1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
My name is Reece Rondon, and I am the Judge of the 234th District Court of Texas. I am running for re-election for that court.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 234th is a civil district court, or a civil trial court. The cases in this court are civil lawsuits, generally for money damages, e.g. personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, real estate disputes, insurance litigation and property damage cases.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I was appointed to the bench in 2003, and have been the judge of the 234th since 2005. I was re-elected to the 234th in 2006. In the almost seven years that I have been a judge, I have had a wonderful opportunity to serve this community via public office. This is important to me because this community has been so good to me. As the son of immigrants, I was nonetheless given the chance to make a name and career for myself in a city and state that rewards people for what they can do, not for whom they are. I seek another four year term so that I may continue to serve Harris County by running an efficient and impartial court.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I believe the citizens and litigants of Harris County deserve a judge who has the qualifications to be a judge, who has experience as a judge, and who knows how to be a judge. I also believe I am the most qualified candidate for judge, or I would not be running.
I am very qualified. I have judicial experience. And I do the job well.
Since becoming a judge, I have presided over more than 100 jury trials. My decisions are affirmed on the merits by the courts of appeals on a regular basis. In 2009, I was honored by the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court by being asked to sit on a Texas Court of Appeals to decide one appeal. In the last two Houston Bar Association Judicial Performance Polls, I have received 87{997ab4c1e65fa660c64e6dfea23d436a73c89d6254ad3ae72f887cf583448986} positive ratings, as well as 62{997ab4c1e65fa660c64e6dfea23d436a73c89d6254ad3ae72f887cf583448986} “Outstanding” ratings. In the 2010 Judicial Qualification Poll* conducted by the Houston Bar Association, I received a positive approval rating of over 86{997ab4c1e65fa660c64e6dfea23d436a73c89d6254ad3ae72f887cf583448986}. I have continued to enjoy strong support from the bar as well as Houston business and professional organizations.
Before I took the bench, I enjoyed a broad legal practice, working at both Andrews Kurth LLP in their litigation and corporate/securities sections, as well as the law department of Reliant Energy. I am a frequent speaker at continuing legal education conferences and have spoken for the American Bar Association, Texas State Bar Association and Houston Bar Association. Also, I have been an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center since 2008, where I teach Trial Advocacy/courtroom skills.
I attended the University of Houston, graduating with honors in both accounting and law. In my undergraduate years, I earned an academic scholarship in the Honors College. In law school, I was an editor of the Houston Law Review, graduating in the top fifteen percent of my class.
I’ve also been active in the community, serving on the Boards of Directors of Bo’s Place, Career and Recovery Resources, Inc., and the University of Houston Alumni Association where I am the Chairman. I am a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and serve on its Directions and Assistance Committee. In 2007, I was named one of the Five Outstanding Young Houstonians by the Houston Jaycees, and one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans by the Texas Jaycees. I am a first generation American and grew up in Southwest Houston. My wife, Andria, and I live in the Memorial Heights area and are active members of Second Baptist Church where I am also an associate deacon and volunteer with teenagers in the Junior High and High School Ministries.
*Not an endorsement by the HBA
5. Why is this race important?
In this race, the voters must decide if they want to keep a proven, qualified and effective judge on the bench. If I am re-elected, I will not have to learn the job or experience a learning curve, the 234th will not skip a beat.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I am a qualified, experienced, and conservative candidate. For all the reasons previously listed, I am the most qualified candidate in this race.
Website: JudgeRondon.com
Facebook: Judge Reece Rondon