Dallas Lawyers Aim to Block Controversial Former Judge's Return to Bench

A group of experienced Dallas defense attorneys are urging voters to reject Etta J. Mullin's bid for a felony court seat, citing her history of judicial misconduct.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A group of over 50 seasoned Dallas defense attorneys have launched an unprecedented effort to prevent former misdemeanor judge Etta J. Mullin from returning to the bench, arguing that her record of sanctions by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct makes her unfit to preside over felony criminal cases. Mullin is running in the March 3 Democratic primary against incumbent Judge Hector Garza for the 195th District Court. The attorneys have sent a letter to Democratic precinct chairs urging support for Garza, who they say has a proven track record of fairness.

Why it matters

This case highlights the deep concerns within the Dallas legal community about Mullin's fitness to serve as a felony court judge, given her history of judicial misconduct findings. The coordinated effort by defense attorneys to block her candidacy is highly unusual and underscores the gravity of the situation in their eyes. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the administration of justice in Dallas County.

The details

Mullin previously served as a misdemeanor court judge in Dallas County, but lost her reelection bid in 2014. She was later elected to a different County Criminal Court seat in 2018, but lost that position four years later. Twice sanctioned by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Mullin's record includes findings that she failed to show the "dignity, patience and courtesy expected of a Texas judge," such as ordering a pregnant prosecutor to be handcuffed to a chair and delaying cases for hours or days without cause.

  • Mullin was first elected as a misdemeanor court judge in 2010.
  • She lost her reelection bid in 2014.
  • Mullin won a different County Criminal Court seat in 2018, but lost it four years later.
  • In 2015, the Judicial Conduct Commission issued a 29-page public reprimand, its harshest sanction, against Mullin.
  • In 2022, the Commission issued a second public reprimand against Mullin.

The players

Etta J. Mullin

A former Dallas County misdemeanor judge who is now running for the 195th District Court felony bench in the March 3 Democratic primary.

Hector Garza

The incumbent judge of the 195th District Court, who is seeking a third full term. Garza is a former prosecutor and defense attorney.

Bruce Anton

A Dallas defense attorney who helped organize the letter urging voters to reject Mullin's candidacy.

Toby Shook

A prominent criminal defense attorney in Dallas who signed the letter against Mullin.

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

A political organization representing the interests of the LGBTQ community, which has urged voters not to support Mullin or former family court judge Kim Cooks.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to see her on the bench ever again. It's frightening to me.”

— Bruce Anton, Dallas defense attorney (The Dallas Morning News)

“Felony cases are too serious to be handled by a judge who has twice been sanctioned by the Judicial Conduct Commission.”

— Toby Shook, Prominent criminal defense attorney (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The March 3 Democratic primary will determine whether Mullin or Garza will advance to the general election for the 195th District Court seat.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of judicial integrity and the need for voters to carefully scrutinize the records of judicial candidates, especially those with histories of misconduct, to ensure the fair administration of justice in their communities.