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Judge, County Civil Courts at Law, No. 1

Presides over original and appellate county civil cases; exclusive jurisdiction over eminent domain proceedings. Decides title issues on real/personal property. Hears suits to recover damages for slander/defamation of character; enforcement of liens on real property valued at $200 or more; corporate charter forfeitures; and recovery of real property. 4-year term.

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    Sonia Lopez
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

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

Issues: What are the two (2) most pressing issues that you will face in the office that you seek? Describe your "specific" plans/ideas for addressing these issues.

Campaign Website http://www.soniaforjudge.com
Campaign Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/sonia4judge
Education University of Texas at Austin, BS, BA with special honors; South Texas College of Law
Public Email judgeslopez@gmail.com
Occupation Associate Judge
I have over a decade of legal experience representing both plaintiff and defendants in civil matters. Throughout my legal career I have served as the in-house counsel for the Houston Federation of Teachers and most recently as the Associate General Counsel for the Lone Star College System District. These roles require ongoing engagement with matters that mirror the type of issues brought before this court. I regularly analyze complex legal questions, asses risk, interpret statues and policies and guide institutional decision-makers through legally sensitive situations. These situations call for fairness, neutrality and sound legal judgment.

Through my work, I have developed the core skills essential to judicial service.
Evictions continue to be a pressing issue in County Civil Courts, especially given legislative changes taking effect January 1, 2026. We do not know how these changes will affect the eviction process. I will provide handouts on the updates for tenants and landlords.

Accessibility is another pressing issue in our Couty Civil Courts. Although great strides have been made to increase accessibility to our courts, our work is not done. My plan is to improve communication on the legal processes. This includes reviewing the language used in notices, letters, handouts and social media.