Chapa, age 44, received her law degree from St. Mary’s University and currently presides over a criminal district court in Bexar County. She practiced law for 15 years in the areas of criminal, personal injury, real estate, business law, civil litigation and family law. Her hobbies include dancing, fishing and painting.
It’s an open race for Place 3 this year after Judge Patricia Alvarez (D) retired before the end of her term. The seat is currently held by Judge Lori Massey Brissette (R), who was appointed to the fill the vacancy by Gov. Greg Abbott, but is running for Place 4 this year. Chapa is up against Republican Todd McCray.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is Cynthia Marie Chapa, and I am currently your Judge for the 288th District Court. I am 44 years old and live in Bexar County (San Antonio). I have a long history of community involvement, from organizing book drives, school supply and backpack give always, health and job fairs while working for the State of Texas. I continue to volunteer and donate to the community every year. For example, I co-sponsor multiple Thanksgiving turkey give always, Christmas toy drives, back to school backpack and supply drives, and even have a library in my court office where parents can bring their children to get free books to take home.
Describe your educational background.
I graduated Cum Laude from St. Mary’s University in 2002 with a B.A. in Political Science. I received the St. Mary’s Presidential Award in 2002 for exemplifying leadership ideals in both scholarship and service to the community. I continued my education at St. Mary’s University’s School of Law where I obtained my law degree in 2006. I earned a pro-bono certificate for clinical work at the Center for Legal and Social Justice Center while doing a clinical in immigration handling Violence Against Women Act cases. As a student attorney, I represented clients before the Immigration Court and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. I received the Leos Award for Excellence in Clinical Work in 2006.
Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and
noteworthy accomplishments.
I have worked for the city as a council aide in District 3 then in 2003 I was hired as the District Director for State House District 125. I remained with the state for 14 years. During that time I worked on state issues, helping parents collect child support from absent parents; attended neighborhood meetings, worked one on one with individual concerns varying from worker’s compensation, SAHA, to organizing book drives to raise thousands of books for local schools, arranging clothing drives to benefit the San Antonio Children’s Shelter, SAM Shelter and various other shelter’s across San Antonio; and helping neighbors come together to have a voice in local and state government. I also had the opportunity to draft and pass legislation for families which included helping pass legislation that created the Ombudsman for the Department Family and Protective Services.
After passing the bar in 2007, I opened up my own law office where I had a general law practice. I practiced immigration, criminal law, and family law. I ran my office until being elected as Judge of the 288th District Court in November 2018.
Honors/Awards: St. Mary’s HLAA Sister Grace Wallace Mentor of the Year Award 2022, Trinity University Police Department’s Award of Honor 2019, Light of Hope Award for Compassion and Commitment to Service of Families 2014
Why are you seeking this office and why did you decide to be a candidate in the
political party you chose?
I believe I would bring a diverse and unmatched experience to the position; I have worked at the state and had the opportunity to draft and pass legislation, have stayed involved in the community, and I bring my experiences as a lawyer and a District Court Judge.
My background and work experience make me uniquely qualified for this position. I believe that it is important to have judges with the right temperament, character and work ethic. A judge that will follow the law who is fair and balanced. I have a proven record of being a dedicated public servant, and exemplary and passionate jurist who believes in equal access and fairness for all.
Read more
Shut out of the courthouse in blue Bexar County, Republicans instead target Fourth Court of Appeals
7 Bexar County races we’re watching on the Nov. 5 ballot
Democratic judicial candidates turn their fire on each other
