Chris Morton is from Randleman, North Carolina. He has a law degree from the University of Houston. He is married to his wife, Sarah Morton, and they have two sons together.

Chris Morton - Ballotpedia

Chris Morton has a law degree from the University of Houston. He is married with two children.

Chris is a judge for the 230th Criminal District Court in Harris County. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney for Harris County, where he prosecuted cases ranging from traffic tickets to capital murder. He also worked as a criminal defense attorney, representing individuals accused of crimes. Before attending law school, Chris worked as a manager for an international technology and manufacturing firm. He also served in the United States Military. 

Chris previously worked as an assistant district attorney for Harris County. He also worked as a criminal defense attorney. Before attending law school, Chris worked as a manager for an international technology and manufacturing firm. He also served in the United States Military. 

Chris is currently a judge of the Texas 230th District Court. He was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a state district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an assistant district attorney for Harris County, he prosecuted cases ranging from traffic tickets to capital murder.

- As a state district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant district attorney for Harris County, he prosecuted cases ranging from traffic tickets to capital murder.

Legal Experience

Opposes high bonds and instead wants nonmonetary conditions (such as GPS monitoring, curfews, restrictions on the possession of firearms, and no-contact orders) to be put in place whenever the bond is set.

Thinks Judges need to seek ways to help people with addiction and mental health issues by keeping them out of jail and in treatment.

Promises to fully utilize the Veteran’s Court.

- Opposes high bonds and instead wants nonmonetary conditions (such as GPS monitoring, curfews, restrictions on the possession of firearms, and no-contact orders) to be put in place whenever the bond is set.
- Thinks Judges need to seek ways to help people with addiction and mental health issues by keeping them out of jail and in treatment.
- Promises to fully utilize the Veteran’s Court.

Judicial Administration

As of January 22, 2026, Chris Morton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Chris Morton

Supports delegating the appointment of indigent defense counsel to avoid bias and "pay to play" scenarios, advocating for a Managed Assigned Counsel system.

Supports Managed Assigned Counsel to prevent bias in attorney selection for indigent defense.

Regularly accepted appointments to represent indigent defendants (those who were unable to afford legal representation).

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- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.