Armando Cruz Jr. is a certified criminal court clerk and the Democratic nominee for Justice of the Peace in Bexar County’s Pct. 1. He’s currently the youth diversion coordinator for the Justice of the Peace Court and previously worked in the constable’s office as a warrant clerk. No Republicans filed for the race.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is Armando Cruz Jr. I am 38 years old. I am proud to be a product of Edgewood ISD, where I built the foundation for my education and personal growth. After graduating, I continued my academic journey at Palo Alto College, further developing the skills and knowledge that would shape my career. I began my professional path with Bexar County, where I have dedicated 14 years of service. During this time, I have had the privilege of working in two key areas: the Justice of the Peace Court and the Constable’s Office. These roles have allowed me to contribute to the community by supporting the judicial process and civil process procedure. My commitment to excellence and integrity has been the cornerstone of my career, and I take great pride in serving the residents of Bexar County.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job, and how you would approach the role.
I bring 14 years of dedicated service to Bexar County, including nine years with the Justice of the Peace Court and five years with the Constable’s Office. During this time, I have advanced through multiple roles within the Justice of the Peace Court, from Assistant Court Clerk to Court Clerk, Certified Criminal Court Clerk, Lead Court Clerk, and now Youth Diversion Coordinator. These positions have allowed me to work closely with four Justices of the Peace, giving me a deep understanding of judicial procedures, court operations, and administrative management.
My experience with the Constable’s Office further broadened my perspective on public safety and civil process functions under the leadership of two elected Constables. In addition to hands-on experience, I have completed over 120 hours of specialized training through the Texas Justice Court Training Center, the statewide authority for certification and education across all 254 counties and have pursued advanced training through the National Center for State Courts.
This combination of practical experience and formal training has prepared me to lead an efficient, accessible, and fair court. My approach is simple, maintain operational excellence, ensure compliance with state laws, and foster community trust through transparency and professionalism.
3. 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 believe justice should serve two essential purposes: accountability and rehabilitation.
Justice should not only correct bad choices, but it should create opportunities for positive change while maintaining public safety and trust. This approach is especially important in the Justice of the Peace Court, which handles Class C misdemeanor cases such as traffic violations, assault by contact, and assault by threats. These cases often involve individuals who made poor decisions but are not a threat to society.
In addition, we preside over administrative hearings like driver license revocations, dangerous dog determinations, and cases involving cruelly treated animals. These are matters that require fairness, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility. My goal is to balance these priorities by applying fair and proportional consequences while incorporating programs that encourage personal growth and responsibility if necessary. This includes options such as community service, educational courses, and diversion programs that address underlying issues and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
By doing so, we uphold the law, respect victims’ rights, and give individuals a chance to become productive members of society. Ultimately, I believe the Justice of the Peace should lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to building a safer, stronger community for everyone.
4. Why did you decide to seek this office? And why did you decide to run under the party affiliation that you chose?
I decided to seek this office because I am ready to lead with experience, integrity, and a proven record of service to our community. For the past 14 years, I have proudly served Bexar County, working within both the Justice of the Peace Court and the Constable’s Office. These roles have given me invaluable firsthand knowledge of judicial procedures, court operations, and the unique needs of the people we serve every day. This experience has prepared me to ensure that the court operates efficiently, fairly, and with the highest standards of professionalism.
My vision is to maintain a Justice of the Peace Court that is accessible, transparent, and responsive to the community. I believe that justice should never be out of reach for anyone, and I am committed to fostering trust and accountability in every decision. I chose to run as a Democrat because I believe in policies and principles that help people move forward, not fall behind. For me, this means advocating for fairness, equality, and opportunity for all. It reflects my commitment to serving every individual with respect and dignity. I want to be a voice for progress and ensure that our justice system works for everyone.
5. How would you (or how do you, if already elected) solicit input and feedback from residents in your precinct?
To ensure residents in Precinct 1 have a strong and meaningful voice, I will actively engage with the community through multiple channels. One of my top priorities will be attending neighborhood association and HOA meetings on a regular basis. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to hear concerns firsthand, understand local priorities, and collaborate on solutions that truly reflect the needs of our community.
By being present and accessible, I can build trust and maintain an open dialogue. In addition to community outreach, I will maintain an open-door policy at the Justice of the Peace Court. I want every resident to feel welcome and empowered to share feedback, suggestions, or concerns about court operations. This approach promotes transparency, accountability, and trust between the court and the people it serves. By combining proactive outreach with accessibility, I will ensure that community input is valued, respected, and acted upon.
