A concerted effort is underway from a group of Dallas defense attorneys to prevent the return of former misdemeanor court judge Etta J. Mullin to the bench. The attorneys cite a history of sanctions as grounds for their opposition.
Mullin is running in the March 3 Democratic primary for the 195th District Court against incumbent Judge Hector Garza. No Republican candidate has filed for this seat.
Attorneys sent a letter to nearly 800 Dallas County Democratic precinct chairs, urging support for Garza and characterizing Mullin’s record as disqualifying for the 195th District Court, which handles felony criminal cases. The letter stated this was “not a matter of political disagreement or competing judicial philosophies,” but rather “a matter of documented judicial misconduct.”
Mullin did not respond to requests for comment from The Dallas Morning News. Attorney Bruce Anton, who helped organize the letter, described the effort as reflecting widespread concern within the defense bar, stating, “I don’t want to see her on the bench ever again. It’s frightening to me.”
The group supporting Garza includes former judges, prosecutors, and presidents of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, with professional experience ranging from five to 56 years.
Garza, a former prosecutor and defense attorney, is seeking a third full term as judge of the 195th District Court, having first been elected in a 2016 special election. Mullin previously served as a judge in two Dallas County misdemeanor criminal courts, winning her first election in 2010 against Garza and another Democrat before losing her reelection bid in 2014. She later won a different County Criminal Court seat in 2018, but lost again four years later.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has twice sanctioned Mullin. In 2022, the commission issued a second public reprimand, citing instances of unreasonable delays, inadequate notice for hearings, and unwarranted bond revocations.
The Stonewall Democrats of Dallas, an organization representing the LGBTQ community, has also urged voters not to support Mullin, along with former family court judge Kim Cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is running for the 195th District Court?
Incumbent Judge Hector Garza and former Dallas County Criminal Court Judge Etta J. Mullin are running in the Democratic primary for the 195th District Court on March 3, 2026. No Republicans have filed for the seat.
What concerns have been raised about Etta Mullin?
A group of Dallas defense attorneys have expressed concern over Mullin’s history of sanctions from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, describing her record as disqualifying for the 195th District Court.
Has Etta Mullin responded to these concerns?
According to reports, Mullin did not respond to messages from The Dallas Morning News seeking comment.
Given the documented history of sanctions and the organized opposition, what impact will this have on voters as they head to the polls on March 3?
