Marisa Flores, 44, has a degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and has was first elected as a judge in the 224th District Court in 2022. She previously worked in private practice, with 13 years of experience in civil litigation, international child custody and immigration law. Flores faces one Democratic primary challenger in her bid for a second term.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Judge Marisa Flores, currently the Presiding Judge of the 224th Civil District Court in Bexar County. I have lived in San Antonio for nearly 19 years since returning from law school and am deeply rooted in this community. For more than fifteen years, my professional and personal life has been dedicated to serving the people of Bexar County with fairness, integrity, and compassion. Prior to taking the bench, I worked closely with individuals, families, and small business owners during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
A significant portion of my career was devoted to public service, including leading legal services for survivors of domestic and family violence. That experience shaped my understanding of how the justice system affects real people and reinforced my belief that courts must be places of dignity and respect. Outside the courtroom, I have remained committed to community service, serving on boards including the American Red Cross, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Catholic Charities’ Legal Services Committee. My approach on the bench reflects a commitment to listening carefully and applying the law fairly and thoughtfully.
2. Describe your educational background.
I earned my Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law, where I gained rigorous training in legal analysis, advocacy, and ethics that prepared me for a career advocating for individuals, families, and small businesses in Texas courts. Prior to law school, I completed my undergraduate studies (BA) at St. Mary’s University.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
I bring more than fifteen years of legal experience to the bench. Before becoming a judge, I practiced civil litigation, family law, and immigration law, representing individuals, families, and small businesses in both state and federal courts. My work included complex matters requiring careful judgment, legal precision, and an understanding of how the law intersects with people’s lives.
I am admitted to practice in Texas, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
I also founded and operated my own law firm which gave me firsthand experience as a small business owner and a practical understanding of the challenges faced by Texans. One of the most meaningful chapters of my career was leading legal services for survivors of domestic and family violence, where I handled protective orders, custody matters, and safety planning.
As Presiding Judge of the 224th Civil District Court, I am proud to be known for running a fair, efficient courtroom where everyone is treated with respect.
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 a Civil District Court Judge, I do not preside over criminal cases or impose criminal punishment. Civil courts focus on resolving disputes between parties by applying the law fairly and determining appropriate remedies, including restitution, when warranted.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
I am seeking re-election to continue providing steady, experienced, and fair leadership on the bench. As Judge of the 224th, my focus has always been on ensuring that every case is handled efficiently, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Continuity and experience matter in the judiciary, particularly in a busy civil court that serves many people each year. My decision to run in a partisan election reflects the structure of Texas judicial elections, not a commitment to partisan decision-making.
Once on the bench, a judge’s responsibility is to the Constitution, the law, and the people who come before the court, not to any political party. I take that responsibility seriously and approach every case without bias, applying the law fairly and consistently. Voters deserve a judge who brings experience, sound judgment, and respect for the rule of law to the courtroom. I am running to continue serving Bexar County with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to equal justice to ensure that every person who enters my courtroom is treated with dignity and fairness.
