New Texas law is being used to discredit three Black women running for judge

[Nevilledog]

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/seo-new-texas-law-brings-new-hurdles-black-women-18667868.php

No paywall link
https://archive.li/1y9X2


Before 17 Black women were elected to the bench in Harris County in 2018, there was not much concern about the qualifications needed to run for a Texas judicial position. The women made history as the largest group of Black female judges elected in Texas.

Now, a state law, H.B. 2384, which took effect in September and had nearly unanimous bipartisan support, is being used to question the qualifications of three Black women running for Harris County judicial positions in the March primary. In each instance, a white, male incumbent judge has tried using the new law to remove a Democratic primary challenger from the ballot.

The law, which is neutral and vague, was designed to ensure those who run for office as district court or appellate court judges meet certain educational and training requirements, such as courtroom experience, a current law license and practicing law in the last five years.

Sounds fair, but this is Texas.

In practice, it sets up fresh candidates for a slap in the face. They get bad publicity and steep legal bills before they can even get their campaigns off the ground, even when a judge ultimately finds that they're qualified for the offices they seek. It's also a way to discredit Black women, who are a steadfast voting bloc.

*snip*

[Renew Deal]

1. Why are black women more susceptible to this?

The one thing they can't easily control is courtroom experience. Is that the issue?

[Demovictory9]

2. Anti democratic practices

[TwilightZone]

3. I don't have a problem with requiring education and relevant experience.

That makes total sense. The alternative gives us judges like Aileen Cannon.

It becomes a problem if it's being used to target specific judges or candidates from a protected group.