Velia Meza is an El Paso native who started her career working in finance in New York City. She received her law degree from St. Mary’s University and served as a judge in the 226th Criminal District Court before challenging a fellow Democrat to win a seat on the Fourth Court of Appeals in 2024. She’s now running for a promotion to the court’s chief justice position.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a woman of faith, a wife, a mother, a former attorney, a former district court judge, and now an Appellate Justice. Each of these roles has shaped the way I serve, lead, and approach the law. My career began in the courtroom as an advocate, where I spent years representing individuals and standing beside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
I later served as a district court judge, presiding over complex and highstakes criminal matters with a commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect for every person who entered the courtroom. Today, as an Appellate Justice, I continue that work by applying the law thoughtfully and consistently, always mindful of the impact judicial decisions have on families, communities, and the public’s trust in our institutions.
Across every stage of my career, my passion has remained constant: upholding the rule of law, ensuring openness in government, and strengthening the courts that safeguard our communities. I believe deeply in transparency and accountability, and I work every day to support a justice system that reflects those values. My faith and family keep me grounded, and my commitment to justice guides every decision I make. I am 53.
2. Describe your educational background.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Economics from Columbia University and a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. I am a licensed Texas attorney, authorized by the Texas Supreme Court to practice in all state courts, and admitted to the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. I am also one of the inaugural 19 judges statewide to earn Board Certification in Judicial Administration from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
For the past year, I have served as a Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals, authoring 120 opinions—an output consistent with appellate justices statewide. A significant accomplishment during this time was authoring an original, final opinion in a case arising from the Robb Elementary tragedy in Uvalde. The decision addressed an issue of first impression under the Texas Public Information Act and strengthened government transparency by ordering the release of records sought by the press.
Before joining the appellate court, I presided over the 226th Criminal District Court for six years, where I disposed of thousands of felony cases, maintained a strong judicial record, and oversaw numerous highprofile criminal matters. I also completed nearly 100 criminal jury trials to verdict. Prior to taking the bench, I spent seventeen years as the managing partner of my law firm, representing individuals accused of crimes and traveling throughout Texas to advocate for clients in courts across the state.
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?
Balancing the public’s desire for restitution with the need to provide a productive path forward begins with recognizing the humanity of every person who enters the courtroom. During my time as a criminal district court judge, I saw individuals from every walk of life—professionals with no criminal history, people struggling with addiction, and career offenders who had cycled through the system for years. My approach was always to gather all the information necessary to structure a path toward success while also giving individuals a meaningful opportunity to reset and move forward.
I witnessed firsthand how untreated mental health issues and long‑ignored needs often drove people back into the criminal justice system. Addressing those underlying issues is essential to protecting the public and reducing recidivism. Judges are entrusted with discretion, and when that discretion is exercised thoughtfully and for the good of the community, it creates space for accountability, rehabilitation, and long‑term success. When people are given the right tools, support, and expectations, they are far more likely to succeed in whatever program or structure the court puts in place
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 the role of Chief Justice because, after serving on this Court for more than a year, I’ve seen how essential it is for the Chief Justice to come from within the Court itself. When it became clear that the more senior justices would not pursue the position, I stepped forward out of commitment to the institution. I want to support the progress we have already made and ensure continuity in the Court’s work. Leading the Court requires firsthand experience with its daily operations; simply observing the Court from the outside is not enough. It would be like asking my 13 year old to drive my car — he has seen it, he knows what it does, but he does not yet know how to operate it.
My decision to run as a Democrat throughout my political career reflects the values that have shaped me since growing up in a border community. El Paso taught me the importance of caring for people first. As I grew older and deepened my faith, I aligned with the party whose values most closely matched that belief that everyone should have an opportunity to thrive.
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