Fort Bend’s Conservative Judicial Candidates

Republican judicial candidates for the November election: Judge Harold Kennedy, Amy Mitchell, Judge Ken Cannata, Judge Chad Bridges, Dean Hrbacek, Tricia Krenek and Judge John “Hawk” Hawkins. Photo by Alisa Murray Photography

Fort Bend County is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and according to the Fort Bend County Republican Party (FBCRP), that success is due in large part to the Republican leadership that has led the county to achieve these milestones.  In an effort to keep Fort Bend growing in the right direction, the FBCRP has developed a campaign designed to support Republican candidates in the upcoming November election and keep strong Republican leaders in office. Better Led By Red is the campaign designed to promote conservative governance, and on November 6th, seven judicial candidates are on the ballot with the intent to serve Fort Bend with traditional Texas values – family, honesty, opportunity for all, limited government and principled, innovative leadership.  In other words, these candidates believe Fort Bend County is Better Led By Red!

DISTRICT COURTS
 Three judges – The Honorable Chad Bridges, The Honorable Ken Cannata, and The Honorable John “Hawk” Hawkins – are seeking to continue their service to Fort Bend County.  The District Courts handle serious felony cases including crimes against children and the elderly, aggravated robbery and capital murder, along with significant civil cases including family law.  Civil case jurisdiction in District Court is the widest range of all of the trial courts. Examples of civil cases heard in District Court include wrongful death, personal injury, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, Real Estate actions and breach of contract claims.  Family law cases include divorce, child custody and support proceedings.


District Judge Chad Bridges, 240th Judicial District

A resident of Fort Bend for over 15 years, Judge Bridges has served on the bench in the 240th Judicial District Court for three years.  He spent 22 years as an Assistant District Attorney trying hundreds of cases, and Judge Bridges is the only candidate for this position with judicial experience.

Family: Married 22 years to Claudia, son Matthew and daughter Lauren

Qualifications:

  • Past President and Former Director of the Fort Bend County Crime Victims’ Response Team
  • 2011 recipient of the Carol Rees Award for Outstanding Service to Crime Victims
  • Volunteer Trainer for the Fort Bend County Women’s Center
  • Lecturer for the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy
  • Faculty Advisor for the Texas District & County Attorneys Association Advanced Trial Skills Course
  • Presenter for the Texas District & County Attorneys Association –  Investigating and
    Prosecuting Domestic Violence Conference
  • Member of the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for The State Bar of Texas
  • Published by the Texas Center for the Judiciary
  • Member Fort Bend County Human Trafficking Taskforce

Community Involvement:

  • Fort Bend County Fair Lifetime Member
  • Fort Bend County Exchange Club Member
  • 2012 Chad and Claudia Bridges, Volunteers of the Year –  Pecan Grove Gators of the Fort Bend Youth Football League.

Endorsements:

  • Missouri City Police Officers Association
  • Rosenberg Police Officers Association
  • Fort Bend District Attorney John Healey
  • Past Presidents of the Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Attorneys Association –  Lee Cox, Jeremy Ducote, Leigh Love, Paul Tu and Pat McCann

“I believe in ‘with liberty and justice for all,’” said Judge Bridges.  “A good judge can make sure that all persons in court are accountable to the same rules as every other member of society and are given the same constitutional protections as everyone else. It is my intention and continued effort that I run my court with respect towards all persons and respect for the law – all with the expertise necessary to ensure both.”

For more information, visit judgechadbridges.com.


District Judge Ken Cannata, 458th Judicial District

A 25-year resident of Fort Bend, Judge Cannata has served 12 years on the bench, including 10 years as Justice of the Peace Precinct 3.  In 2017, Judge Cannata was  appointed Judge of the 458th Judicial District Court by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Family: Married 40 years to Susan, children Michael, Matthew and Christina and grandchildren Olivia, Tanner and Brent

Qualifications: 

  • Served as Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, 2006-2017
  • Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, South Texas College of Law
  • 35-Year Member State Bar of Texas
  • Board Certified in Civil Trial Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • Member Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists
  • Member Fort Bend County Bar Association

Community Involvement:   

  • Life Member Fort Bend County Fair
  • Life Member/Former Committeeman Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
  • Former President/Director Fort Bend County Dispute Resolution Center
  • Director/Volunteer West Fort Bend Women’s Charity
  • Former Executive Director, Board Member and Coach Fort Bend Youth Football League

“Judge Cannata’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as Judge of the 458th District Court,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

With Judge Cannata, service and success go hand in hand. “The definition of success in life is really one of significance – the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others.  The significance doesn’t show up in your resume or list of achievements; it’s found in the hearts and lives of those we’ve come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived our lives. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity as a coach, mentor and judge to positively impact the lives of those whose paths have crossed with mine.

“A judge must be committed to being impartial, setting aside his or her own point of view in order to carry out the law, in a fair and impartial manner,” continued Judge Cannata. “Though all judges are bound to apply the law, the best of them do so with an eye to the ultimate purpose, which is to do justice. I believe the best judges have in their character an ample dose of common sense, civility and self-awareness. These are the principals I do my very best to portray as Judge.”

For more information, visit kencannata.com.


John “Hawk” Hawkins for Judge, 268th Judicial District

For the past four years, Judge Hawkins has served as the Associate Judge for the 268th and 434th District Courts.  A 12-year resident of Fort Bend, Judge Hawkins has presided over hundreds of felony criminal, civil and family law cases since being appointed to the bench.

Family: Wife Jonnie, daughter Summer (28) and son Garrett (25), and two Miniature Schnauzers Heather and Lexie

Qualifications:

  • Proven judicial experience
  • Appointed Associate Judge in the 268th and 434th District Courts in 2014
  • Presided over hundreds of felony criminal, civil and family law cases as judge
  • Constitutional conservative
  • Firm and fair
  • Follows the law

Lifelong Public Servant:

  • Spotless disciplinary record.
  • Successfully prosecuted hundreds of felony jury trials covering every type of felony charge including Capital Murder
  • Recognized nationally as a strong advocate for victims of crime
  • Assistant District Attorney for over 30 years

Community Involvement:

  • Fort Bend County Fair Life Member
  • Member of River Pointe Church

“I am proud to endorse John “Hawk” Hawkins for the 268th District Court.  Judge Hawkins has the proven judicial experience and integrity that Fort Bend County voters deserve,” said John Zerwas, M.D., Texas State Representative, House District 28.

“The decisions made by a District Judge are important to every citizen of Fort Bend County,” said Judge Hawkins.  “If it touches your life, your family, your home or business, your safety or your freedoms, it can be affected by what does or does not happen in District Court. We need our judges to have the experience, judgment and temperament needed to know the law and to follow the law.”

For more information, visit johnhawkhawkins.com.


Pol. adv. paid for by the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.fbcgop.org. 

COUNTY COURTS AT LAW
Four candidates – Judge Harold Kennedy, Tricia Krenek, Amy Mitchell and Dean Hrbacek – are seeking to serve as County Court at Law judges.  The County Courts at Law handle juvenile cases, misdemeanors, probate, guardianship, mental health cases and condemnation cases.  Additionally, County Courts at Law hear civil cases up to $200,000.


Harold Kennedy for Judge, County Court at Law No. 5

Serving 19 years as a Fort Bend County Associate Judge, Harold Kennedy has resided in Fort Bend for over 30 years in Pleak.  Judge Kennedy has presided over tens of thousands of cases in the County Courts at Law of Fort Bend and was instrumental in clearing the backlogs of the county courts during his tenure.

Family: Daughter Jamie, teacher at B.F. Terry High School

Qualifications:

  • Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Houston, Graduate and Professional  Opportunities Fellow
  • Licensed Attorney since 1983
  • Associate Judge, Fort Bend County Courts at Law, 1999 to present
  • Former Municipal Court Judge
  • Former Member State Bar of Texas State Judiciary Relations Committee
  • Special Master
  • Former United States Congressional Intern

Community Involvement:   

  • Life Member Fort Bend County Fair
  • Life Committeeman of the HLS&R
  • Director of Houston Children’s Festival for 23 years
  • Life Member Optimist Club
  • Former Board Member T.W. Davis YMCA

“If the most important ingredient in a good judge is trustworthiness, then the voters are fortunate to have Judge Kennedy. The trust Kennedy has with people was earned by virtue of his work.  All you can ask of a judge is to follow the law and work hard.  Judge Kennedy has shown both of these characteristics and more,” said  Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey.

Presiding over numerous cases involving young people, Judge Kennedy is passionate about our youth.  “Helping juveniles through judicial guidance is important to me.  I have had the chance to show juveniles how to leave their delinquent conduct behind and get back on the right track.  Most of them have done just that.  I’ve committed myself to our community’s youth.  All of the activities and organizations in which I am involved are for the benefit of and support of our youth.  They need people vested in them because they are our future.

“I believe everyone should have his or her day in court and that they should be on an even playing field,” shared Judge Kennedy.  “It’s my job to ensure that playing field remains even by being fair, impartial and following the law.  I follow the law, and I don’t let my personal feelings or beliefs enter into a ruling.”

Visit haroldkennedyforjudge.com for more information.


Tricia Krenek for Judge, County Court at Law No. 3

A seven-year resident of Fulshear, Tricia Krenek has served as a Fulshear City  Council member for four years, as well as Fulshear Mayor Pro Tem.  An attorney with Krenek Law Offices, Councilwoman Krenek studied under the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Family: Husband Ed, blended family of stepchildren Keith, Kelli, Andrea, Carol and husband Dallas, granddaughter Mary Elizabeth and family dog Bella

Qualifications:

  • Managing partner Krenek Law Offices
  • Mediator, A.A. White Institute
  • Graduate, University of St. Thomas, BBA and MBA in Accounting
  • Graduate, University of Houston Law Center
  • Member, College of the State Bar
  • Studied at the University of Innsbruck under the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

Clerked for former District Judge and current Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff  Brown

Community Involvement:

  • Brazos River Rotary Club
  • Former Precinct Chair, FBCRP
  • Texana Steering Committee
  • Lifetime Member Fulshear Police Foundation
  • Fulshear Chamber of Commerce
  • Family Hope
  • Fort Bend and Katy Republican Women’s Club

“Tricia Krenek is a conservative leader who has all the qualities we want in our judges: commitment to upholding our constitutional system and to ruling firmly but fairly on all matters that come before her,” said John Zerwas, M.D., Texas State Representative, House District 28.

Service is important to Krenek, and serving as a County Court Judge exemplifies her commitment to community service.  “I am eager to share my uniquely qualified experience and talents as a small business owner, attorney and public servant with the residents of Fort Bend County as I continue to follow the path of public service with focused leadership.

“Judicial guidance for our community’s youth is paramount to our future and important to me,” shared Krenek.  “I am committed to continuing the Girls’ Court program.  This program provides young women in personal crisis with discipline, structure, accountability and direction for their lives.  Additionally, my education, training and experience provide me a strong foundation to faithfully adhere to a constitutionally sound approach of applying the rule of law as it is written, avoid judicial activism and administer justice in a fair, impartial and compassionate manner for all those who appear in County Court at Law No. 3.”

For more information, visit triciakrenek.com.


Amy L. Mitchell for Judge, County Court at Law No. 4

For 38 years, Amy L. Mitchell has called Fort Bend home, and she has served the residents of Sugar Land for nearly eight years as City Council Member, District 3.  An experienced attorney, Mitchell has handled over 2,000 litigated cases throughout her law career.

Family: Married to Gordon Berkstresser, son William Loose-Mitchell and stepchildren Tyler and Hunter Berkstresser

Qualifications:  

  • Represented multiple complex cases in the Fort Bend County Courts at Law
  • Handled over 2,000 litigated cases and tried 70 cases of varying complexity
  • Successfully argued to the Courts of Appeals creating law in Texas
  • Handled nearly 500 mediations and 20 arbitrations
  • Member State Bar College
  • State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee from 2001 to 2007, Chair 2003 to 2005
  • A.V. Rated by Martindale Hubble.
  • South Texas School of Law – Judge Moot Court and Mock Trial Competitions
  • FINRA and AAA Certified Arbitrator

Community Involvement:  

  • Life Member Fort Bend County Fair
  • Sugar Land 101 Class President
  • Sugar Land Citizens Police and Fire Academy
  • Sugar Land Community Assistance Support Team
  • Sugar Land Exchange Club – Past President and Board Member
  • Child Abuse Prevention Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast District – Past Vice President
  • Chairman of community events supporting child abuse prevention, domestic abuse, illiteracy and providing Christmas gifts to underprivileged children
  • Emcee of Dragon Boat Races, Aga Khan Foundations Partnership Walk and multiple Golf Tournaments

“I am honored to endorse and support Amy Mitchell for Judge of County Court at Law No. 4.  I have known Amy for many years and have always been impressed by her work ethic, knowledge, experience and dedication.  We need judges of this caliber on the bench in Fort Bend County,” said Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County Commissioner, Precinct 1.

Community – and service – are paramount to Mitchell.  “I have a servant’s heart.  I have worked for decades to make a difference in our community and in young people’s lives.  While we cannot change all lives, if we can change some and put them on the right path, we have really accomplished something extraordinary.  I know my many years of legal experience and community service can be used to make a real difference in people’s lives.  I will be able to shape young lives and help make difficult situations less stressful by bringing compassion and understanding to the court.”

Visit amymitchellforjudge.com for more information.


Dean Hrbacek for Judge, County Court at Law No. 6

The Hrbacek’s moved to Fort Bend County in 1987 and live in Sugar Land. Hrbacek served Sugar Land as a Mayor and Council Member for nine years. Hrbacek was instrumental in the creation of Sugar Land Town Square, in reducing city taxes by 33% and in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend County.

Family: Married to Jenny with three adult children –Bradley, Byron and Amanda

Qualifications:

  • Practiced Law in Fort Bend for nearly 30 years specializing in civil, probate, guardianship, tax, real estate, condemnation and employment
  • University of Houston Law Center Graduate (1986)
  • Board Certified in Tax Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
  • Fort Bend County Bar Association Member
  • Member of State Bar of Texas
  • Certified Public Accountant

Community Involvement: 

  • Sugar Land City Mayor and Council Member for 9 years
  • Director of Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority
  • Instrumental in development of Sugar Land Town Square
  • Instrumental in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend County
  • Volunteered Legal Services as Legal Counsel to Community Organizations
  • Ex-officio Board Member Fort Bend Cares and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.
  • Pro-Family and Proven Track Record in GOP Leadership

“Dean Hrbacek has every character trait that we want in a true conservative Texas judge – integrity, fairness, a servant’s heart and a commitment to justice. He has worked hard to help bring growth, success and a bright future to Fort Bend County, and our future will be even brighter with him serving on the bench. He has my vote, my support and my highest recommendation for this office,” said Rick Miller, Texas State Representative, HD 26.

“Our founding fathers knew it was important to ‘establish justice’ in the formation of our country,” said Hrbacek.  “Being a judge provides an opportunity to put my 30 plus years of legal experience to work for the community in ensuring a fair and impartial administration of justice while treating each citizen with respect, fairness and dignity. It has been an honor to serve this community, in capacities ranging from mayor to little league coach to a volunteer helping neighbors during Hurricane Harvey. I ask for your support to serve you as judge.”

For more information, visit DeanForJudge.com.


Pol. adv. paid for by the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.fbcgop.org