Raymond Villareal has a bachelor 27s degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He is an attorney in San Antonio, Texas.

Raymond A. Villareal - Ballotpedia

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 Raymond A. Villareal | 2026 candidate for 436th District Court 

Raymond Villareal has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He attends his local church as a Knight of Columbus.

Raymond is a practicing attorney in San Antonio, Texas. He is also the author of the novel A People's History of the Vampire Uprising.

Raymond is a novelist. He previously worked as an assistant attorney general. 

Raymond A. Villareal's campaign for judge of the Texas 436th District Court is his first time running for public office.

Raymond previously ran for a 285th District Court seat in 2014 but did not win.

As an assistant attorney general, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under both state and federal law, advised state and federal government officials and agencies on legal matters, conducted legal research and document drafting, and may have mentored or supervised legal staff.

As an attorney, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil and criminal law, including juvenile law.

- As an assistant attorney general, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under both state and federal law, advised state and federal government officials and agencies on legal matters, conducted legal research and document drafting, and may have mentored or supervised legal staff.
- As an attorney, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil and criminal law, including juvenile law.

Legal Experience

As of January 22, 2026, Raymond A. Villareal did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Believes restitution should be a priority in cases where people have incurred a property loss.

Said, "we must recognize that many juveniles do not have the same opportunities to pay restitution, as adults do, given their limited earning capacity."

- Believes restitution should be a priority in cases where people have incurred a property loss.
- Said, "we must recognize that many juveniles do not have the same opportunities to pay restitution, as adults do, given their limited earning capacity."
- Values fairness, justice, and integrity.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Has been involved with 40 Days for Life and other organizations that oppose abortion access.

Volunteered in representing persons before the federal immigration court.

- Has been involved with 40 Days for Life and other organizations that oppose abortion access.
- Volunteered in representing persons before the federal immigration court.

Community Involvement

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Raymond A. Villareal

As of January 22, 2026, Raymond A. Villareal’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Rafael Perez

Walter Ley

Said, "I have always believed that the courts were a necessary institution of defense to ensure that laws protecting citizens could not be ignored or defied by authoritarian figures in and out of government."

Judicial District Candidates Bexar | Face to Face Project

William "Cruz" Shaw graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law He is married.

Cruz is an associate judge for Bexar County's juvenile district court. He previously served as an attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Before becoming an attorney, he served in the U.S. Army.

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Cruz previously served as an attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Before becoming an attorney, he served in the U.S. Navy.

William is currently a Bexar County District Judge.

Texas agencies report slight decrease in juvenile crime

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William is currently a District Judge in Judicial District 436 in Texas. He was previously a District 2 San Antonio City Council member.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a juvenile court judge, he oversees all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.

- As a juvenile court judge, he oversees all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.

As of January 22, 2026, William "Cruz" Shaw did not have a website or any information online.

Claims to be the "the kind of judge who can hold juveniles accountable, relate to them and change lives."

- Claims to be the "the kind of judge who can hold juveniles accountable, relate to them and change lives."

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William "Cruz" Shaw

As of January 22, 2026, William "Cruz" Shaw’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, "Sometimes you give them the option, zero tolerance. You come back here on a positive drug test; I will remove you from your home and let them know that."

Said, "Sometimes you give them the option, zero tolerance. You come back here on a positive drug test; I will remove you from your home and let them know."

- 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 436, Democratic Primary

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Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement