Carlos Quezada, 44, is a former juvenile district court judge running for the Democratic nomination for Justice of the Peace in Bexar County’s Pct. 1. He previously worked as a state prosecutor in Laredo and served on the Harlandale ISD school board. Incumbent Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Sylvia Ruiz is not seeking reelection.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a Husband, father, and Attorney. My wife, Megan, and I built our home on the Southside, the heart of Precinct One. We are members of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and proud parents of two daughters, Sophia (6) and Ariela (1). Born and raised on the South Side of San Antonio, I graduated from Harlandale High, Palo Alto College, and earned my BA from St. Mary’s. I attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
I have practiced law for over 17 years, serving as both a felony and special prosecutor, with experience ranging from theft to murder cases. I have served on the Harlandale school board and as a District Court Judge, currently run a private law practice, and am honored to be appointed Municipal Judge for two municipalities, as well as a visiting judge for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, serving on an as-needed basis.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job, and how you would approach the role.
With 17 years of legal experience in Texas as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge, I have developed a broad understanding of the justice system. My career has involved handling cases ranging from theft to murder, both prosecuting and defending individuals facing serious charges.
Serving as a judge has further deepened my perspective on the complexities of the law and the importance of fairness. Justice of the Peace courts, often called “the people’s court,” are valued for their accessibility and efficiency, yet they also deal with challenging legal matters that often require skilled legal counsel.
As a visiting Judge, I regularly review and analyze motions submitted by attorneys, drawing on my legal education and extensive professional background to resolve issues effectively. The trust placed in me as a Judge is something I approach with humility, always striving to serve the community with integrity, fairness, and respect.
My commitment to justice and public service informs every decision I make, and I remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of equality and compassion within the legal system.
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?
It is essential to pursue every available avenue to restore victims of crime, ensuring they are made whole to the fullest extent possible. However, when considering restitution from a broader, public perspective, I believe that promoting the greater good requires a holistic approach to offender rehabilitation. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of providing offenders with meaningful opportunities to improve their circumstances.
Such opportunities may include participating in substance abuse treatment programs, engaging in educational initiatives, attending counseling sessions, and accessing the full range of city and county services dedicated to personal development and reintegration. In addition, offering support in areas such as housing assistance, bill payment assistance, and defensive driving classes can further empower offenders to rebuild their lives. By investing in these rehabilitative resources, we not only support offenders in transforming their lives but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of our community.
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 firmly believe that our community deserves only the most qualified individuals to serve on the bench—those who bring not only the highest levels of education and professional experience, but also unwavering integrity and a genuine desire to uphold the law with fairness and compassion.
Throughout my entire adult life, I have devoted myself to public service. Growing up on the South Side of the city, just a few miles from this very court, I witnessed firsthand the profound difference that dedicated and fair judges can make in our community. These experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to justice and a passion for serving others.
My decision to run as a Democrat is rooted in my belief that every person deserves to be treated equally and with respect, regardless of their socioeconomic background, the color of their skin, who they pray to, or who they love. I am committed to upholding these values both in and out of the courtroom, and to working tirelessly to ensure that justice is accessible and fair for all members of our community.
5. How would you (or how do you, if already elected) solicit input and feedback from residents in your precinct?
As an active member of precinct 1, I prioritize attending a variety of community meetings, including school board, homeowners association, Parent-Teacher Association, and other local events. My regular presence at these gatherings helps me stay connected with residents and provides a platform for open dialogue.
I encourage community members to share their perspectives and feedback, especially concerning the justice of the peace court and my other responsibilities. Listening to residents is extremely important to me, and I take every comment and suggestion seriously, using them to guide my decisions and improve my service. I am dedicated to maintaining transparency, building trust, and addressing the needs of our community in a respectful and professional way.
