Lyda Ness-Garcia

Lyda Ness-Garcia (Democratic Party) is a judge of the Texas 383rd District Court. She assumed office on January 1, 2021. Her current term ends on December 31, 2028.

Ness-Garcia (Democratic Party) ran for re-election for judge of the Texas 383rd District Court. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Biography

Lyda Ness-Garcia was born in Chapel Hill, Norther Carolina. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1992 and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1997.

Ness-Garcia's professional experience includes being an attorney and counselor at law. She has been affiliated with the El Paso Strong Law Seminar, the Supreme Court of Texas Children's Commission, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, El Paso Planned Parenthood, the Women's March of El Paso, Stand with El Paso Women, El Paso For Equality, State Democratic Executive Committee, Child Welfare Defense Bar, the El Paso Family Bar, the State Bar of Texas, and the Mexican-American Bar Association.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Texas 383rd District Court

Incumbent Lyda Ness-Garcia won election in the general election for Texas 383rd District Court on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lyda Ness-Garcia (D)	100.0	153,180

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 153,180
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 383rd District Court

Incumbent Lyda Ness-Garcia defeated Mike Herrera in the Democratic primary for Texas 383rd District Court on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lyda Ness-Garcia	58.5	19,302
	Submit photo	Mike Herrera	41.5	13,717

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 33,019
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ness-Garcia in this election.

2020

General election

General election for Texas 383rd District Court

Lyda Ness-Garcia defeated Phyllis Martinez Gonzalez in the general election for Texas 383rd District Court on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lyda Ness-Garcia (D)	65.8	166,146
	Phyllis Martinez Gonzalez (R)	34.2	86,540

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 252,686
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Texas 383rd District Court

Lyda Ness-Garcia defeated Lucila Flores in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas 383rd District Court on July 14, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lyda Ness-Garcia	54.8	16,895
	Submit photo	Lucila Flores	45.2	13,944

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 30,839 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 383rd District Court

Lucila Flores and Lyda Ness-Garcia advanced to a runoff. They defeated Patrick Bramblett in the Democratic primary for Texas 383rd District Court on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Lucila Flores	37.3	22,963
✔		Lyda Ness-Garcia	31.9	19,646
	Submit photo	Patrick Bramblett	30.9	19,025

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 61,634
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas 383rd District Court

Phyllis Martinez Gonzalez advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 383rd District Court on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Phyllis Martinez Gonzalez	100.0	15,014

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,014
= 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

To view Ness-Garcia's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

2014

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. Those candidates who did not receive 50 percent or more of the vote in their party primary on March 4 faced an additional May 27 primary runoff. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Incumbent Marisa Marquez defeated Lyda Ness-Garcia in the Democratic primary and was unchallenged in the general election. Ben Mendoza (I) was defeated by Marquez in the general election.^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]

**Texas House of Representatives, District 77 General Election, 2014**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Marisa Marquez Incumbent	78.2%	11,324
	Independent	Ben Mendoza	21.8%	3,166
Total Votes				14,490

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Lyda Ness-Garcia did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Candidate Conversations

Moderated by journalist and political commentator Greta Van Susteren, Candidate Conversations is a virtual debate format that allows voters to easily get to know their candidates through a short video Q&A. Click below to watch the conversation for this race.

Lyda Ness-Garcia completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ness-Garcia's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have fought for families in and out of the Courtroom for over 20 years. As the mother of three children, I have spoken up for our community and helped organize multiple Rallies/Marches on social issues affecting our community to include Women's Rights, Immigration rights, Gun Reform, and LGBTQIA rights. As the only candidate who is a Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist and serves on the Supreme Court of Texas Children's Commission, I have the unique legal experience needed to help children and families navigate difficult custody cases. Family Law cases require a judge who understands the needs of families, a quality gained from being in the trenches with them for 23 years. I'm the only candidate who has represented and fought for families IN a family court. I am the only candidate with a proficient and extensive family law knowledge having litigated contested custody, complex property, and jury trials. As the sole candidate with this firsthand perspective, I understand the heartbreaking impact Courts can have on families. I have the empathy, experience and knowledge essential to ensuring a fair and just process for families and always consider what is fair and in the best interest of a child.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am the only candidate who is a child advocate having represented children for over 20 years, a Child Welfare Law Specialist, and serves on the Supreme Court of Texas Children's Commission .
I am the only candidate who has proficiency in all areas of family law. My experience is not limited to child support Courts.
I am the only candidate who has stood with and fought for parents, children and grandchildren in the Courtroom. I have not spent my entire career as a government employee.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have dedicated my personal and professional career to child advocacy. In law school I represented children in the child-welfare and juvenile system as a student ad-litem. This is when I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my legal career. I started my legal career as an Assistant County Attorney representing CPS in child abuse and neglect cases. I also represented applicants in Protective orders and the State in Juvenile proceedings. Early in my career I joined committees advocating for children's rights and focusing on improving judicial and social policies. This passion continued into private practice and led me to become one of the first attorneys to be licensed as a child welfare law specialist in Texas. I am currently honored to serve on the Supreme Court of Texas as an advisory attorney which allows me to contribute and review suggest policy and legislative changes. Representing parents and children in the child welfare system (CPS) has been a particular focus of mine as I believe that those without a voice need to have someone stand up for them in Court. Continuing that philosophy, I have organized protests against the separation and detention of undocumented children.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

It is hard to choose one person. If I could choose one it would be my grandmother. She was the youngest of 10 children and lost her mother shortly after birth. She grew up in Greece under the German occupation where she lost family members to the war. Her resiliency in leaving her home Country and forging a life in America is to be admired. Despite numerous losses in her life, including my grandfather, she was always fiercely independent and forged a life despite these obstacles. She never made excuses, always looked forward and took these great leaps of faith. I hope to be that strong.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Horton Hears a Who. It reminds us that kindness is persistent and that any person (or elephant) can and should stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Temperament, knowledge of the law, experience and empathy.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To maintain humility and always remember that you are a public servant. My life has been committed to bettering my community in every action I have taken. There is a reason that few attorney's handle CPS cases. They require extensive time, particularized family law knowledge and formidable emotional energy. These families often have a deep mistrust of the judicial system and government. As their attorney, I have restored their faith in the process by providing them with zealous Court representation and respect when it feels like there is no one in their corner. Often I am their only person. I want to be a Judge who inspires that in the families that appear in this Court.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave this a better world when I leave it. That my children are imbued with the same passion to change the world and our little corner of it and to be a voice for those who do not have the privilege of having one.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember I was 15 watching the Space Challenger launch. Our teacher had rolled one of those TVS on a stand into class and we were all excited to see a teacher launch into space. I remember vividly the mood in the room of anticipation and then the disbelief.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was part time during college at Ford Motor Company working as a UAW Ford Taurus Plant. I worked the swing shift at midnight and lifted bumpers from one belt to another. I had it seasonally during my time at the University of Michigan.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything by Salman Rushdie. I am a firm fan of magical realism and the cadence of his writing is so beautiful.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Hermione Granger. Fierce, brave and magical.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

NOW its going to be stuck in my head again! The Inspector Gadget opening theme song.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

This is a designated family Court. This Court hears EVERY aspect of a family law case including jury trials and termination of parental rights. Family law is not learned by a book. It really is experiential. The Family Code is extraordinarily voluminous and highly technical. There are so many nuances in the law and procedure it takes years to truly grasp them. I believe it is the one area of the law that requires a dedication and expertise that takes years to hone. I also personally believe these are the most important cases in the Courthouse, which is why I have practiced family law and only family law for 23 years.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

Everyone deserves equal access to the Courts. As a lawyer for children and parents in child protective service cases, I have demonstrated my commitment in and out of the Courtroom to giving a voice to those who often have the least power. This philosophy would continue to guide me on the bench where access to the Courts should not be restrained by one's economic position or lack of sophistication with the legal system. I am committed to listening to all sides and deciding cases on facts and law, not biases or positions of privilege. I will not consider gender, sexual orientation, race or national origin. I will always be guided by what is in the best interest of a child.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. As I have been reflecting on her loss, it's evident that she was a trailblazer for female lawyers. She struggled in a legal world where she was dismissed by virtue of her gender. However, what I find most compelling, was her fight against gender discrimination on the philosophy that it was harmful to both men and women by limiting them to traditional roles. This profoundly changed the family law climate. She contributed to the philosophy that fathers and mothers are both integral parts of their children's lives and that gender should not be a factor in determining custody. I also profoundly admire how she bridged the differences on the bench and forged a friendship with Justice Scalia who differed from her philosophically.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

I think empathy and experience are the two most critical qualities. Developing empathy and knowledge takes years in the trenches. It comes from the relationships you form with families, answering their emails or phone calls late at night or listen to their anxiety over custody cases or their financial woes. I have clients that I have known and developed bonds with that have lasted for years. I am the only candidate who has represented parents, children, spouses and grandparents in a Courtroom. I understand firsthand how heart wrenching these cases can be. Empathy for how difficult and painful the legal process can be, only comes from standing next to these families in court.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

No

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Family Law is my passion. People are more likely to appear in family law court than any other Court. I am the only candidate who has spent over 23 years representing and fighting for the families and children of El Paso, both in and out of a Courtroom. I now hope to take that experience and empathy and serve our families from the bench. My years as a family lawyer has given me the ability to discern the procedural and administrative practices that must be carefully tended to by Judges, so that we do not fail our families and children. I want to help El Paso's families and work to reduce the physical, financial and emotional stress that comes from excessively delayed court scheduling and administrative red tape.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it's important for Judges to have experience beyond working for the government. They need to understand the community they serve by having stood with them in their community or a Courtroom.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

The inequity of access and disparity of the application of the law based on economic status and race. There is often a mistrust and fear of the judicial system. It is perceived as cold, confusing and very time consuming. My experience as an attorney is that people just want their day in Court, they want to be heard. That philosophy allows people to be invested in the decisions made by the Court. One of the most common complaints I hear from my clients is regarding delays in Court ruling. There is no legitimate reason that a Court decision should take months, or years. I would commit to rendering decisions expeditiously.

What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?

To ensure that all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, immigration status and race, are treated equally in a Courtroom. There is a great chance for Judges to be creative and forward thinking in areas of family law, especially with visitation.

Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?

No

Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?

I imagine that the attorney's who practice in the Courtroom best rate a Judge's performance. However, a family law judge is answerable to the community and families of El Paso, not its lawyers at the end of the day. I think a Judge should incorporate a process of input by the local family bar, mental health providers, and community leaders with whom I already have existing relationships, and have recommendations incorporated into Court policy.

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.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 18, 2020
↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current ELECTION HISTORY," accessed December 2, 2014
↑ The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Representative Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
↑ Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
↑ Texas Tribune, "The 2014 Election Brackets," accessed July 31, 2014

Texas courts

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

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 18, 2020

[PartisanCandidate-2] Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current ELECTION HISTORY," accessed December 2, 2014

[2014Libertarian-3] The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Representative Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014

[2014Green-4] Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014

[2014Independent-5] Texas Tribune, "The 2014 Election Brackets," accessed July 31, 2014

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Lyda Ness-Garcia

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Texas 383rd District Court

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 383rd District Court

Endorsements

2020

General election

General election for Texas 383rd District Court

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Texas 383rd District Court

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 383rd District Court

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas 383rd District Court

Endorsements

2014

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

2020

Candidate Conversations

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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