Criminal District Judge, 486th Judicial District (Unexpired Term)
Unexpired term. Republican Judge Aaron Burdette resigned after the March primaries. Gov. Abbott appointed Vanessa Velasquez on July 13, 2026. Democratic precinct chairs nominated Katie Wilson in June 2026; the Republican nominee was selected by Republican precinct chairs (selection details not located). Incumbency per the Harris County bench book directory unless noted. A 2026 Houston Bar Association judicial preference poll result was not located during this research; barPoll results are left blank rather than estimated.Candidates listed. Last researched Oct 20, 2026Report a correction
RepublicanIncumbent
Democratic
Candidates listed. Positions for this contest have not been researched yet.
Sources for this contest (6)
- Sample Ballot, November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections (composite, all ballot styles), Harris County Elections (harrisvotes.com). Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
- Texas Harris County Bench Book 2027, Table of Contents, ALM / Law.com. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
- Cumulative Results, Democratic Primary, March 3, 2026, Harris County Elections. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
- Cumulative Results, Republican Primary, March 3, 2026, Harris County Elections. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
- Governor Abbott Appoints Velasquez To 486th Judicial District Court In Harris County, Office of the Texas Governor. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
- Judicial nominees selected, Off the Kuff. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.