William “Cruz” Shaw is a former San Antonio City Council member who resigned his seat in 2018 to become an associate judge. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University’s school of law who was first elected as a judge in the 436th District Court in 2022. He faces one Democratic primary challenger in 2026.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is William “Cruz” Shaw, and I currently serve as the District Court Judge of the 436th District Court. I am 48 years old. I have been a resident of San Antonio in Bexar County for over 20 years. My commitment to our community includes serving as the former City Council representative for District 2. Additionally, I serve on the boards of the YMCA, Communities In Schools, and ChildSafe.
2. Describe your educational background.
I graduated from Sharpstown High School in Houston, Texas. I attended Texas Southern University for one year before transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where I graduated in 1999. I returned to Houston to attend the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, earning my Juris Doctor in 2009.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
I have practiced law in Bexar County since 2009, with a primary focus on juvenile and criminal law. In 2017, I stepped down from my position on the San Antonio City Council to accept an appointment as the Associate Judge for the 436th District Court. I served in that capacity for four years until I was elected as the Presiding Judge of the 436th District Court. I am currently serving the final year of my first term.
4. Philosophically, how do you balance the public’s desire for restitution in all types of crimes, while also providing a productive path forward for offenders who don’t pose a danger to the public?
I take my responsibility as a juvenile judge seriously. I ensure that the young people who come before our court are treated with fairness and respect, while simultaneously being held accountable for their actions. Our court focuses on the rehabilitation of juveniles; I strive to protect them from themselves while also ensuring the safety of our community.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
Raised on the south side of Houston by a single mother, I faced many of the same challenges that our young people encounter today. This lived experience allows me to understand the issues within our communities deeply. I approach each case with compassion and firmness, and I believe I am uniquely suited for this position. The Democratic Party definitely aligns with my values.
