Note: Candidates are in ballot order. Frank Gutierrez did not respond to our questions. The winner will face either Marina Garcia or Ronnie Vasquez in November’s general election.

Mary Hernandez

What are your three priorities and if elected, what will you do about them?

1) Fairness,  2) accessibility and 3) consistency. 
Fairness is accomplished by following the law and applying it without showing favoritism. A justice of the peace should not be overstepping his or her authority by taking more authority than he or she has.

Restructuring of the JP3 office is necessary to accomplish accessibility and consistency. This includes but is not limited to:

A). Establishing a more efficient process that includes online access to documents to begin the filing process. Fee amounts should be consistent and posted.

B). Encouraging communication within the office. Ensure that everyone is aware of and following internal procedures through weekly meetings.

C). Having an open-door policy.

D). While following guidelines within the law, by scheduling necessary hearings in a timely manner. Prioritizing the duties of a justice of the peace is a must and it starts by understanding what defines a public servant. Performing ceremonies that bring in extra income for the JP should not take precedence over duties. 

E). Getting rid of the door with the speakeasy window in it!

What do you wish the public knew about justices of the peace?

A justice of the peace does not have to be a lawyer. The justice of the peace (including the office) cannot give legal advice.  

How will new eviction procedures from the Texas Supreme Court impact local tenants and landlords?

They should help make the eviction process more expedient and more efficient with JP courts required to respond to filings faster and in cases where there are no disputes about the facts of the case the courts may rule in favor of the landlord without a trial.

Outside the office you are seeking, what are the ways you have participated in the community, for example: boards, volunteer positions, or other offices you previously held?

For 25 years I served as a law enforcement officer for the City of Lubbock, retiring in 2014. For several of those years I participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising money for Special Olympics. While my daughter was in elementary school I coached and helped coach her Little Dribbler Team. Presently I’m a member of Kiwanis, a service club. Through Kiwanis I have volunteered at Meals on Wheels, the South Plains Food Bank, Adopt a Highway, the Boys and Girls Ranch back-to-school shopping spree. The Kiwanis Club also puts U.S. flags out for national holidays.

Traci Baxa

What are your three priorities and if elected, what will you do about them?

First, I am committed to improving the efficiency of court hearings. The legal deadline should be the maximum allowed — not the standard operating timeline. When cases are unnecessarily delayed, it affects families, landlords, tenants, neighborhoods and the broader community. This court should function in a timely, organized manner that respects everyone’s time and upholds the purpose of the law.

Second, I will work to ensure the timely removal of squatters. Property owners deserve a fair and predictable process and the law must be applied consistently. Clear procedures and prompt action help protect property rights while ensuring due process is followed correctly and responsibly.

Finally, I will bring integrity and transparency to this office. The Justice of the Peace serves the public and the public deserves confidence in how decisions are made. That means communication, ethical leadership and accountability in every aspect of the role. Trust in the court system is built through openness, fairness and professionalism.

These priorities are not just goals — they are commitments to improving how this office serves the community.

The Justice of the Peace court hears contract disputes and truancy cases. With many years of experience in both business and teaching, I have a strong understanding of contracts and understand the long-term impact when children are not properly educated. This background has given me a deep respect for the seriousness of these cases and a genuine passion for addressing them thoughtfully. My experience uniquely equips me to recognize the nuances of each case, ask the right questions and ensure matters before the court are handled fairly, thoroughly and with care for all parties involved.

What do you wish the public knew about justices of the peace?

The Justice of the Peace courts have an immense impact on the community. These courtrooms handle civil matters and the decisions made there directly affect everyday life whether in squatter situations, eviction cases, or small claims disputes. Each ruling creates a ripple effect that reaches families, property owners, neighborhoods and local businesses. When the court operates with consistency and efficiency, it strengthens trust and stability throughout the community. A well-run JP court doesn’t just resolve cases. It helps the entire community function more fairly and effectively.

How will new eviction procedures from the Texas Supreme Court impact local tenants and landlords?

There are many aspects of SB38 that I am excited about, including electronic notifications to help ensure tenants are fully informed and the option for remote hearings for those who may have difficulty traveling downtown. This improves access to the court system while maintaining due process. I am also encouraged by the expedited process for removing squatters, which provides a clearer, more efficient path for property owners and/or rightful tenants while preserving fairness under the law. It also gives local police the ability to remove squatters which I know has been a long-standing frustration as their hands were tied.

Outside the office you are seeking, what are the ways you have participated in the community, for example: boards, volunteer positions, or other offices you previously held?

I have served on several boards focused on children and education and have volunteered in many capacities to help children engage with their community through service projects. I have also assisted in organizing various civic and political initiatives, including the Sanctuary City for the Unborn ordinance. I am a founding member of West Texas for Life and continue to serve on its board today. Through these roles, I have remained committed to strengthening families, supporting education and serving our community with purpose and integrity.

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