Cynthia Marie Chapa

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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.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 

Criminal Justice

Texas

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Judge

Zachary Mangels

Walter Ley

Cynthia Marie Chapa has a bachelor's degree in political science from St. Mary's University and a law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. 

Cynthia Marie Chapa - Ballotpedia

District Courts | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Cynthia is a judge for the Texas 288th District Court. She previously worked as a partner at the Law Offices of Arellano and Chapa and served as the district director for State Representative Joaquin Castro from 2003 to 2017. She also opened her own law firm in 2007 and ran it until 2018.

Cynthia is currently a judge of the Texas 288th District Court. She was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She previously ran for Texas Fourth District Court of Appeals Place 3 in 2024 but did not win.

Has a B.A. in Political Science and a law degree from St. Mary's University.

Earned a pro-bono certificate for clinical work at the Center for Legal and Social Justice Immigration Clinic.

As the owner of a private law firm, Chapa managed finances, budgeting, and investments, shaped and enforced firm culture, and pursued and maintained clients.

As of January 22, 2026, Cynthia Marie Chapa’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Has helped organized the district health and job fairs, the Families Helping Families and Profiles in Change events.