Tarrant CountyDistrict Court297th
Democrat
Felony judges decide how the county's most serious criminal cases are handled. Fred Howey, the Democratic candidate for the 297th District Court, comes from the other side of the courthouse: his career has been family law, meaning divorce and child custody.
Branch describes him as a family law attorney with more than 30 years of experience, recognized for "compassionate advocacy." He once served as an Army Reserve officer and has a law degree from Texas Wesleyan. This is his first run for public office. We could not find a campaign website or more about his background.
Judges aren't allowed to take sides on these values — it's against judicial ethics rules. The best clue to how a judge thinks is the party they run with.