Cynthia Garza is from Houston, Texas. She has a bachelors degree from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. She is married with children and lives in Dallas.

Cynthia Garza is from Houston. She has a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Southern Methodist University. She lives with her husband and two children in Dallas.

Cynthia is an attorney. She has worked as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor. She previously served as the chief prosecutor of the Conviction Integrity Unit at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. 

Cynthia works as the chief prosecutor of the Dallas County District Attorney's Conviction Integrity Unit. She previously worked as an attorney for a criminal defense law firm.

Cynthia is currently a prosecutor in the Conviction Integrity Unit of the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. She joined the office in 2008. She has also worked as a defense attorney.

Cynthia Garza - Ballotpedia

Cynthia's campaign for judge for Judicial District 363 is her first run for public office.

Has over 20 years of legal experience as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor.

As Chief Prosecutor of the Conviction Integrity Unit, Garza was involved in evaluating cases that resulted in the exoneration of innocent people.

As chief prosecutor of the Conviction Integrity Unit, evaluates cases for wrongful convictions that has resulted in the exoneration of innocent people.

- Has over 20 years of legal experience as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor.
- As chief prosecutor of the Conviction Integrity Unit, evaluates cases for wrongful convictions that has resulted in the exoneration of innocent people.

Legal Experience

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

Judicial Administration

Supports "a fair and accessible criminal justice system."

- Supports "a fair and accessible criminal justice system."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Is a member of the Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association, the Mexican American Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, and the North Texas State Criminal Law Inn of Court, and serves as a  Southern Methodist University School of Law Community Fellow and a Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation Fellow.

- Is a member of the Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association, the Mexican American Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, and the North Texas State Criminal Law Inn of Court, and serves as a  Southern Methodist University School of Law Community Fellow and a Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation Fellow.

Community Involvement

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Cynthia Garza

- Has over 20 years of legal experience as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor.
- As Chief Prosecutor of the Conviction Integrity Unit, evaluates cases for wrongful convictions that has resulted in the exoneration of innocent people.

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

Idris Akinpelu is from Dallas, Texas. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

LinkedIn

Idris Akinpelu is from Dallas. He earned a bachelor's degree in hotel administration from Cornell University and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Idris is an assistant criminal district attorney in Dallas County. He previously interned at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office and worked in the 265th Judicial District Court for two years.

Idris currently works as a criminal defense attorney at his own law firm. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney for the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office and the Dallas County District Attorney's Office.

Idris is currently an attorney at Idris Law, PLLC. He was licensed to practice law in Texas in 2013.

Raising the voices of prosecutors of color | Texas District & County ...

Idris' campaign for district judge for Judicial District 363 is his first run for public office.

Candidate website

Served as a court clerk for the 265th Judicial District Court for 2 years.

Worked as an assistant district attorney for 12 years, prosecuting civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervises legal and clerical staff, and conducts interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

- Worked as an assistant district attorney for 12 years, prosecuting civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervises legal and clerical staff, and conducts interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

Plans to "streamline court processes, enhance transparency, and foster open communication," to enhance efficiency.

- Plans to "streamline court processes, enhance transparency, and foster open communication," to enhance efficiency.

Plans to "ensur[e] every individual who enters the courtroom is treated with respect, impartiality, and dignity—regardless of background or circumstance."

- Plans to "ensur[e] every individual who enters the courtroom is treated with respect, impartiality, and dignity—regardless of background or circumstance."

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

Supports "outreach programs that educate the public about the legal system and encourage constructive engagement with the courts, especially among underserved populations."

- Supports "outreach programs that educate the public about the legal system and encourage constructive engagement with the courts, especially among underserved populations."

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Idris Akinpelu

- 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 363, Democratic Primary

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Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement