JUDGE HECTOR GARZA'S BACKGROUND
Judge Hector Garza presides over the 195th District Court of Texas, a felony court with jurisdiction in Dallas County. He was first elected to this bench in 2016 as the Democratic nominee, and he is seeking re-election in 2026.
Additionally, since 2018 Judge Garza has presided over DIVERT Court – a pre-trial adult drug court, where he has helped hundreds of individuals overcome substance and alcohol use disorders and maintain sobriety. Those individuals get their felony cases dismissed and their cases are eligible for expunctions. Under his leadership, DIVERT Court was named the 2023 Outstanding Specialty Court Team by the Texas Association of Specialty Courts.
Judge Garza has extensive legal and judicial experience, and is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Judge Garza is being honored in 2026 as a “Distinguished Alumni” of the law school – the highest award the law school gives to its alumni. Before his service on the 195th, Judge Garza worked as a defense attorney and assistant district attorney.
Judge Garza was voted by his colleagues in the state to be the President-Elect of the Texas Association of District Judges in September 2023. He has served as board member of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts, and non-profit organizations like Miles of Freedom and A Steady Hand. Judge Garza continues to serve the future leaders of this state and country by being a regular speaker at local schools, universities, and law schools.
Judge Garza is a native of Dallas County and a graduate of Duncanville High School and the University of Texas at Arlington. Judge Garza and his spouse are raising two children in Dallas and are very active in community service. Judge Garza is a lifelong Democrat who volunteered with numerous campaigns and the party before successfully running for public office.
