Marq Clayton

Marq Clayton (Democratic Party) is running for election for judge of the Texas 371st District Court. She is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Biography

Marq Clayton was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated from Sam Houston High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2006 and a law degree from the Texas A&M University School of Law in 2015. Her career experience includes working as an attorney and senior pension analyst.^[1]

Clayton has been affiliated with the following organizations:^[2]

State Bar of Texas
National Bar
Texas Bar College
Tarrant County Bar Association
L. Clifford Davis Legal Association
J. L. Turner Legal Association
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Girl2Girl Foundation
RockTeens Youth Foundation

Elections

2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Texas 371st District Court

Marq Clayton (D) is running in the Democratic primary for Texas 371st District Court on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Marq Clayton

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Republican primary

Republican primary for Texas 371st District Court

Incumbent Ryan Hill (R) is running in the Republican primary for Texas 371st District Court on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Ryan Hill

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

General election

General election for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2

William Knight defeated Marq Clayton in the general election for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	William Knight (R)	54.5	429,443
	Marq Clayton (D)	45.5	358,534

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 787,977
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2

Marq Clayton advanced from the Democratic primary for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Marq Clayton	100.0	58,994

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 58,994
= 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 Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2

William Knight defeated Glynis Adams McGinty in the Republican primary for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		William Knight	74.5	88,949
	Submit photo	Glynis Adams McGinty	25.5	30,462

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 119,411
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Clayton in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7

Eric Starnes defeated Marq Clayton in the general election for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Eric Starnes (R)	54.6	315,380
	Marq Clayton (D)	45.4	261,818

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 577,198
= 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 election

Democratic primary for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7

Marq Clayton advanced from the Democratic primary for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Marq Clayton	100.0	64,561

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 64,561
= 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 Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7

Eric Starnes advanced from the Republican primary for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Eric Starnes	100.0	97,973

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 97,973
= 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

Marq Clayton has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Marq Clayton, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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2024

Marq Clayton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Clayton's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a child I grew up in a low-income single parent home where my mother struggled to maintain a steady household to raise three children. In my mother I saw a strong, determined, and hardworking woman who was not afraid of the curve balls life threw her way. I inherited those same qualities from my mother. I am an Oklahoma City native relocated to Tarrant County in grade school. My Tarrant County ties run deep. I attended the University of Oklahoma, where I received my Bachelor of Art in Mathematics. I worked as a senior pension analyst before going to law school. I received my Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M University School of Law. I began my legal career as the 1st African America Assistant County Attorney in Hood County, Texas, before opening The Clayton Law Firm. Now, I am a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth, Texas.

I am a proud mother to Ariana Lynn (19) and Joshua Cayden (9). Balancing coursework, a job, and children could be defeating. However, I saw this as a curve ball that life threw my way to build my discipline. As a mother, I have learned the true meaning of patience, compassion, and determination.

I founded Girl2Girl Foundation to be a resource to young mothers. I serve on the board of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association who provide various legal clinics and seminars. I am also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Xi Theta Omega chapter where I serve as Treasurer. I am humanity-driven, fair, and trustworthy.

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’m committed to reforming our rehabilitation programs to include clinics that provide necessary tools to individuals who come through court, so it enhances their lives not just punish them. I believe the court should be a place of resource.
I will do my part to keep our jails safe by running efficient dockets. I have a strategic plan to effectively reduce case backlog and implement processes that would ensure no case pends longer than 3 years. This would in turn assist with reducing the jail overcrowding.
I am committed to providing equal access to justice, opportunity, and accountability. This will be achieved by educating individuals that come through the court and ensuring this information is readily available, so they are aware of opportunities and resources available through the court. As a judge, I am also committed to reviewing all plea deals to ensure that there is equality in the plea deals being offered and accepted. I am committed to rejecting plea deals that clearly demonstrate an inequality.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As mentioned above, I am passionate of equal access to justice and have plans to ensure that Criminal District Court 2 provides equal access to justice.

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

I believe being humanity-driven, fair, and trustworthy are most important for elected officials. An elected official's main role is to serve their constituents. Therefore, it is important that an elected official is humanity-driven to put the needs of the people ahead of any other agenda. An elected official is tasked with serving all people, so it is important that they impart fairness to all whom they serve. Last, but certainly not least, an elected official must be trusted by the people they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be a judge that is known for improving the lives of the individuals who come through the court. I would also like to spearhead a challenge to actively reduce recidivism.

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

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime is the election of President Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States. I was 24 years old. I remember sitting in my bed crying as he gave his election night speech.

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

I worked as a senior pension analyst for an HR outsourcing company where I administered pension plans for major corporations.

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

Judge L. Clifford Davis

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

Absolutely. As a judge we are tasked with making decisions over individual's lives. It is imperative to be able to understand various individual's circumstances in order to render effective judgments.

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

Not that I am aware of.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am running for judge of Tarrant County Criminal District Court 2 because it is imperative that we have representation in our judiciary. Our justice system needs real change. I’m committed to reforming our rehabilitation programs, so it enhances lives not just punish them. I’ll ensure to follow the law and uphold our Constitution. I will do my part to keep our jails safe by running efficient dockets, protect our juvenile resources, and ensure your tax dollars are not wasted.

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

I believe it is important for a judge to have experience in the area of law in which they are seeking a judgeship.

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

I am not sure what is next on this journey. I am moving as I am being led to do. Being an attorney, let alone a judge, was never in the playbook I wrote for myself. However, I have been led to this very moment. I will continue to follow the path and see where it takes me.

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

No, I do not believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge's ability. The responses are limited to the members who have an active membership and then to the members who took the time to reply. I believe it would be accurate if the ratings had a majority participation from the legal community.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe as elected officials we should be held accountable by the people. There has to be full transparency in order for the people to know whether their elected official is upholding their role.

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.

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released July 18, 2022

2022

Marq Clayton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Clayton's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

MarQ Clayton judicial candidate for Tarrant County Criminal Court 7 is an Oklahoma City native relocated to Tarrant County in grade school. MarQ is a proud mother of 2! She attended THE University of Oklahoma where she received her Bachelor of Art in Mathematics. MarQ worked as a senior pension analyst before she decided to go to law school. She received her juris doctorate degree from Texas A&M University School of Law. She began her legal career as the 1st African American Assistant County Attorney in Hood County, Texas. She then opened The Clayton Law Firm in Fort Worth, Texas. MarQ handles primarily criminal law cases in Tarrant and Dallas County. She has been admitted to the Texas Bar College. She’s the current President of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association in Tarrant County, she’s also the past President-Elect and Treasurer. She’s also the Expunction Clinic Chair for the Legal Association’s Expunction Clinic. MarQ helped organize the Tarrant County Lawyer’s Against Injustice who offered pro bono services to protestors. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Xi Theta Omega chapter in Arlington, TX where she serves as Treasurer. She founded Girl2Girl Foundation to be a resource to young mothers. MarQ awarded $4000 in scholarships this year and continues her work in and around the Tarrant County community. MarQ Clayton is a 2022 Judicial a candidate for Tarrant County Criminal Court 7.

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?

Compassion - I am committed to treating every individual with dignity and respect no matter the reason they are in the courtroom. I believe individuals should not feel fearful or intimidated when coming to court but should feel welcomed and supported to come and take care of their responsibilities.
Fairness - I am committed to ensuring that all individuals are aware of programs, resources, and opportunities that are available to them through the court. I'm also committed to ensure that we are fair in all judgments and sentences including plea deals.
Diversity - My background and professional experience are diverse. I've litigated cases as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and family law attorney. I have hands on experience with many families in the most intimate scenarios of their lives. My diverse experience allows me to be more open minded and relatable to many of the scenarios that will come before me.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a judicial candidate, I cannot take a side on many policy issues. However, I will assure you that I Iam committed to being fair, following the law, and allowing everyone an opportunity to be heard.

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

I believe all elected officials should be able to be open minded, knowledgeable on key issues, and able to empathize with their constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe my critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership abilities will demonstrate fair competencies.

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

An elected official's core responsibility is to its constituents. As a judge my core responsibilities would be to the public. That is protecting our safety and ensuring fair proceedings for individuals accused of crimes. This is accomplished effectively by balancing the act of the crime with the probability of rehabilitation.

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

The biggest historical event of my lifetime was President Barack Obama being elected as the first black president in this county's history.

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

I worked as a pension analyst for 2 companies for approximately 6 years before going to law school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I'm not a leisure reader. The only book, I can say I read is the Bible. However, you can find a lot in the bible. Many stories that are akin to current life scenarios, peace, comfort, God's promises which has proven in my life to never fail.

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

Tweetybird has always been my favorite character.

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

Beyonce - Break My Soul

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

Judges have discretion on bonds, bond conditions, and probation conditions. Many people do not know that they can come back to talk to judge about their probation conditions.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

I believe that if we help each individual better themselves, then we'll begin to start lowering the recidivism rates. We cannot continue to behave the way we do and expect different results.

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

Absolutely, anyone in leadership must be able to position themselves in the seat of those before them.

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

No, however, I am a member of the Texas Bar College, President of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association, and also serve on the Indigent Defense Committee with the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Legal Association.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am running for a misdemeanor court as I believe misdemeanor cases are the gatekeepers of future deviant acts. My hope is to detour individuals from committing future acts and especially prevent from committing a felony level crime. I am also running specifically for court 7 because it is an open seat in Tarrant County.

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

I believe it is important for a judge to have experience in the area of practice in which they are running. I believe it is more beneficial if the judge has a variety of experience in the area of practice so that they are well versed on both sides of litigation.

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

Our legal system is flawed in many ways. I believe money plays too large of a role in our criminal justice system which begets corruptions.

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

Texas's greatest opportunity in the legal system is to elect more diverse representation that would be an accurate reflection of it's population.

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

Absolutely, I'd like to progress to a criminal district court and perhaps the court of criminal appeals. I do have a strong interest in criminal justice so as of now any goals of a higher court would still be in the criminal justice area.

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

It depends. Often times the ratings are made by a select few individuals and could in no way be a complete depiction of a judge's full ability.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What has teeth but can't chew?

A comb

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 July 19, 2022
↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bio2

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

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 19, 2022

[bio2-2] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bio2

[1]

[2]

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Marq Clayton

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Texas 371st District Court

Republican primary

Republican primary for Texas 371st District Court

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

2022

See also

External links

Footnotes

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