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Latosha Lewis Payne earned a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and political science from Tulane University and a law degree from the University of Texas.

Latosha is a district court judge. She works at the Texas 55th District Court. She previously worked at the law firm Gardere, where she was a partner.

Judicial Limelight: Latosha Lewis Payne | Lawdragon

Latosha was an attorney and a founding partner of a law firm. She also serves as an  Adjunct Professor of law at the University of Houston.

Latosha Lewis Payne previously ran for District Judge, District 55 in 2014 and did not win. She is currently the District Judge representing District 55. She was elected in 2018 and is currently serving her first term.

About Us - Texas Access to Justice Commission

Latosha is currently the District Judge representing District 55. She was first elected in 2018.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a judge, Payne is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and has been recognized as a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and Texas Bar Foundation.

As a state district court judge, she oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As a state district court judge, she oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

For Candidate Latosha Lewis Payne on Issue judicial-administration: Advocates for expanding non-felony courts to reduce legal costs and delays in case resolutions.

Advocates for expanding non-felony courts to reduce legal costs and delays in case resolutions.

As an attorney since 1999, she has experience in personal injury, products liability, premise liability, wrongful death, consumer credit and consumer debt collection cases, and environmental litigation.

- Advocates for expanding non-felony courts to reduce legal costs and delays in case resolutions.
- As an attorney since 1999, she has experience in personal injury, products liability, premise liability, wrongful death, consumer credit and consumer debt collection cases, and environmental litigation.

Judicial Administration

As of January 22, 2026, Latosha Lewis Payne did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial District Candidates Harris | Face to Face Project

Dedicates over 500 hours per year as a volunteer head coach for a youth track club.

- Dedicates over 500 hours per year as a volunteer head coach for a youth track club.

Community Involvement

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Latosha Lewis Payne

As of January 22, 2026, Latosha Lewis Payne’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- 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.