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DENTON - JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 6

https://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/trial-courts/ What is a Justice of the Peace? The justice of the peace presides over the justice court in cases involving misdemeanors, small civil disputes, landlord/tenant disputes and more. They also conduct inquests and may perform marriage ceremonies. County Justice of the Peace Qualifications A Justice of the Peace must meet the following qualifications at the time of appointment or election: U.S. Citizen Resident of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months Resident of the precinct for at least six consecutive months Registered to vote in the precinct At least 18 years of age Not have been finally convicted of a felony from which they have not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities Not have been determined by a court with probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote Candidates for this office generally must meet the above qualifications at the time of filing. For more information, Secretary of State Elections Division website. Legal source: Government Code, Section 27.005 Vernon's Ann. Texas Const. Art. 5, §18; V.T.C.A., Election Code §141.001

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  • Candidate picture

    SOPHIA ANWAR
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    MICHELLE BUTLER
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

1. QUALIFICATIONS: Since justices of the peace are not required to be attorneys, what are your most relevant qualifications to hold this office?

2. GROWTH: The county population is expected to continue to grow. What methods will you employ to handle the increasing caseload in order to ensure fair and timely case resolution?

3. OTHER ISSUES: What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the county Justice of the Peace courts, and how would you address them?

4. How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for partisan political campaigns?

Campaign Email info@anwarfortexas.com
Campaign Website http://anwarfortexas.com
Education B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin
Occupation SELF EMPLOYED
Whether serving as Chief of Staff in the Texas State Legislature or on nonprofit boards in Denton County, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and to solving complex problems. In those roles, I managed large staffs, worked with complicated legal and policy issues, and regularly helped people navigate difficult situations—experience that directly translates to running a busy Justice Court and handling a high-volume docket.

Texas Justice Courts are meant to be accessible forums where everyday citizens can resolve everyday disputes. While the law must be applied correctly and consistently, the role also requires careful listening, thoughtful evaluation of facts, and respect for every person who comes before the court. Although the office does not require a law degree, the duties of a Justice of the Peace demand sound judgment, fairness, and a commitment to due process.
Denton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, and our approach in the coming years needs to reflect that reality. If we want to preserve the efficiency of our Justice Courts, then we need to be thinking strategically. If elected, I will work to:

- Prioritize early disposition and alternative dispute resolution by encouraging early mediation and settlement tracks that can reduce lengthy dockets and improve satisfaction. - Introduce night court so that working families do not have to take off work to come to court, which would also open up additional docket space during the normal 9-5. - Enhance accessibility by ensuring forms, resources, and case information are easy to use, helping pro-se litigants better navigate the system. - Collaborate with JPs throughout the Metroplex to find best practices and avoid reinventing the wheel.
Access to Justice: Most people come to Justice Court without lawyers, which can put them at a disadvantage and slow the court. I will work with my Chief Clerk to provide clear guidance and partner with the Denton County Bar Association and legal aid organizations to connect parties with low- or no-cost representation.

Evictions: Precinct 6 already handles approximately one quarter of all evictions in Denton County, and recent changes to Texas law and the worsening economic climate may increase filings further, limiting tenants’ options. I will apply the new laws fairly, seeking strict compliance from landlords, while also connecting tenants to rental assistance and legal representation, similar to the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center.

Language & Cultural Barriers: As Denton County diversifies, I will ensure court services are linguistically and culturally accessible, from interpreters to respecting faith traditions, so all visitors feel welcome, heard, and respected.
In raising funds for my campaign, I have always led with my values. While fundraising is a necessary part of seeking elective office, as a sworn Justice of the Peace I am obligated to decide cases based solely on the law and the facts before me. I welcome contributions from those who support due process, the consistent application of the law, and innovative court administration—but I will not be influenced by donor interests, nor will my decisions reflect the material interests of any individual contributor.

I intend to adhere fully to all judicial conduct standards and ethical guidelines governing this office. The people of Denton County deserve a Justice of the Peace who respects the independence of the judiciary and applies the law without fear or favor.
Campaign Phone 4692302194
Education Collin College
Occupation STATE DIRECTOR
My qualifications for this office come from years of direct experience helping people navigate complex legal and bureaucratic systems, along with managing high stakes operations with fairness and accountability.

As a naturalized citizen, I have lived experience with the justice system and immigration law. Professionally, I have helped individuals and families connect with legal aid, understand their options, and prepare immigration related paperwork, including green card and naturalization applications. This work required accuracy, discretion, and respect for due process, and trained me to explain legal processes clearly to people who are often overwhelmed.

I have also managed teams, budgets, and compliance driven operations on national and statewide campaigns, including the Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris campaigns, as well as leadership roles with Run for Something and EMILY’s List. Together, this experience prepares me to manage JP court responsibilities.
As a resident of Precinct 6 for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how population growth has increased strain on local institutions, including our courts. As caseloads rise, it is critical that the Justice of the Peace court operates efficiently while remaining fair and accessible.

One method I would employ is expanding and modernizing court hours where possible, including early morning, evening, or limited weekend dockets. Many people who appear in JP court are hourly workers or caregivers and should not have to choose between coming to court and losing a paycheck. Flexible scheduling reduces failures to appear and default judgments and supports timely case resolution.

I would also focus on strong docket management and clear pre court communication, including plain language notices so parties understand what is required of them. Where legally permitted, I would support the responsible use of technology, such as remote hearings, to reduce delays while maintaining due process.
The most pressing issues for Justice of the Peace courts will be access, public trust, and operational strain.

Access is a major challenge. Many people appear in JP court without legal representation and may face language barriers, transportation issues, or work and caregiving responsibilities. I would address this by ensuring court communications are clear, use plain language, include language access resources where appropriate, and offer flexible scheduling. Courts function best when people understand the process and feel they are being treated fairly.

JP courts are often the public’s main point of contact with the justice system, so professionalism, consistency, and transparency are essential. Drawing on my experience managing complex operations, I would focus on efficient docket management, staff training, and responsible use of technology to reduce delays while protecting due process.
Impartiality is fundamental to the role of a Justice of the Peace. Campaigns are political, but the work of the court is not. Once elected, my responsibility is to apply the law fairly without regard to political support.

My background as a professional strategist reduces typical fundraising pressures. I run most campaign work in-house, not through consultants, so fundraising is about meeting basic campaign needs, not influence or access.

In my professional life, I have operated within strict ethical and procedural boundaries, managing regulated funds, compliance requirements, and high-stakes decisions. I bring that same discipline to the bench. Impartiality is a daily practice, reflected in transparency, consistency, and respect for every person who comes before the court.