Antonia Arteaga is a West Texas native who received her law degree from St. Mary’s University. She’s one of the county’s longest-serving state district judges, presiding over the 57th Civil District Court for almost two decades. Her term runs through 2028, but she’s currently running for the Democratic nomination to the chief justice seat on the Fourth Court of Appeals.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am the youngest of eight daughters from a small West Texas community and the first woman elected to the historic 57th District Court. With nearly 20 years on the bench, I am the most senior and longest-serving judge at the Bexar County Courthouse.
My dedication to public safety led me to coordinate Bexar County’s first Active Shooter training and chair the Court Security Committee for nearly a decade. Nationally, I’ve chaired the Bexar County Chair of the National Campaign to Stop Violence, and statewide, I’ve led the Texas Association of District Judges as President.
I am deeply rooted in our community through the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and the Mexican American Bar Association’s scholarship committee. As an educator for the State Bar of Texas, I frequently present on advanced legal topics to attorneys and judges. My favorite activity, however, remains visiting with students to inspire the next generation of leaders. I believe justice is not just a legal principle; it is a way of life built on responsibility and hard work.
2. Describe your educational background.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and my Law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
Prior to my election in 2008, I practiced both criminal and civil law, with a concentration in family law, and tried over 70 jury trials to verdict. My early legal ability was recognized by then-Mayor and later Chief Justice Phil Hardberger, who twice appointed me as a Criminal Magistrate Judge.
On the 57th District Court, I preside over complex civil litigation and have overseen hundreds of jury trials over the last 17+ years. My leadership extends beyond the courtroom; I served as President of the Texas Association of District Judges and am a founding member of Texas Latinx Judges. I have been honored as a “Texas Gold Medal Judge” and named Mentor of the Year by the St. Mary’s Law Hispanic Alumni Association – achievements that reflect my commitment to excellence and the integrity of our profession.
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?
As an appellate justice, my role is to ensure that laws are applied fairly, consistently, and without error. While trial judges handle the direct implementation of these “paths forward,” the 4th Court of Appeals serves as the vital check to ensure those decisions are grounded in the record and free from abuse of discretion.
My nearly 20 years of trial court experience provide me a unique perspective on the “real-world” impact of these cases. As Chief Justice, I will lead the court in delivering clear, timely opinions that provide trial judges and the public with the legal certainty needed to balance accountability with the pursuit of a productive, safe community for all 32 counties.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
I am running for Chief Justice of the 4th Court of Appeals to bring nearly two decades of proven, trial-tested leadership to a broader level. In today’s rapidly changing legal landscape, our community deserves a judiciary that remains a firewall of consistency and fairness.
The Chief Justice is not just another justice; they are the administrative leader of a 32-county system. Having taken leadership roles in local, statewide, and national organizations, I possess the executive experience necessary to ensure this court functions efficiently and with institutional integrity. Experience is not gained overnight; it is built diligently over years of making hard calls.
I am a Democrat because the party’s values align with my own. I am ready to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently for families across our region.
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