Both of the candidates running in the March 5, 2024, Democratic primary for Texas Fourth District Court of Appeals Place 2 — Incumbent Beth Watkins (D) and Velia Meza (D) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Watkins:
- “I work hard. According to the Texas Office of Court Administration, only 1 justice in the state decided more cases than I did in 2023 …
- I’m good at my job. … my decisions are reversed less than 1% of the time.
- I’m a board-certified expert in civil appellate law. I’m the only Justice on our court of appeals—and the only candidate in this race—who is board certified in appellate law. I was lead counsel in more than 200 appeals to state and federal courts before I took the bench. I took cases to the Texas Supreme Court and won; I took cases to the US Supreme Court and won. My experience and board-certified expertise bring an added element of predictability to the decisions of the Fourth Court of Appeals.”
Meza:
- “Prior to being a Judge I was an Attorney in private practice and I represented citizens throughout South Texas.
- As both a Criminal District Court Judge and an Attorney, I have successfully presided over and participated in over 100 jury trials.
- I am dedicated to upholding the Rule of Law.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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