Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

District Judge 298th Judicial District

Civil cases heard by District Courts include personal injury and property damage suits, landlord-tenant matters, election contests, contractual and other business disputes. Must be a US citizen and Texas resident between 25 and 74 years old, a practicing lawyer or judge or both combined for at least 4 years (per 2021 constitutional amendment this requirement changes to 8 years for terms beginning after 1/1/25), and have lived in Dallas County for at least 2 years. 4 year term.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Ashley Smith
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Tracie Shelby
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

ETHICS: How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?

EQUITY: What can be done to improve access to justice for all, including persons or groups who may be underserved?

ISSUES: What do you see as the most pressing challenge facing the courts today, and how would you propose addressing it?

PHILOSOPHY: What is your judicial philosophy?

Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation Attorney
Education Thurgood Marshall School of Law, J.D.; Georgetown, LL.M., and Dartmouth College (Tuck), MBA
Campaign Phone 214-741-6300
Campaign Email tshelby@tshelbylaw.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @shelbyforjudge
Note: Instagram: tracieshelbyforjudge
I am uniquely qualified by my education, experience, and breadth of professional background. I hold a Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, a Master of Laws in Securities and Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center, and an MBA in Finance and Real Estate from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. I bring 26 years of civil legal experience, including service as a federal judicial law clerk, along with substantial experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate private equity, equipping me to lead a complex civil court with independence, sound.
I will ensure my rulings remain impartial by deciding every case based solely on the law, the facts, and judicial precedent—never politics or donors. My campaign is a true grassroots effort, funded primarily by individual voters and by me, which preserves my independence. Unlike my opponent who will spend over $300,000 against me, I will not owe favors to law firms or political officials who may appear before the court. I will follow all judicial ethics rules, recuse when required, and issue clear, well-reasoned decisions so every litigant knows justice is applied fairly and without influence.
Access to justice can be improved by making courts more understandable, accessible, and inclusive. This includes providing Pro-se education, court-funded interpreters, and clear information about court procedures. Courts must remove language and financial barriers, ensure due process, and engage in community outreach so people know their rights and that the courts are open to them regardless of education, income, or immigration status. By improving efficiency, transparency, and education, courts can better serve underserved communities and restore public trust in the justice system.
The most pressing challenge facing the courts today is the loss of public trust caused by delays, lack of access, political influence, and doubts about judicial independence. I would address this by enforcing the rule of law consistently, protecting due process, and expanding access to justice. Through efficient docket management, timely rulings, pro se education, and court-funded interpreters, I will ensure the courts are fair, accessible, and independent. I am bringing fairness & justice to you. Restoring trust requires a judiciary that is strong, transparent, & worthy of public confidence.
My judicial philosophy is grounded in fairness, independence, and strict adherence to the rule of law. I believe judges must decide cases based solely on the facts, the law, and binding precedent—free from political pressure, outside influence, and donor influence. Courts must protect due process, remain independent, enforce their orders, and ensure equal access to justice for all. A strong judiciary is one that is independent, impartial, efficient, and accessible, and that treats every litigant with dignity and respect while maintaining public trust in the legal system.