Nile Copeland

Nile Copeland (Republican Party) is running for election for judge of the Texas 55th District Court. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Republican primary on March 3, 2026.

Copeland completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Nile Copeland received a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and a master's degree in educational administration from Louisiana State University and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law. Copeland's professional experience includes working as an associate municipal judge for the City of Houston, as a partner at Cheng Copeland, PLLC, as a commercial and residential realtor in Texas, as a tax expert for Intuit, and as a neutral for FINRA. He has been certified as an arbitrator and as a mediator. Copeland also received his realtor license with the Texas Real Estate Commission.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

Elections

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 55th District Court

Incumbent Latosha Payne (D) and Nile Copeland (R) are running in the general election for Texas 55th District Court on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Latosha Payne (D)
		Nile Copeland (R)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed 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 55th District Court

Incumbent Latosha Payne (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 55th District Court on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Latosha Payne	100.0	306,864

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source	Total votes: 306,864
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

Republican primary for Texas 55th District Court

Nile Copeland (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 55th District Court on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nile Copeland	100.0	155,128

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 155,128
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Copeland received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

“C” Club of Houston

2024

General election

General election for Texas 11th District Court

Incumbent Kristen Hawkins defeated Nile Copeland in the general election for Texas 11th District Court on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Kristen Hawkins (D)	51.7	759,292
	Nile Copeland (R)	48.3	710,240

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,469,532
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 11th District Court

Incumbent Kristen Hawkins advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 11th District Court on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kristen Hawkins	100.0	139,518

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 139,518
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas 11th District Court

Nile Copeland advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 11th District Court on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nile Copeland	100.0	143,309

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 143,309
= 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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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Copeland in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Texas 55th District Court

Incumbent Latosha Payne defeated Nile Copeland in the general election for Texas 55th District Court on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Latosha Payne (D)	51.2	548,194
		Nile Copeland (R)	48.8	523,089

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,071,283
= 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 55th District Court

Incumbent Latosha Payne advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 55th District Court on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Latosha Payne	100.0	144,636

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 144,636
= 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 55th District Court

Nile Copeland advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 55th District Court on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nile Copeland	100.0	144,094

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 144,094
= 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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2020

General election

General election for Texas 127th District Court

Incumbent R.K. Sandill defeated Nile Copeland in the general election for Texas 127th District Court on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	R.K. Sandill (D)	54.4	849,085
	Nile Copeland (R)	45.6	711,614

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,560,699
= 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 127th District Court

Incumbent R.K. Sandill advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas 127th District Court on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		R.K. Sandill	100.0	230,206

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 230,206
= 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 127th District Court

Nile Copeland advanced from the Republican primary for Texas 127th District Court on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nile Copeland	100.0	154,357

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 154,357
= 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

See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2018)

General election

General election for Harris County Treasurer

Dylan Osborne defeated incumbent Orlando Sanchez in the general election for Harris County Treasurer on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Dylan Osborne (D)	54.2	643,915
	Orlando Sanchez (R)	45.8	543,800

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,187,715
= 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 runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Treasurer

Dylan Osborne defeated Cosme Garcia in the Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Treasurer on May 22, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dylan Osborne	61.8	31,913
	Submit photo	Cosme Garcia	38.2	19,724

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 51,637
= 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 Harris County Treasurer

Dylan Osborne and Cosme Garcia advanced to a runoff. They defeated Nile Copeland in the Democratic primary for Harris County Treasurer on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dylan Osborne	38.1	52,462
✔	Submit photo	Cosme Garcia	36.6	50,428
		Nile Copeland	25.3	34,782

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 137,672
= 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 Harris County Treasurer

Incumbent Orlando Sanchez advanced from the Republican primary for Harris County Treasurer on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Orlando Sanchez	100.0	113,645

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 113,645
= 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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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.^[5]

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."^[6]

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;*^[7]
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.^[5]

*While no judge older than 74 may run for office, sitting judges who turn 75 are permitted to continue serving until their term expires.^[5]

2012

See also: Texas judicial elections, 2012

Copeland was defeated by incumbent Michael Massengale in the general election on November 6, 2012.^[8]^[9]

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Nile Copeland completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Copeland's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

“I’m a trial lawyer with over two decades in the courtroom, a former judge here in Harris County, and someone who believes the role of a judge is simple—apply the law fairly, not push an agenda. I’m running to bring experience, stability, and accountability back to our courts.”

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?

Experience & Stability I am a trial attorney with over two decades of courtroom experience and a former judge here in Harris County. I’ve handled complex matters on both sides of the bench and understand how decisions impact real people. I’m running for the 55th District Court to bring experience, consistency, and a steady hand back to the judiciary. Courts function best when judges apply the law as written, without agenda, and that is the standard I will uphold.
Judicial Philosophy The role of a district judge is not to create law, but to apply it fairly and consistently. My approach is disciplined, impartial, and grounded in respect for the rule of law. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through litigation or mediation, always mindful of the cost and impact on families and businesses. I will ensure that every case is heard with fairness, professionalism, and accountability.
Why I’m Running I am running because I believe our courts should be guided by experience, integrity, and sound judgment—not politics. Having served as both an advocate and a judge, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. People deserve a court system that is fair, efficient, and focused on justice. My commitment is to uphold the law, treat all parties with respect, and ensure the courtroom remains a place where decisions are based on facts and law alone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about the integrity of our judicial system, the consistent application of the rule of law, and meaningful access to justice. Courts should be places where outcomes are determined by facts and law—not politics or personal agendas. I believe in a judiciary that is fair, predictable, and accessible. Delays, unnecessary costs, and inconsistent rulings undermine public confidence, so I am committed to ensuring cases are handled efficiently, litigants are heard, and proceedings are conducted with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for all parties.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Any endorsement is an honor, and I appreciate the confidence and support behind it. However, I believe voters should look beyond endorsements and take the time to learn about each candidate personally. An endorsement can be informative, but it should never replace independent judgment. When you cast your vote, you are giving someone a profound public trust, and that decision should be based on the person’s integrity, experience, temperament, and fitness to serve.

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.

2018

Copeland provided the following description of his political philosophy to Ballotpedia:

“	I believe running for office should be seen as a step down as it involves a commitment to serve. There is a perpetual search for good people to serve the community.^[2]^[10]	”
—Nile Copeland, 2018

He added:

“	I would not be here today wanting to serve others if it were not for my mom. This is something I am very proud about. My mom has always been there as my morale compass and guide. She taught me the value of being a charitable man, to be there for others when they are in need. She set a high bar for me and I am still trying to reach it.^[2]^[10]	”
—Nile Copeland, 2018

External links

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Footnotes

↑ Candidate Spotlight: Judge Nile Copeland, Candidate for 1st Court of Appeals, Place 8, Dec. 7, 2011
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 Information submitted on Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form on January 28, 2018
↑ Ballotpedia's Elections Team, “Email communication with Nile Copeland," December 28, 2021
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 20, 2026
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 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
↑ Texas Democratic Party, 2012 Candidate Filing (dead link)
↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2012 General Election Results," November 6, 2012
↑ ^10.0 ^10.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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] Candidate Spotlight: Judge Nile Copeland, Candidate for 1st Court of Appeals, Place 8, Dec. 7, 2011

[biosub-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 Information submitted on Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form on January 28, 2018

[3] Ballotpedia's Elections Team, “Email communication with Nile Copeland," December 28, 2021

[4] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 20, 2026

[general-5] 5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Texas," archived October 3, 2014

[6] Texas Courts Online, "Administrative Judicial Regions," accessed September 12, 2014

[hist-7] Texas State Historical Association, "Judiciary," accessed September 12, 2014

[8] Texas Democratic Party, 2012 Candidate Filing (dead link)

[9] Texas Secretary of State, "2012 General Election Results," November 6, 2012

[quotedisclaimer-10] 10.0 ^10.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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Nile Copeland

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for Texas 55th District Court

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Texas 55th District Court

Republican primary

Republican primary for Texas 55th District Court

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for Texas 11th District Court

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 11th District Court

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas 11th District Court

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Texas 55th District Court

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 55th District Court

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas 55th District Court

2020

General election

General election for Texas 127th District Court

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas 127th District Court

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas 127th District Court

2018

General election

General election for Harris County Treasurer

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Harris County Treasurer

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Harris County Treasurer

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Harris County Treasurer

Selection method

2012

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

2022

2020

2018

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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