votes: 293,264 | |||
| = 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 Texas 309th District Court
Melissa Fertel (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 309th District Court on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Melissa Fertel | 100.0 | 147,370 | |
| Total votes: 147,370 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
Dunson received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
2022
See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2022)
General election
General election for Texas 309th District Court
Incumbent Linda Marie Dunson defeated Jesus Guillen in the general election for Texas 309th District Court on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Linda Marie Dunson (D) | 51.8 | 546,350 |
| Jesus Guillen (R) | 48.2 | 508,851 | ||
| Total votes: 1,055,201 | |||
| = 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 Texas 309th District Court
Incumbent Linda Marie Dunson advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 309th District Court on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Linda Marie Dunson | 100.0 | 137,567 |
| Total votes: 137,567 | |||
| = 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 Texas 309th District Court
Jesus Guillen advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 309th District Court on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Jesus Guillen | 100.0 | 134,332 | |
| Total votes: 134,332 | |||
| = 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 Texas 309th District Court
Linda Marie Dunson defeated incumbent Sheri Y. Dean in the general election for Texas 309th District Court on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Linda Marie Dunson (D) | 55.2 | 652,166 |
| Sheri Y. Dean (R) | 44.8 | 528,887 | ||
| Total votes: 1,181,053 | |||
| = 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 Texas 309th District Court
Linda Marie Dunson defeated Kathy Vossler in the Democratic primary for Texas 309th District Court on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Linda Marie Dunson | 57.9 | 80,156 |
| Kathy Vossler | 42.1 | 58,215 | ||
| Total votes: 138,371 | |||
| = 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 Texas 309th District Court
Incumbent Sheri Y. Dean advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 309th District Court on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Sheri Y. Dean | 100.0 | 112,880 | |
| Total votes: 112,880 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Linda Marie Dunson has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Linda Marie Dunson asking her to fill out the survey. If you are Linda Marie Dunson, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?
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You can ask Linda Marie Dunson to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing dunsonforjudge@gmail.com.
2022
Linda Marie Dunson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Linda Marie Dunson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dunson's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Improving efficiency Restoring integrity Restoring fairness, justice and equality
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Children trafficking and education
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
My grandfather, Jessie L. James. He lived by example. Although he had strong religious convictions based on Christianity, he recognized that people were diverse in their religious beliefs, cultures and in their thoughts in general, yet he understood that everyone needed to be treated with dignity and respect.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
First they came... by Martin Niemoller
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
The ability to see all people as being equal The ability to read, comprehend and apply the law The ability to manage people The ability to be impartial Knowledge of the subject matter Have a judicial demeanor that respects everyone
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I'm qualified, concerned, compassionate and committed to families. I have degree in Psychology and Sociology, which aides me in understanding different cultural norms and family dynamics among diverse groups. As well, I am a good listener. I am able to read, comprehend, analyze, interpret and apply the law in a just, fair and impartial manner. I have practiced family law for most of my legal career.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To give every litigant an opportunity to be heard, while maintaining the decorum of the Court. making sure everyone is being treated with dignity and respect and ultimatly rendering a just, fair and impartial decision free from prejudice or discrimination.
What legacy would you like to leave?
That I served my purpose, that I was fair and made sure that everyone who crossed my path knew that they have value.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The death of MLK, Jr. I had never experience anyone dying. It was very apparent the impact his death had on the members of the community in which I lived. EVERYONE was sad and somber. I did not understand why, now I understand.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I worked at Sonic the drive-in as a car-hop one summer.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I don't remember an awkward date.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas, it's about love and giving, which is what everyday should be about.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Success Runs in Our Race. It is filled with history, encouragement and instructions.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
A genie.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My bed. When I'm in it it reminds me that I need to relax and rest. It is calming.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I believe what you say of me.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Weight control
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
Decisions that effect people should be based on the law and the facts. However, the truth of the facts often lies on the perception within a culture.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Calvin Botley, U.S. Magistrate Judge (retired),
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
Yes
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this judicial position that you believe more people should be aware of?
Family court judges are afforded a great deal of discretion.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
No
Do you believe that the Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge's ability?
Sometimes
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
This Court effects families, which are the very backbone of America. Strong families equal a strong America. It's time to stop breaking families unjustly.
If you are not a sitting judge, do you have previous judicial experience? Do you believe it's important to have that kind of experience for this judgeship?
No, I do not believe previous judicial experience is necessary. I do believe that it is important to be familiar with the subject matter(s) of the court and the ability to hear, empathize, and enter fair, impartial and just decisons, without prejudices, based on the law and facts.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
I believe it could be beneficial, but not necessary to become an effective judge.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
People are not being heard and decisions are being made based on biases.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
This a political climate that could bring a much needed diversity to the courts throughout Texas.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
Not at this time
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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
