Michael Landrum

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Michael Landrum

Republican Party

Prior offices

Texas 113th District Court

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Texas 164th District Court

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Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Memorial Senior High School

Bachelor's

University of St. Thomas, Houston, 1973

Law

University of Texas School of Law, 1976

Personal

Birthplace

San Antonio, Texas

Religion

Christian

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal Facebook

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Michael Landrum was a judge of the Texas 164th District Court. He assumed office in 2020. He left office on December 31, 2020.

Landrum (Republican Party) ran for election for judge of the Texas 133rd District Court. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Landrum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michael Landrum was born in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1976. His career experience includes working as an attorney.

Landrum has been associated with the following organizations:

• Houston Bar Association
• Association of Attorney Mediators
• American Arbitration Association
• Catholic Charities
• Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists
• Houston Christian University Center for Law and Liberty.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2024)

General election

General election for Texas 133rd District Court

Nicole Perdue defeated Michael Landrum in the general election for Texas 133rd District Court on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Nicole Perdue (D)	50.0	729,958
		Michael Landrum (R)	50.0	729,184

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,459,142
= 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 Texas 133rd District Court

Nicole Perdue defeated Brandi Croffie in the Democratic primary for Texas 133rd District Court on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Nicole Perdue	65.2	97,194
	Submit photo	Brandi Croffie	34.8	51,903

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 149,097
= 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 133rd District Court

Michael Landrum advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 133rd District Court on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Landrum	100.0	143,503

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 143,503
= 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

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Landrum in this election.

2022

See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2022)

General election

General election for Texas 270th District Court

Incumbent Dedra Davis defeated Michael Landrum in the general election for Texas 270th District Court on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dedra Davis (D)	50.7	537,418
		Michael Landrum (R)	49.3	521,801

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,059,219
= 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 270th District Court

Incumbent Dedra Davis defeated Denise Brown in the Democratic primary for Texas 270th District Court on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dedra Davis	55.7	80,379
		Denise Brown	44.3	63,801

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 144,180
= 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 270th District Court

Michael Landrum advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 270th District Court on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Landrum	100.0	137,804

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 137,804
= 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.

2020

See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2020)

General election

General election for Texas 164th District Court

Cheryl Elliott Thornton defeated incumbent Michael Landrum in the general election for Texas 164th District Court on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Cheryl Elliott Thornton (D)	53.6	835,266
		Michael Landrum (R)	46.4	724,033

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,559,299
= 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 runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Texas 164th District Court

Cheryl Elliott Thornton defeated incumbent Alexandra Smoots-Thomas in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas 164th District Court on July 14, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Cheryl Elliott Thornton	71.0	107,977
		Alexandra Smoots-Thomas	29.0	44,149

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 152,126
= 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 164th District Court

Cheryl Elliott Thornton and incumbent Alexandra Smoots-Thomas advanced to a runoff. They defeated Grant Harvey in the Democratic primary for Texas 164th District Court on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Cheryl Elliott Thornton	41.3	103,179
✔		Alexandra Smoots-Thomas	33.0	82,590
	Submit photo	Grant Harvey	25.7	64,205

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 249,974
= 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 164th District Court

Incumbent Michael Landrum advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 164th District Court on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Landrum	100.0	154,552

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 154,552
= 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 113th District Court

Rabeea Collier defeated incumbent Michael Landrum in the general election for Texas 113th District Court on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rabeea Collier (D)	55.0	650,951
		Michael Landrum (R)	45.0	533,345

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,184,296
= 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 113th District Court

Rabeea Collier defeated Cooke Kelsey in the Democratic primary for Texas 113th District Court on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rabeea Collier	73.2	104,804
	Submit photo	Cooke Kelsey	26.8	38,315

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 143,119
= 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 113th District Court

Incumbent Michael Landrum advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 113th District Court on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Landrum	100.0	116,814

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 116,814
= 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
Landrum ran for re-election to the 113th District Court.
Primary: He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on March 4, 2014.
General: He defeated Steven E. Kirkland in the general election on November 4, 2014, receiving 53.6 percent of the vote. 

2012

See also: Texas judicial elections, 2012

Landrum ran for election to the 129th District Court. Landrum defeated Republican candidates Edward Casanova and Frank Powell Pierce in the May 31, 2012 primary.

He faced Chris Gillett in the July 31, 2012, primary runoff election to determine who would face Democratic incumbent Michael Gomez in the general election. Gillett was defeated by Landrum. However, Landrum was defeated by incumbent Michael Gomez in the general election.

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.

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."

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;*
• 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.

*While no judge older than 74 may run for office, sitting judges who turn 75 are permitted to continue serving until their term expires.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michael Landrum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Landrum'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 am a former Civil District Judge. I served from 2013 to 2018 as judge in the 133rd District Court, and I again served as judge in the 164th District Court in 2020. All of my judicial service was in Harris County, Texas.

I hold specialist certifications in the fields of Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In private practice I have represented a variety of businesses and business people in many different types of litigation and transactional matters. I have rendered binding arbitration awards in more than 300 cases, and I have served as a mediator in many cases. I am a native of Houston, Texas; earned a bachelor's degree from The University of St. Thomas and a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law.

I have served as an adjunct faculty member at Houston Christian University and I volunteer in our public schools.

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 eminently well qualified to serve as a judge in Harris County, as is demonstrated in the high ratings I earned during my previous judicial service.
• I will be thoroughly prepared, will efficiently run my docket, and will timely rule on matters before me, as I demonstrated in my previous judicia service.
• I will follow the law in each and every instance to the best of my ability and without consideration of extraneous matters such as publicity, influence, wealth, ethnicity, or political influence.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The prompt and fair administration of a busy trial court docket in accordance with applicable laws, and the rules of procedure and evidence.

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

John Adams was an attorney and an avowed supporter of independence in Colonial Massachusetts at the time of the Boston Massacre. He took on to represent the British soldiers accused of murder despite the overwhelming sentiment of his fellow colonists against the accused. he did that because he believed in the right to a fair and public trial.

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

Complete fidelity to the constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Texas.

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

I have earned a reputation for hard work, impartiality, efficiency and patience in my previous judicial service.

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

To be thoroughly prepared for each matter that comes before the court for rulings and to efficiently manage a busy docket.

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

The assassination of President Kennedy occurred when I was in sixth grade.

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

I sacked groceries at a local supermarket when I was 14 years old. I had that job for about 8 months.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

The Courts must at all times apply the Federal and State constitutions and laws as they may apply in each case. It is not the province of a court to make policy or to tailor its rulings to favor a political philosophy.

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

Yes. During my previous judicial service, my performance was rated in several judicial qualification surveys performed by the Houston Bar Association. These surveys did not ask about election preferences, but only sought performance ratings. In each case, my ranking was near the top of the civil judges in the county.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I love serving as a judge.

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

No. A judge must have a depth of experience as an attorney practicing in court and, where possible, experience in adjudicating actual cases in some forum.

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

Texas elects all of its state court judges and the basic qualifications a person must meet to be placed on the ballot are not stringent. The result can be that an individual who lacks legal experience may be elected to a judicial position. This is a particular concern in more populous counties.

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

No, I have no such aspiration.

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

Yes and no. It is impossible to know what figures into the responses of each person who responds to a general survey. One must hope that, on average, the responses are candid and not reflective of extraneous considerations.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Q: What's the difference between a lawyer and a trampoline?
A: People remove their shoes before they jump on a trampoline.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Mexican American Bar Association of Houston.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

All holders of public office should be willing to publicly disclose all facts that may reflect on their ability to fulfill their official duties without favor or obligation to any person, interest group or political organization.

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.

2022

Michael Landrum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Landrum'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 previously served as judge in the 113th (2013 - 2018) and 164th (2020) civil district courts in Harris County, Texas. I have represented individuals and business clients in civil trial and appellate matters since 1976, and I am a board-certified specialist in the fields of civil trial and civil appellate law.

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 have an established, proven record as a fair, capable and hard working judge.
• Irresponsible judges and partisan politics have eroded confidence in our judiciary.
• Equal and respectful treatment for all who come before our courts is my priority.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Justice under law means that our courts must be free of bias of any kind. This means that all judicial acts must strictly follow the law without regard to the personal status of any party, and all fact-finding decisions must be based on solid evidence.

Courts must be open and accessible for in-person trials and hearings of all kinds, and our judges must be prepared and make clear, reasoned and prompt rulings.

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

Service as a trial court judge means keeping foremost in mind that one is the servant of justice, and daily demonstrating respect.

Respect for the law - knowing the laws and rules of evidence and procedure that apply in each case.

Respect for the parties and attorneys who come before the court - judicial proceedings are stressful and often expensive. A judge owes them the obligation to be fully prepared, to be courteous and patient, and to allow adequate time for the presentation of all sides' evidence and argument.

Respect for jurors who sacrifice their time to assure fair, unbiased decisions - the court must be efficient to make certain that jurors' time is not wasted.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to enhance the reputation and standing of our judiciary in the minds of the public. Our courts perform a function that is vital to our American system of government. Ideally, our courts serve as "The Firmest Pillar of Government" and not subject to popular influence. They can only do this if the public regards our judges as trustworthy and impartial.

Impartiality includes absence of arbitrary distinctions, such as social and economic status, as well as decisions that are free of improper influence by public officials or private interests. Effective civil justice also implies that court proceedings are conducted in a timely manner and judgments are enforced without unreasonable delay.

It is these values that I strive to embody in my judicial service.

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

I was about nine years old when the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred. I remember how skillfully President Kennedy handled the matter which was as close as we have ever been to nuclear war.

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

Many people do not appreciate that district courts have broad the discretionary authority. Among those is the power to grant injunctions, which has the potential to affect the lives, families and businesses of individuals and the way in which corporate entities can operate.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

I believe that our courts are the anchor of our democracy, because they must assure that the law applies equally to all who come before them, even the government itself. Our courts are where any person can seek fair, objective and peaceful resolutions to disputes large and small.

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

I am honored that the members of the Houston Bar Association have ranked me among the best civil district judges in our county in ever survey that has included my name. In every odd numbered year, members who have actually appeared before our judges rank them on several criteria, including legal knowledge, preparedness, fairness, diligence and courtesy. I am proud of my record of service.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a trampoline?

People take their shoes off before jumping on a trampoline.

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.

2020

Michael Landrum did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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Footnotes

Texas courts

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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