(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to my readers. This year it’s mostly incumbents running for re-election, so it’s an opportunity to hear that talk about what they have accomplished. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. For more information about these and other Democratic candidates, including links to interviews and Q&As from the primary and runoff, see the Erik Manning spreadsheet.)
Judge Tanya Garrison
1. Who are you and in which court do you preside?
Tanya Garrison, Judge of the 157th Civil District Court.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
Civil cases in which parties are seeking equitable, declaratory, or monetary relief.
3. What have been your main accomplishments during your time on this bench?
Increased efficiency in calling cases to trial. Increased jury trials. Opening the Court for marriage equality. Began taking law school interns for the first time in the history of the Court. Named Trial Judge of the Year in 2021 by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists.
4. What do you hope to accomplish in your courtroom going forward?
More of the same. Increased educational opportunities for young lawyers and law students. Continued focus on continuing legal education for trial lawyers.
5. Why is this race important?
It is important to elect people to the trial courts who have experience in these courts as not only the judge but as practicing lawyers. Judges need to see the whole forest for the trees to effectively administer justice. Due process requires more than a since of fairness and equality. It requires knowing why the rules of procedure, rules of evidence, and rule of law exist so that they can be applied fairly and equally.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I’m a true believer in the jury system and that our civil courts are the best way to resolve disputes, and I know I will do a great job as a civil court judge. The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution is a crucial part of our democracy. The Third Branch of Government should be protected by judges that respect the importance of courtroom justice for all people.
I can best summarize the reasons I am running in three points: (1) passion for the work; (2) experience; and (3) perspective.
Passion. I truly love being a trial lawyer and working in the courtroom. I respect all parts of the process and believe that when the law is applied equally, the right result is possible. Being a Judge is my dream.
Experience. I have practiced civil trial law since I graduated law school in 2000 and have been a part of trial teams with over 20 commercial cases going to a full jury verdict. I am Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and have almost 45 appeals with my name on them. I am a member of various trial law associations, including the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. In 2011, I was named Outstanding Young Lawyer in Houston by the Houston Young Lawyers Association.
Perspective. I am someone who sincerely believes that the greatest part of our government is its people. The strength of our judiciary comes from the diversity of our people coming together to participate in our jury system. I am a lifelong Democrat who values all backgrounds and life experiences. I want to create a courtroom experience that welcomes everyone despite the fact that courtrooms and the controversies that are resolved there are intimidating and difficult. Everyone is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, and it is my goal to ensure that they get one.
As a lawyer who helped try a week-long case in her court over the last year (during an Omicron surge), I believe she’s just the type of judge Harris County needs. Smart, hard-working, and devoted to the rule of law. Her rulings during trial were thoughtful and balanced for both sides. She was considerate of the jury and took extra care to make the courtroom safe for all of them. She was respectful of both of the parties and their lawyers. She’s a model of how a good judge should handle the court and her office. I hope she is re-elected.
without comment on the race, I found her to be a good, competent judge. She did a great job with the case I had in front of her and ran a great docket for all those that appeared that day.