Lorina Rummel
Lorina Rummel (Republican Party) was a judge of the Texas 144th District Court. She left office in 2018.
Rummel (Republican Party) ran for election for judge of the Texas 144th District Court. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Education
Rummel received an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from Baylor University Law School.[1]
Career
Prior to joining the court, Rummel was an assistant district attorney for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. She also served as the family violence supervising prosecutor for the 379th District Court.[1]
Awards and associations
- Member, State Bar of Texas
- Member, Texas District and County Attorneys Association
- Past member, San Antonio Bar Association
- Past member, San Antonio Women's Bar Association
- Board member, Young Men's Service League North San Antonio Chapter
- Board member, Inwood Hollow Homeowners Association
- Member, Blattman Elementary Parent Teacher association
- Member, Hobby Middle School Parent Teacher association
- Member, Clark High School Parent Teacher association
- Competition judge, Inwood Hollow Swim Team
- Former instructor, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Municipal elections in Bexar County, Texas (2022)
General election
General election for Texas 144th District Court
Incumbent Michael Edward Mery defeated Lorina Rummel in the general election for Texas 144th District Court on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Michael Edward Mery (D) | 56.2 | 291,984 |
 | Lorina Rummel (R) | 43.8 | 227,813 | |
| Total votes: 519,797 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas 144th District Court
Incumbent Michael Edward Mery advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 144th District Court on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Michael Edward Mery | 100.0 | 80,521 |
| Total votes: 80,521 | |||
| = 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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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas 144th District Court
Lorina Rummel advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 144th District Court on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lorina Rummel | 100.0 | 66,071 |
| Total votes: 66,071 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for Texas 144th District Court
Ray Olivarri defeated incumbent Lorina Rummel in the general election for Texas 144th District Court on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Ray Olivarri (D) | 56.4 | 301,812 | |
| Lorina Rummel (R) | 43.6 | 233,242 | |
| Total votes: 535,054 | |||
| = 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 144th District Court
Ray Olivarri advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 144th District Court on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Ray Olivarri | 100.0 | 68,976 | |
| Total votes: 68,976 | |||
| = 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 144th District Court
Incumbent Lorina Rummel advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 144th District Court on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lorina Rummel | 100.0 | 51,650 |
| Total votes: 51,650 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2014
See also: Texas judicial elections, 2014
Rummel ran for election to the 144th District Court.
Primary: She was successful in the Republican primary on March 4, 2014, receiving 40.5 percent of the vote. She competed against Tanner Neidhardt and Angus McGinty.
Runoff: Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, Rummel faced Neidhardt in a runoff election on May 27, 2014. Rummel won, earning 54.7% of the vote.
General: She defeated Paul Vasquez in the general election on November 4, 2014, receiving 53.5 percent of the vote.
[2][3]
Selection method
- See also: Partisan election of judges
The judges of the Texas District Courts are chosen in partisan elections. They serve four-year terms, after which they must run for re-election if they wish to continue serving.[4]
Though Texas is home to more than 400 district courts, the courts are grouped into nine administrative judicial regions. Each region is overseen by a presiding judge who is appointed by the governor to a four-year term. According to the state courts website, the presiding judge may be a "regular elected or retired district judge, a former judge with at least 12 years of service as a district judge, or a retired appellate judge with judicial experience on a district court."[5]
Qualifications
To serve on the district courts, a judge must be:
- a U.S. citizen;
- a resident of Texas;
- licensed to practice law in the state;
- between the ages of 25 and 75;*[6]
- a practicing lawyer and/or state judge for at least four years; and
- a resident of his or her respective judicial district for at least two years.[4]
*While no judge older than 74 may run for office, sitting judges who turn 75 are permitted to continue serving until their term expires.[4]
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Lorina Rummel did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Lorina Rummel completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rummel's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Effectiveness, Efficiency and Compassion. When I took over the bench 4 1/2 years ago, this court had the largest number of cases awaiting trial, the longest wait for trial and the most defendants in jail. With consistency from the Judge, attorneys knowing what to expect and willing to work hard, and with amazing staff, these statistics have completely been turned around. The court now has the lowest number of cases awaiting trial of all the 10 criminal district courts in Bexar County. It also consistently has one of the lowest jail populations and is consistently one of the quickest to trial. This court also has a specialty docket of defendants with a prostitution background. Realizing that 80-90% are human trafficking victims, this program offers counseling, housing, and hope to these participants. These specialty court graduates are truly reclaiming and changing their lives. I have practiced criminal trial for over 26 years in Bexar County and have handled thousands of felony matters and have had over 250 criminal jury trials to verdict. I rely on this experience everyday to make the 144th efficient, effective and compassionate.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am extremely passionate about my specialty court, the Esperanza program. These defendants have all suffered sexual, physical and/or mental abuse and over 80-90% are human trafficking victims. We are offering trauma based counseling, substance abuse counseling, housing options, training programs, clothing, mental health and physical treatment. The court team offers services, counseling, probation appointments and court settings and our goal is to keep these defendants from re-offending and being re-incarcerated. All my participants have a felony prostitution prior, but are currently on probation for a variety of felony matters. Almost all have previously been to the penitentiary multiple times. We have learned that our participants have suffered trauma in their lives. To deal with this underlying trauma, my participants self medicate with illegal substances. Like the opioid epidemic, the majority are addicted to heroin. To pay for this heroin, they prostitute. And due to their illegal prostitution, they are incarcerated. Our program breaks this revolving door and helps these participants change their lives.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Legally, I always looked up to Justice Antonin Scalia. I admire his judicial philosophy of being a textualist. That means he strictly interpreted the Constitution. That is my role as a judge. I am a criminal district court judge, and my role is to follow the law and rule accordingly. I do not make new law. It is not my job to legislate from the bench. I practice in much of the same way as Justice Scalia's interpretation of the Constitution. Religiously, I admire Mother Teresa, now referred to as Saint Teresa. I am very strong in my Catholic faith. I have raised my children in this faith. And I rely on my faith everyday. She is the epitome of a lady of grace and compassion. I try to model this grace and compassion in the 144th D. Ct.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
As a criminal judge, I am not allowed to share my political views or beliefs, so I will refrain from answering this question for that reason. Thank you
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
An elected official needs to be extremely knowledgeable in the area in which they practice, patient and a good listener. Compassion is a must in the appropriate circumstances. But there also must be the trait of conviction when strict sentencing is required.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I am extremely knowledgeable in criminal law, as I already indicated. I am also a mother of four, so I am incredibly patient. I believe every person that walks into the 144th should be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. It is irrelevant if they are a defendant, victim, family or attorney. I treat everyone in this manner.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Our core responsibilities are to serve the county in which we are elected. As a criminal judge, I need to serve the entire county, which includes the citizens, victims and the defendants that appear before me. I need to know when I can alter or change behavior and can offer probation and counseling versus when I need to strictly sentence a defendant to protect society. You only gain this knowledge from having practiced an extensive period of time.
What legacy would you like to leave?
The legacy I would like to leave is an efficient and effective docket in the 144th, coupled with compassion. That is what the county deserves. Also, I am proud that people like practicing in this court. It is a very pleasant place to work and attorneys actually like to come by, even when they do not have pending matters on the docket. That is a testament as to how this court is run. Efficiently, effectively and compassionately, but also treating all with respect and dignity.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Landing on the moon - 2 yrs. old
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I began working at the age of 12 as a babysitter. I have always worked. The only times in my life I have not been employed, were when I was attending school during my high school years. However, I always worked over the summers. I have instilled this hard work ethic in my children as well.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I was not a big dater prior to getting married. I have been married over 26 years to the same amazing man and father to my four children.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I love Christmas, because that is always when the family gets together. I grew up in a military family, so my siblings do not all live in the same state.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Favorite book is the Bible. It is the foundation of my religion and my faith.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Atticus Finch - he was an amazing attorney.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My family - because that is what is most important in life.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I am currently listening to county, we are Texans after all!
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
I have always struggled to balance work and family. I have always been a working mother. However, I think I have been successful in achieving this balance. I waited to run for Judge until my children were older. When I originally ran, I had a son in college, one in 5th, one in 11th and one a senior. I waited for over 23 years of criminal trial practice to gain the experience I believed I needed to be a successful judge. I also needed to make sure my children's needs were met. That is why I waited so long. I am proud to say that I have three amazing adult children and one high school student. All are doing amazingly well.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
My legal philosophy is to apply the law, not to create new law. I also need to balance the needs of society, the needs of the victims and the needs of the defendant. I believe my extensive experience enables me to do this quite well.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Antonin Scalia - as indicated in a previous answer.
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
Yes I do.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this judicial position that you believe more people should be aware of?
I assume most people are aware of the duties/responsibilities of a felony criminal district court judge. But for those that are not, we deal with matters that ultimately can affect a defendant's liberty. The maximum range of punishment in Texas is the death penalty. We are also responsible for keeping the community at large safe. There is always a balancing act between the needs of a defendant and the needs of society.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
I am and have always been rated "in good standing."
Do you believe that the Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge's ability?
Yes
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for re-election. I originally ran because my military family instilled a sense of service in me. I believe that is the role of a judge - to serve the community. I have enjoyed this work and have proven to be efficient and effective. I also have helped change lives with my specialty court participants, showing them compassion. I would love to continue to serve in this capacity.
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?
I have been sitting for 4 1/2 years at this point and I believe this experience is crucial.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
No, I do not. In fact, I do not think judges should be partisan at all. We are bound to not comment on or express our political views. It makes running under a party quite precarious for a judge. In extremely general terms, Republicans tend to be more conservative, Democrats more liberal. However, as a Judge, we can not tell constituents our political positions on any issues. Therefore, I do not feel prior political or government experience is helpful in being a judge.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
See the previous answer. Texas is one of the very few states that still politicizes our judges. In my opinion, I believe judges should not run under any party label.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
Texas has an amazing legal system and it serves all. If you go to law school and pass the bar, you have endless opportunities to practice in Texas. There are a variety of government and private practice jobs in all the major cities. If you meet the minimum requirements, you can run for judge. The legal system is accessible to all. Citizens can hear their civil matters in a timely manner. Criminal defendants have their matters heard in a timely manner. And San Antonio is the best city in this state in which to work. Even though it is a very large city, it is a small knit legal community and a pleasure to be a part of.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
No, I do not have higher aspirations 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
2022 Elections
External links
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Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Office of the Texas Governor, "Gov. Perry Appoints Rummel as Judge of 144th Criminal District Court," June 13, 2014
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2014 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County (A-L)"
- ↑ Bexar County Board of Elections, "Primary Election Statistics," completed March 11, 2014
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Texas," archived October 3, 2014
- ↑ Texas Courts Online, "Administrative Judicial Regions," accessed September 12, 2014
- ↑ Texas State Historical Association, "Judiciary," accessed September 12, 2014
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