Michael Abner has a law degree from Texas Southern University. He lives in Houston, Texas.

Find A Lawyer | Michael Anthony Abner - State Bar of Texas

Michael is an assistant district attorney with the Harris County District Attorney's Office, where he serves as a felony district court chief. 

Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center

Michael is currently a Harris County Assistant District Attorney.

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Michael's campaign for judge of the Texas 496th District Court is his first run for public office.

As a Harris County Assistant District Attorney and Felony District Court Chief, oversees felony cases and is well-respected in the legal community.

- As a Harris County Assistant District Attorney and Felony District Court Chief, oversees felony cases and is well-respected in the legal community.

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As of January 22, 2026, Michael Abner did not have a website or any information online.

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Michael Abner

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

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Walter Ley

Ramona Franklin is from St. Petersburg, Florida. She has a bachelor's degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master's degree in sports administration. She is a member of Brookhollow Baptist Church.

Judicial Limelight: Ramona Franklin | Lawdragon

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Ramona Franklin - Ballotpedia

Ramona Franklin is from St. Petersburg, Florida. She has a bachelor's degree in English language and literature from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a master's degree in sports administration from Lynn University, and a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She lives with her husband, Roderick, in Houston, Texas, and is a member of the Brookhollow Baptist Church.

Ramona is an attorney. She started her legal career at the Harris County District Attorney's Office. After a while, she opened her own practice. 

Ramona Franklin for Judge

Ramona is an attorney at her own private practice and as a visiting judge for the state of Texas. She previously worked as an assistant district attorney at the Harris County District Attorney's Office. She also worked as a legal intern fro Sixty Plus, Inc Elderlaw Clinic.

Ramona is currently the presiding judge for the 338th Judicial District Court in the Harris County Criminal Justice system.

Defense attorneys group files complaint against District Judge ...

Ramona previously served as the judge for the Texas 338th Judicial District Court. She served two terms from 2016 to 2024. She previously ran for the Place 7 judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2018, but did not win.

As an assistant district attorney at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office.

As a judge for the Texas 338th Judicial District Court, oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, ruled in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As an assistant district attorney at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office.
- As a judge for the Texas 338th Judicial District Court, oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, ruled in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

During COVID, did not allow lawyers to enter the court to stand with clients.

- During COVID, did not allow lawyers to enter the court to stand with clients.

As of January 22, 2026, Ramona Franklin did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Misconduct Complaint

Editorial: Need a reason to support felony bail reform? Judge ...

Had a formal complaint filed against her by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Harris County Lawyers Association for illegally revoking defendants' bonds and denying bail.

- Had a formal complaint filed against her by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Harris County Lawyers Association for illegally revoking defendants' bonds and denying bail.

Involved in community service through teaching as an adjunct professor and volunteering with organizations such as the Houston Volunteer Lawyer program, NAACP Pro Bono Legal Defense Program, and the Diamond in the Rough Mentor Program.

- Involved in community service through teaching as an adjunct professor and volunteering with organizations such as the Houston Volunteer Lawyer program, NAACP Pro Bono Legal Defense Program, and the Diamond in the Rough Mentor Program.

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Ramona Franklin

Ramona Franklin is from St. Petersburg, Florida. She earned a bachelor's degree in english language and literature from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a master's degree in sports administration from Lynn University, and a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She lives with her husband, Roderick, in Houston, Texas and is a member of the Brookhollow Baptist Church.

- As an assistant district attorney at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a judge for the Texas 338th Judicial District Court, oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, ruled in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorized naturalization proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- Moved the fewest felony cases off her docket over nearly two years, resulting in a case backlog for alleged criminals and victims.
- Has, in some cases, not allowed lawyers to enter court to stand with clients.

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

As a prosecutor in the Harris County DA’s office, opened a private defense practice, and was elected judge, demonstrating a diverse legal career.

- 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 496, Democratic Primary

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