Our judicial picks

We recommend the following candidates in primary races for state judges’ seats.

Adams in Republican primary for 1st Court of Appeals, Place 5

We recommend Terry Adams, 60, for his 30 years of a meaningful appellate law practice and solid reputation in the community for being an evenhanded, accomplished practitioner. He has been a primary lawyer on more than 200 appellate cases. Also running are Levi J. Benton, Chad Bridges and James Lombardino.

Singhal in Democratic primary for 1st Court of Appeals, Place 3

We recommend Dinesh Singhal, 52, who has tried more than 25 cases and handled 19 appeals. He is board certified in civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has a reputation for being intelligent and experienced. Also running are Veronica Rivas-Molloy and Jim Sharp.

Hootman in Democratic primary for 1st Court of Appeals, Place 5

We recommend Tim Hootman, 57, an experienced appellate lawyer who is known for having an atypical legal approach. A former staffer on this court of appeals, he has handled more than 350 appeals including arguing before the US Supreme Court. Also running is Amparo Monique Guerra.

Robinson in Democratic primary for chief of the 14th Court of Appeals

We recommend Jane Robinson, 46, who is board certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She has 20 years of experience in mostly complex litigation and appeals. She has a solid reputation and is a significant contributing editor to the O’Connor’s Texas civil court guide. Also running is Jim Evans.

Kronzer in Democratic primary for 14th Court of Appeals Place 7

We recommend Wally Kronzer, 65, who has extensive appellate court experience in state and federal courts. He is board certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is well regarded in the appellate community. Also running are Tamika “Tami” Craft, V.R. Faulkner, Dominic J. Merino, Cheri Thomas and Lennon C. Wright.

Weiman in Democratic primary for 80th Harris County District Court

We recommend incumbent Larry Weiman, 64, who has been on this bench since 2008. Though Weiman has been criticized for stressing docket speed over other issues, his reputation on the bench is that he has integrity and he has done reasonably well in bar polls. Also running is Jeralynn Christen Manor.

Harvey in the Democratic primary for the 164th Harris County District Court

We recommend Grant J. Harvey, 55, who is a highly regarded litigator who has participated in numerous trials and appeals. He has practiced law for 30 years including at one of the most respected boutique firms in Houston. Also running is incumbent Alexandra Smoots-Thomas, who was indicted in November on charges of wire fraud, and Cheryl Elliott Thornton.

Daic in the Democratic primary for the 165th Harris County District Court

We recommend Megan Daic, 34, for a court that needs a more efficient and decisive judge. Daic has varied civil experience, teaches as an adjunct at UH law school and has impressed colleagues as being capable of having the temperament to handle the bench. Also running are Jimmie L. Brown Jr.and incumbent Ursula A. Hall, whose inability to rule has led to numerous cases being stuck and a remarkable 65 .5 percent “needs improvement“rating on the bar poll.

Acklin in the Democratic primary for the 176th Harris County District Court

We recommend Bryan Acklin, 34, who is a former prosecutor and is now a criminal defense attorney. He has been called even-tempered and talented by colleagues on both sides of the criminal cases this currently under-performing court handles. Also running is incumbent Nikita “Niki” Harmon, who has been widely criticized for lack of experience and poor knowledge of the law that garnered her a 47 percent “needs improvement” rating on the bar poll.

Martinez in the Democratic primary for the 179th Harris County District Court

We recommend Ana Martinez, 39, who gained a sterling reputation as a human trafficking prosecutor before she became a defense attorney. She has two law degrees, one from her native Columbia. Practitioners think she will raise the standards in this court. Also running is incumbent Randy Roll, who is known for making inconsistent decisions, saying inappropriate things to lawyers and clients and who received a 43 percent “needs improvement” rating on the bar poll.

Moore in the Democratic primary for the 333th Harris County District Court

We recommend incumbent Daryl Moore, 58, who may be the most respected incumbent running in Harris County. He gets wildly high marks on bar polls and his reputation is that he is thoughtful, intelligent, with an evenhanded approach to the law and a great temperament. Also running is Brittanye Morris.

Kirkland in the Democratic primary for the 334th Harris County District Court

We recommend incumbent Steven Kirkland, 59, who has been on this bench since 2016 and served on another civil bench and a municipal bench before that. His reputation is that he is good judge with solid bar poll results, but that he occasionally gets impatient on the bench. Also running is Dawn Deshea Rogers.

Gaido in the Democratic primary for the 337th Harris County District Court

We recommend Colleen Gaido, 39, who is a respected former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney. She has handled more than 50 criminal trials and has a reputation for understanding the realities of all angles of a case. Also running are John A. Clark, Brennen Dunn, and David C. Vuong.

Bell in the Democratic primary for the 339th Harris County District Courts

We recommend Te’iva Bell, 39, who has served in the felony courts from three perspectives - as a prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney and a public defender. Her reputation in trial is superb though not all her opponents have liked going up against her, which can be a good thing. Also running are Dennis Powell, and Candace White.

Powell in the Democratic primary for the 351th Harris County District Court

We recommend incumbent George Powell, 54, who was elected to this bench in 2016. Lawyers who have practiced in his court say he is thoughtful, respectful and fair on the bench. He was a trial attorney for 15 years before taking the bench and fought a battle to get back on the ballot. Also running is Natalia “Nata” Cornelio.

Phillips in the Democratic primary for the 507th Harris County District Court

We recommend C.C. “Sonny” Phillips, 59, who has been practicing family law, and occasionally appellate law, for 34 years. Colleagues expect Phillips will bring fairness, clear policies and organization to a court that has fared poorly in recent bar polls. Also running are Robert S. Morales and incumbent Julia Maldonado, who has been criticized for being condescending and issuing sometimes harmful policies earning her a 43 percent “needs improvement” rating in the bar poll.

Editor’s note: The Chronicle’s recommendations in competitive races for the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals are being published separately. The Editorial Board did not make recommendations in races for constable, county courts of law or justice of the peace.