The 120th District Court in El Paso handles significant felony criminal cases and various civil matters, including contract disputes, property issues, and other complex civil lawsuits. District court judges serve four-year terms and are paid a starting salary of $193,000 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Chris Anchondo
Chris Anchondo, 44, is an attorney.
Leonard “Lenny” Morales
Leonard “Lenny” Morales, did not respond.
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?
Chris Anchondo: There are a number of variables needed to be a good, effective, and fair judge. Experience, temperance, and a healthy dose of humility are a few of those variables. I feel I bring all of these qualities to the bench. I have 18 years worth of jury trial experience, where I have handled cases ranging from murder to Class C traffic tickets on the criminal side and multimillion dollar lawsuits on the civil side.
Leonard “Lenny” Morales: Did not respond.
What would be your top priority if you are elected to this position and how would you ensure your goal is met?
Chris Anchondo: A top priority is making sure taxpayer dollars are not wasted. Running an efficient docket is one way to achieve this goal, but another way is to show up to work and be prepared to work hard. I will be a judge who is always at work ready to move cases and save the taxpayer money.
Leonard “Lenny” Morales: Did not respond.
As an attorney, how many cases have you tried in court?
Chris Anchondo: I have tried over 100 cases to a jury or judge in criminal, civil, family and probate court.
Leonard “Lenny” Morales: Did not respond.
How would you manage your docket efficiently while also respecting the rights of parties in your courtroom?
Chris Anchondo: On the criminal side, most cases are resolved without a trial. It is important to have hearings scheduled often enough to allow attorneys for the state and defense to meet and resolve the case quickly. This can be achieved by having a set list of dates scheduled close together with a trial date set. Regarding civil cases, a scheduling order will be worked out with the court and the lawyers where all pre-trial work will have a deadline, and dates can be agreed upon for Motion’s hearings and trial. Civil scheduling orders may be more rigid, but it’s important to be flexible in these cases, too.
Leonard “Lenny” Morales: Did not respond.
Why are you running as a Democrat and what beliefs and values do you hold that are key to serving as a judge?
Chris Anchondo: I am lifelong Democrat and have voted in every Democratic primary and general election since I turned 18, and I have voted Democrat in all elections. I feel a judge does not only need to be knowledgeable, but also compassionate, and show temperance. Decisions I make will have an impact on someone’s life, and that is not something that should be taken lightly. Because that thought is always in my mind, I feel decisions I make will be done intelligently and thoughtfully.
Leonard “Lenny” Morales: Did not respond.
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