The County Criminal Courts at Law are criminal misdemeanor courts that handle cases involving DWI, family violence, bond forfeitures, burglaries and prostitution. Judges serve four-year terms and are paid a starting salary of $192,000 a year.

Who’s running for this seat?

Marcos Lizarraga

Marcos Lizarraga, 69, is judge of the 168th District Court.

Jeff Rago

Jeff Rago, did not respond.

Eunice Reyes

Eunice Reyes, 38, is an attorney and former municipal court judge

Candidate Questionnaires

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been edited to fit the word count and for grammar.

Why are you the best candidate in the race?

Marcos Lizarraga: Judicial experience;  board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Jeff Rago: Did not respond.

Eunice Reyes: Because one’s experience, integrity and fairness matters. As a solo practitioner for more than 12 years, I understand that both victims and defendants need and deserve justice. My daily experiences and interactions with governmental agencies, court personnel, and law enforcement agencies have taught me that it is the hard work of all those involved in our legal system that keep the wheels of justice turning. From the intake officers at the police station to the lawyers for the state of Texas and the defense, each person plays an important and distinct role. As a Municipal and Jail Magistrate judge I have learned the skills necessary to be an effective and firm leader..

What would be your top priority if you are elected to this position and how would you ensure your goal is met?

Marcos Lizarraga: Continue to competently handle criminal cases, in a fair manner.

Jeff Rago: Did not respond.

Eunice Reyes: My top priority if elected would be to make sure that all people have equal access to fair and swift justice. As stated in the Judicial Code of Conduct, a judge must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to enhance and maintain confidence in our legal system. I will personally ensure that I always maintain and enforce the high standards of conduct for a Judge. This is essential because by doing so I will ensure the integrity and independence of the judiciary is preserved for the people of El Paso now and years to come.

As an attorney, how many cases have you tried in court?

Marcos Lizarraga: As an attorney, more than 40 jury trials.

Jeff Rago: Did not respond.

Eunice Reyes: As an attorney I have handled more than 2,200 civil and criminal cases, having tried both jury trials and bench trials. I have tried cases in district, county, justice of the peace and municipal courts.

How would you manage your docket efficiently while also respecting the rights of parties in your courtroom?

Marcos Lizarraga: By following the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. 

Jeff Rago: Did not respond.

Eunice Reyes: I’ll work to ensure that cases are moving forward with firm case management and fairness. The court’s structure and the court’s rules must be clear to everyone. I plan to balance in-person and Zoom hearing because it is important that everyone knows the status of the cases and the importance of what is at stake- justice and freedom. Everyone from the state of Texas, the victims, law enforcement agencies, defendants, to the court’s staff, must understand and know that it is important that we all be on the same page and work towards the same common goals while seeking justice and liberty for all.

Why are you running as a Democrat and what beliefs and values do you hold that are key to serving as a judge?

Marcos Lizarraga: I’m running as a Democrat because, like my family before me, I have been a Democrat all my life. I am under oath to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Texas;  I am bound by: the Texas Oath of Judicial Conduct;  the lawyer’s creed; and the special code of ethics for lawyers that are board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. 

Jeff Rago: Did not respond.

Eunice Reyes: I am running as a Democrat because the Democratic party respects and upholds the rule of law. The Democratic party and I both value the independence of the judiciary and the importance of the rule of law. As a judge it is imperative to be fair, compassionate, transparent, and flexible.  I believe that I have the integrity, respect and knowledge of the law to be a Judge that the people of El Paso deserve and want.

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