I am the only candidate with direct experience as District Clerk, serving two terms (2011–2019). I led the nation’s third-largest court system, pioneered mandatory e-filing, and transitioned over 90 courts to paperless operations—saving taxpayers millions while speeding justice. As a mechanical engineer (UT Austin) and attorney (South Texas College of Law), I combine technical and legal expertise. I managed a 500-employee office supporting dozens of courts, launched passport services, trained the legal community, and kept operations running through hiring freezes without layoffs. My record of fiscal responsibility, innovation, integrity, and public service as a husband, father, and former Lone Star College trustee uniquely qualifies me.
Building directly on the paperless conversion and e-filing systems I implemented, I will enhance the online portal with a streamlined user interface and simpler registration, expand free digital access to records, and add server capacity for reliable performance. For self-represented litigants, I will deploy icon-based kiosks with fillable forms and drag-and-drop filing so people can navigate the process without an attorney. These tools can expand through inter-local agreements. I will also optimize case intake, record retrieval, warrants, and subpoenas. My engineering background and prior leadership of this office ensure practical, cost-effective technology that actually works for the public and the courts.
Having managed juror summons and selection for the entire Harris County system, I will modernize notification and reminder systems, expand outreach to increase participation and diversity of the jury pool, and advocate for practical supports such as child care assistance for jurors. These steps improve appearance rates—especially for working parents and families—making service more equitable for all residents. Streamlined processes will reduce no-shows and delays so courts have the jurors needed for timely trials. Every Harris County resident called to serve deserves respectful, efficient administration grounded in real experience running this function.
I will work as a true partner with judges and court administrators, drawing on eight years leading the office that supports their daily work. By optimizing e-filing, improving case intake and record access, streamlining warrants and subpoenas, and strengthening jury services, I will remove the administrative bottlenecks that delay cases. Regular communication and feedback loops will ensure the District Clerk’s Office proactively meets the courts’ needs. My earlier success converting courts to paperless operations showed how clerk-side improvements accelerate justice across the system. My proven track record of working with all judges shows we can restore timely resolution for Harris County courts and the public we serve.
I bring over 20 years of legal experience, including eight years serving as a judge, where I managed complex cases, interpreted the law impartially, and made decisions with integrity and fairness. I currently serve as a Major in the Texas Army National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was recently selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. My military service includes deployments to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and joint training missions in Egypt, where I advised commanders on legal matters, supported military operations, and led under demanding conditions. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, sound judgment, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
My priority is to make the District Clerk’s Office more accessible and user-friendly. On day one, I will direct staff to review every public form and webpage to simplify instructions and reduce unnecessary legal jargon so self-represented litigants can navigate the system more easily. I will partner with Houston’s law schools to establish legal clinics where supervised third-year law students can assist pro se litigants with preparing and filing documents. I will also expand community outreach through workshops and educational programs that teach residents how to access court records, use e-filing services, and understand the resources available through the District Clerk’s Office. Technology should remove barriers, not create them.
Jury service is one of the most important civic duties, and jurors deserve to be treated with respect. I will implement real time, two-way communication so jurors receive timely updates about reporting times, delays, and whether they are still needed, reducing unnecessary trips and wait times. I will work with the courts to improve juror utilization so fewer people are summoned only to be sent home without serving. I will also advocate for policies that address the financial barriers to jury service and continue modernizing the jury process to make it more efficient, transparent, and respectful of every Harris County resident’s time.
The District Clerk’s Office exists to support the courts, not slow them down. Building strong relationships with judges, court administrators, attorneys, and court staff is essential to understanding their needs and delivering reliable service. I will establish regular meetings with our stakeholders to identify challenges, improve workflows, and ensure our technology and processes support efficient case management. My goal is to make the District Clerk’s Office a responsive, customer focused partner that consistently provides accurate, timely service so court dockets move efficiently and the administration of justice is never delayed because of our office.
