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Indian American Judge Juli Mathew back as Democratic nominee for Fort Bend County court
In a message on social media, Judge Mathew thanked the Fort Bend County Democratic precinct chairs for their trust, support, and confidence in her on June 22 night.
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Ishani Duttagupta - Wed, 24, Jun 2026
- 17:14 EDT
- 25
Juli Mathew / Handout
Incumbent Judge Juli Mathew has emerged as the Democratic nominee for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 for the November 2026 general election, following a dramatic turn of events in the race.
Mathew—the first Indian American woman elected to the bench in the United States—initially assumed office on January 1, 2019. While running for re-election to a third term, she lost the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, to challenger Paula Maria Miller.
Also Read: Indian-origin judge rules against Trump voter verification system
However, shortly after the primary, Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chairwoman Dr. Jennifer Cantu declared Miller ineligible to appear on the November general election ballot. The disqualification cited a Texas state law requiring statutory county court judges to have resided in their respective county for at least two years prior to taking office.
Earlier this week, a vote was held by Democratic precinct chairs to fill the vacancy for County Court at Law No 3 pursuant to the applicable rules, which resulted in the current nominee being declared ineligible and Mathew emerging as the winner to step back into the nominee slot to defend her seat in November against Republican challenger Jessica Jaramillo. Mathew's current term is set to conclude on December 31, 2026.
In a message on social media, Judge Mathew thanked the Fort Bend County Democratic precinct chairs for their trust, support, and confidence in her on Monday night.
“I am honoured and humbled to have been selected as the Democratic nominee for Fort Bend County Court at Law No 3. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community and to earn the trust of voters across Fort Bend County. Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with me, ask questions, share your perspectives and participate in this process. This campaign has always been about service, experience and integrity. I look forward to working alongside Democrats across our country and my fellow nominees as we focus on the work ahead and prepare for the November 3, 2026 election. Thank you again for your confidence, your encouragement and your commitment to our community.”
Mathew who is the first judge of Asian descent to be elected to the bench in Fort Bend County, was born in Kerala and immigrated to the US with her parents in 1986 when she was 10. She attended Penn State University and Delaware Law School for her Juris Doctor degree. Mathew is one of the candidates endorsed by Indian American Impact for the 2026 election cycle.
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