Ashley Smith is a graduate of Texas Tech School of Law.

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Ashley Smith earned a bachelor of business administration in finance from Texas Tech University and a law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. Ashley currently resides in the Dallas area.

Ashley is an attorney. She has experience as both a plaintiff's attorney and a defense attorney. She has represented individuals and businesses in a wide range of civil matters. Ashley has been named a "Texas Rising Star" by Super Lawyers from 2023 to 2025. She also made the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list in 2023 and 2024. She served as the course director for the State Bar Advanced Personal Injury Planning Committee and was an American Board of Trial Advocates National Trial Judge Fellow in 2022. 

We recommend in the 298th District Court, Democratic primary - The Dallas Morning News

Ashley currently works as a partner at Fee, Smith & Sharp LLP, a Dallas-based civil litigation law firm. She previously worked as an associate attorney at Lopez Law Group PLLC, Engvall & Lopez LLP, and Bergquist Law Firm.

Ashley Smith's campaign for Texas District Judge, District 298, is her first time running for public office.

Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats

Ashley's campaign for Texas District Judge, District 298, is her first time running for public office.

Has experience as both a plaintiff's attorney and a defense attorney.

Believes her broad civil litigation experience prepares her for the bench.

As a partner at Fee, Smith & Sharp LLP, Ashley manages key client relationships, pursues new clients, mentors junior lawyers, oversees certain areas of legal practice, and provides legal counsel and representation to clients.

As a legal associate/attorney at Fee, Smith & Sharp LLP, Engvall & Lopez LLP, and Bergquist Law Firm, Ashley researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in Texas civil law matters.

- Believes her broad civil litigation experience prepares her for the bench.
- As a partner at Fee, Smith & Sharp LLP, Ashley manages key client relationships, pursues new clients, mentors junior lawyers, oversees certain areas of legal practice, and provides legal counsel and representation to clients.
- As a legal associate/attorney at Fee, Smith & Sharp LLP, Engvall & Lopez LLP, and Bergquist Law Firm, Ashley researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in Texas civil law matters.

Legal Experience

Supports improving uniformity and consistency in court operations.

Advocates for addressing delays and improving case management.

- Supports improving uniformity and consistency in court operations.
- Advocates for addressing delays and improving case management.

Judicial Administration

Prioritizes fairness and impartiality as the core purpose of a judge.

Believes a judge should focus on process rather than advocacy.

- Prioritizes fairness and impartiality as the core purpose of a judge.
- Believes a judge should focus on process rather than advocacy.

Judicial Philosophy

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

Ethics & Conduct

Served as the course director for the State Bar Advanced Personal Injury Planning Committee.

- Served as the course director for the State Bar Advanced Personal Injury Planning Committee.

Community Involvement

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Ashley Smith

- Served as the Course Director for the State Bar Advanced Personal Injury Planning Committee.

Rafael Perez

Walter Ley

Candidate website

We recommend in the 298th District Court, Democratic primary

Tracie is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She earned a master's degree in business administration from Dartmouth University, a master's degree in law from Georgetown University, and a law degree from Texas Southern University. Tracie is a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.

TRACIE MICHELLE SHELBY

Tracie currently works as an attorney at her own law firm, where she practices bankruptcy, business, and family law. She previously worked an associate vice president at the Walton Johnson Group, associate director at General Electric, assistant general counsel at Sisters in Shape, Inc., and general counsel for Intim

Tracie previously ran for judge of the 298th District Court in 2022 but did not win.

Tracie Shelby

Tracie Shelby previously ran for judge of the 162nd District Court in 2024 and 298th District Court in 2022 but did not win.

As the principal of The Shelby Law Firm, P.C., manages a wide range of state and federal litigation, specializing in civil matters such as personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, and employment discrimination.

As a judicial law clerk for two federal district court judges, performed legal research, drafted judicial opinions, and assisted judges in courtroom proceedings.

- As the principal of The Shelby Law Firm, P.C., manages a wide range of state and federal litigation, specializing in civil matters such as personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, and employment discrimination.
- As a judicial law clerk for two federal district court judges, performed legal research, drafted judicial opinions, and assisted judges in courtroom proceedings.

Advocates for the creation of a monthly orientation program for pro se filers to educate them on the civil litigation process, including deadlines, motions, and evidence.

Intends to establish an anonymous feedback and complaint process for litigants and attorneys to identify areas for court improvement.

Supports partnering with community groups to hold seminars that alleviate fear of the civil litigation process and empower residents with knowledge of available resources.

- Advocates for the creation of a monthly orientation program for pro se filers to educate them on the civil litigation process, including deadlines, motions, and evidence.
- Intends to establish an anonymous feedback and complaint process for litigants and attorneys to identify areas for court improvement.
- Supports partnering with community groups to hold seminars that alleviate fear of the civil litigation process and empower residents with knowledge of available resources.

Belives in a judiciary defined by fairness, justice, and equality for every individual who comes before the bench.

Advocates for a due-process driven court where cases are decided impartially and free from political influence or intimidation.

- Belives in a judiciary defined by fairness, justice, and equality for every individual who comes before the bench.
- Advocates for a due-process driven court where cases are decided impartially and free from political influence or intimidation.

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

Tracie Shelby is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She earned a a bachelor's degree in political science and international studies from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a master's degree in business administration from Dartmouth University, a master's degree in law from Georgetown University, and a law degree from Texas Southern University. Tracie is a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.

Tracie currently works as an attorney at her own law firm, where she practices bankruptcy, business, and family law. She previously worked an associate vice president at the Walton Johnson Group, associate director at General Electric, assistant general counsel at Sisters in Shape, Inc., and general counsel for Intimate Battles, Inc.

Tracie previously ran for judge of the 162nd District Court in 2024 and 298th District Court in 2022 but did not win.

- Has worked as an attorney for 24 years.

- Plans "to decide cases fairly, impartially, and free of political influence or intimidation; to always follow the law and put justice first; [and] to establish a due-process driven court where everyone is treated equally."
- Said she "stands for Fairness, Justice and Equality" for everyone.

- Volunteers with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney  Program and the Friendship West Baptist Church legal clinic, and is a member of the Dallas alumnae chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

As of January 22, 2026, Tracie Shelby Williams’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tracie Shelby Williams

- 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. 

This sample ballot may not include all local party roles or measures on the official ballot. The listed candidates serve only within their party, and the propositions do not change the law.

Texas District Judge, District 298, Democratic Primary

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Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement