What Community Leaders, Law Enforcement and Legal Experts and Elected Officials are saying about Brandon Dudley for Criminal Court Judge…
“As a lifetime law enforcement officer, Brandon has my full support because of the depth of his character, his unparalleled experience, and his work ethic. I have faith that he will keep justice, public safety and the interests of the community at the forefront of his duties as a judge. Working with Brandon over the years, I know him to be an extremely hardworking, conscientious, and upstanding public servant. He has always been open and honest with law enforcement, willing to work with us on any of the complicated issues, and he listens to all reasonable perspectives before making a decision with the best interests of Texans and Harris County at heart.”
Steve Lyons – Legislative Liaison for Houston Police Department, Houston Retired Police Officers Association and HPD officer for 35 years
"Brandon Dudley understands more about the criminal justice system statewide than most practicing lawyers. While others have been trying cases he has been improving the laws and rules under which those cases are tried. He knows the law inside and out. I have seen him work with prosecutors, judges, victims and others to improve our system, and he has done more good for more people than anyone I know in this profession. The people of Harris County are lucky to have the opportunity to elect a judge like Brandon."
Jeff Blackburn - Former “State Bar of Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year” and Chairman, Texas State Bar Committee on Legal Services to the Poor in Criminal Matters
“With Brandon, people can rest assured justice will be done. His knowledge of the law, his character, and his dedication to advancing justice, fairness and effectiveness in our justice system—are attributes we can only hope more of our judges could possess.
Barry Scheck –Former President of The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer Association.
"In my professional encounters with Brandon Dudley, I have been impressed by his knowledge of the law, his insightful consideration of the issues, and his willingness to listen to others viewpoints. I believe he will bring this same thoughtfulness to the bench."
Martha Dickie - Former President of the Texas State Bar
”I heartily endorse Brandon Dudley as a Judge. I am not a lawyer, so I do not claim to understand the finer points of the judiciary, but I seek in a judge a combination of knowledge of the law, local and federal; a firm and impartial handling of the law, without favoritism or negative prejudice; and a sensitivity that listens carefully to the causes of the lowly as well as to the arguments of the rich and powerful. Even without an intimate knowledge of the law, I see these qualities in Mr. Dudley. I wish we had more candidates like him campaigning for benches in Texas.”
Reverend William A. Lawson
“Brandon Dudley has spent over a decade working to improve the efficiency and the fairness of the criminal justice system in Texas. He knows criminal law inside and out, and he knows Texas. His deep knowledge, broad experience, and demonstrated commitment to even-handed justice will make him a judge of the highest caliber, one that all Texans -- of all political persuasions -- will be proud of.
David Dow – Law Professor, author, and respected criminal defense attorney
"In the many years that I have known and worked with Brandon Dudley, his actions have always exemplified the ideal principles of integrity, service to community, and devotion to justice, everything that we should except from our judges."
Ana Yáñez-Correa –Respected Criminal Justice Advocate
“Brandon Dudley understands the issues facing ordinary people and isn’t afraid to take a stand. His experience in state government has demonstrated that we can count on him to do what is right, regardless of the efforts of special interests who are used to having their way. It is a privilege to have worked with Brandon here in Austin, and I am sure that he will be a great judge for the people of Harris County.”
Richard Levy - General Counsel, Texas AFL CIO
“Brandon Dudley will make an outstanding judge. He has the ability to exercise justice and compassion, and he understands the issues that judges face on a daily basis. He recognized the importance that decisions that judges make have on the lives of individuals, as well as the public, and will take his responsibilities with the upmost seriousness. Brandon Dudley will serve the people of Harris County with distinction and honor.”
Todd Jermstad – Attorney for Community Supervisions and Corrections, former General Counsel of the Texas Probation Association, and former Prosecutor
“I'm certain that based on his years of high level work in the field, Brandon would be an exceptionally capable and insightful judge. Judging from my personal observations of him, there is no doubt he'd be a fair one!”
Will Harrell – Public Policy Director, Southern Poverty Law Center
“Brandon has always focused on supporting and improving the community. He possesses the integrity, passion, commitment and intellect to be an exceptional judge.”
Sherea McKenzie – Attorney and Executive Director of the Joint City/County Commission on Children
“It's rare that the people have a chance to vote for someone that truly has the interests of the people at the core of their motivation. Brandon recognizes the need to improve our justice system, possesses the courage to stand up for those beliefs, and the wisdom to act as a thoughtful servant of the law. Harris County will be proud to have him as Judge."
Howard Jefferson - President Emeritus of the Houston NAACP and National NAACP Board Member
“I stand with Brandon in his candidacy for Judge because he has always stood with and spoken for citizens seeking Justice from our legal system. With a strong background of always seeking the truth, I know that he will bring a standard to the justice system that has long been desired and deserved by the citizens of Harris County.”
Ada Edwards - Former City Councilwoman and lifetime community advocate
“I wholeheartedly support Brandon because I know he will help to advance the cause of justice in Harris County and will give back to the community a knowledgeable, fair, and honest justice. He has been a strong and active member of the Jail Reduction Committee, appointed by Sheriff Adrian Garcia, and a voice of reason and sound advice for Houston Ministers Against Crime for a number of years. “
Pastor Robert Jefferson, Houston Ministers Against Crime, Cullen Missionary Baptist Church.
“My words cannot fully convey my faith in Brandon, and I thank him for taking on this tremendous burden - the burden of knowing what is easy, but doing what is right!
A judge is expected to have the qualities of Fairness, Impartiality, and knowledge of the Law. Brandon Dudley has these qualities. He is an exceptional lawyer with a true sense of Justice. This sets him apart from so many who want to sit on the bench and judge others. Brandon knows the Law and what is right. He will give the citizens of Harris County what they have been denied too often and too long - he will give Justice to ALL"
Anthony Robinson, Esq. - Attorney, DNA Exonoree and Criminal Justice Advocate
"It is rare that voters get the opportunity to elect someone like Brandon Dudley for State District Judge. He is a man who has the experience and dedication to rule from the bench to insure that all who seek justice shall have equal and fair justice under the law"
Cory Session, Policy Advisor, the Innocence Project, brother of Timothy Cole.
"Brandon Dudley is a true fighter for justice the people can trust. His commitment to advancing key reforms to strengthen communities and enhance fairness in our justice system are unparalleled."
Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis – District 13, Houston
"Brandon’s extensive criminal justice experience and passion for fairness in our justice system make him uniquely qualified to be a full administrator of justice for the people of Harris County.”
Sylvia Garcia - Harris County Commissioner
“Brandon Dudley has the ability, experience, leadership qualities and integrity to be one of the best State District Judges Harris County has ever seen. Victims, defendants and all involved in the judicial system will be well served by his strong work ethic, knowledge of the law and his fierce commitment to justice. His measured and even-tempered judgment combined with his allegiance to ensuring public safety will no doubt make him an excellent judge.”
State Representative Sylvester Turner - District 139, Houston, Texas
"Brandon Dudley works as a faithful advocate for a criminal justice system that finds the actual culprit, not a system that settles for a culprit. Brandon believes that to ensure public safety, the system must be blind to a defendant's background; that an accused's ability to pay for a legal defense should have no bearing on their guilt or innocence."
Jessica Farrar - State Representative, District 148, Houston
"Brandon Dudley has always worked for the best interests of the our judicial system and all Texans who come in contact with it. Brandon has helped shaped the policy that protects our individual civil rights from those who seek to do us harm. Brandon is a man of character whose professionalism is what all Texans need from their judges; he will make an excellent addition to the bench."
Carol Alvarado –State Representative, District 145, Houston
" I know that Branodn will bring zeal and diligence to the bench. I am elated to have a friend that cares so much about his community and that wants to do what is right in the system."
Ana Hernandez – State Representative, District 143, Houston
"Brandon's character and work ethic, combined with his commitment and dedication to ensuring justice for all people of Harris County, will make him a valuable asset to our justice system."
Garnet Coleman – State Representative, District 147, Houston
"The 182nd Criminal District Court needs a Judge that stands for fairness and justice to ensure an effective legal system. Brandon is what Harris County needs on the bench."
Kristi Thibaut – State Representative, District 133, Houston
Elected Officials:
- Congressman Al Green
- State Senator John Whitmire
- State Senator Rodney Ellis
- County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia
- State Representative Senfronia Thompson
- State Representative Sylvester Turner
- State Representative Jessica Farrar
- State Representative Ana Hernandez
- State Representative Alma Allen
- State Representative Carol Alvarado
- State Representative Armando Walle
- City Controller Ron Green
- Houston City Council Member Jolanda Jones
- Houston City Council Member Wanda Adams
- Houston City Council Member James Rodriguez
- Houston City Council Member Sue Lovell
Organizations:
- Tejano Democrats
- Harris County Democrats
- Stonewall Democrats
- AFL CIO
- Momentum PAC
- Democracy for Houston
- Mexican American Bar Association
- Pasadena Bar Association
- Houston GLBT Political Caucus
- Katy Bar Association
- The Houston Chronicle
- Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PAC
Community Leaders:
- Reverend William Lawson - Pastor Emeritus, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
- Howard Jefferson - President Emeritus of the Houston NAACP and National NAACP Board Member
- Ada Edwards - Former City Councilwoman and lifetime community advocate
- Pastor Robert Jefferson- Houston Ministers Against Crime, Cullen Missionary Baptist Church
- Sissy Farenthold
Legal Experts:
- Jeff Blackburn, Former Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year
- Martha Dickie - Former President of The Texas State Bar
- Ana Yáñez-Correa - Respected criminal justice advocate
- Richard Levy - General Counsel, Texas AFL CIO
- Todd Jermstad - Attorney for Community Supervisions and Corrections, former General Counsel of the Texas Probation Association, and former Prosecutor
- Will Harrell - Public Policy Director, Southern Poverty Law Center
- Sherea McKenzie - Attorney and Executive Director of the Joint City/County Commission on Children
- Steve Lyons - Legislative Liaison for Houston Police Department, Houston Retired Police Officers Association and HPD officer for 35 years
- Mark Bennett- Former President, Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Barry Scheck- Former President of the National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- David Dow - University of Law Center professor, author, and respected Criminal Defense attorney
- Pat McCann - Former president of Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association