Fort Bend’s Conservative Judicial Candidates

A lifelong resident of Fort Bend County raised in Richmond, Judge Chris Morales has served as Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 for the past eight years overseeing dockets consisting of juvenile, criminal misdemeanor, civil, probate and guardianship, civil mental health commitment and condemnation matters. Additionally, Judge Morales oversees the County’s only Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, a court designed to reduce recidivism rates among mentally ill offenders.

Family: Married to high school sweetheart Vanessa, daughter Madelyn and son William

Qualifications:

• Former Fort Bend County Prosecutor
• Former Owner of The Morales Law Firm, PLLC
• Graduate of Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law
• Former Administrative Judge of County Courts at Law
• Fellow with the State Bar College
• Adjunct Professor at University of Houston Law Center
• 11th Judicial Region Budget Committee, Member
• State Bar of Texas, Judicial Section, Civil Justice Sub-Committee Member

Community Involvement:

• Lamar Little League Baseball Coach
• Lamar CISD Leadership High School Speaker
• Lamar Education Awards Foundation, Men Who Cook
• George Ranch Rodeo Honoring Black Cowboys Volunteer
• Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni, Class of 2012
• Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, Bubbles & Bauble
• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Committee Member

“I was a juvenile probation officer with the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Office for over 20 years. During my time with the office, I have seen a lot of Judges oversee juvenile matters in the County, but Judge Morales was the only Judge that truly valued everyone’s input and cared deeply about the kids in our system.  Judge Morales is compassionate, understanding, hard-working and above all fair.  I knew every child before Judge Morales was going to have a chance to succeed and potentially go on to do great things.  I am asking the voters of this county to keep Judge Morales on the bench.  We need good judges like him,” said Cynthia Durbin, former Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Officer.

Judge Morales further believes that to keep our communities safe and ensure justice is served for all people, judges must follow the law as written.  “Judges have a responsibility to ensure the laws of this State and Nation are followed.  We cannot just make up the law to fit our particular agenda or needs.  I took an oath to follow the law, and I intend to keep it!”

Visit www.JudgeMorales.com for more information.

For 15 years, Andrew Dornburg has called Fort Bend home residing in Cinco Ranch since 2016. A former Fort Bend County prosecutor, Dornburg served as an Associate Judge for Fort Bend County Courts at Law from 2016 to 2019.

Family: Wife Carolyn, Daughters Emma (12) and Alice (6)

Qualifications:

• Licensed Attorney since 2006
• Former Fort Bend County Prosecutor
• Former Fort Bend County Associate Judge
• Presided over hundreds of criminal, juvenile and civil cases as a Judge
• Graduate of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas School of Law

Community Involvement:

• Member, Texas Bar Committee on Legal Services to the Poor in Criminal Matters (2021-Present)
• Volunteer, Fort Bend County Fair – Grapes on the Brazos (2018 – Present)
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation (2016-Present)
• Board of Directors, Texas Young Lawyers Association (2013-2017)

“I am honored to support Andrew Dornburg for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3. Drew has the experience, wisdom and integrity required to serve as an exceptional judge. Andrew Dornburg will work diligently to keep our neighborhoods safe and to serve all people of Fort Bend County,” said Jacey Jetton, Texas State Representative, District 26.

Dornburg’s vast experience as both a prosecutor and judge make him uniquely qualified to serve on the bench with both the knowledge and expertise required for a magistrate. “The decisions made by a County Court at Law judge affect the lives of every person in Fort Bend County,” shared Dornburg. “From criminal cases to juvenile matters to probate and civil files, what happens in the County Courts at Law affect each citizen’s day-to-day lives. I believe that everyone should have his or her day in court and experience a fair, level playing field.  Fort Bend County needs judges who have the experience and temperament to ensure that happens.”

Visit www.dornburgforjudge.com for more information.

The Hrbacek’s moved to Fort Bend County in 1987 and live in Sugar Land.  Hrbacek served Sugar Land as Mayor and a Council Member for nine years and was instrumental in the creation of Sugar Land Town Square, in reducing city taxes by 33% and in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend County.

Family: Married to Jenny; three adult children –  Bradley, Byron and Amanda

Qualifications:

• Practiced Law in Fort Bend for over 35 years specializing in civil, probate,
guardianship, tax, Real Estate, condemnation and employment
• Board Certified in Tax Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• University of Houston Law Center Graduate
• Fort Bend County Bar Association Member
• State Bar of Texas Member
• Certified Public Accountant

Community Involvement:

• Sugar Land Mayor and Council Member for Nine Years
• Instrumental in development of Sugar Land Town Square
• Reduced Sugar Land’s property taxes by 33% as Mayor and Councilmember
• Instrumental in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend
• Impact a Hero, Board of Directors, whose mission is to make a positive impact
in the lives of veterans, active service members and their families
• Fort Bend and Grand Parkway Tollway Authorities, Board of Directors
• Long history of community service:  Chamber of Commerce, various non- profits, Little League Coach

“Dean Hrbacek has every character trait that we want in a true conservative Texas judge – integrity, fairness, a servant’s heart and a commitment to justice. He has worked hard to help bring growth, success and a bright future to Fort Bend County, and our future will be even brighter with him serving on the bench. He has my vote, my support and my highest recommendation for this office,” said Rick Miller, Former State Representative, District 26.   

“As the former Mayor of Sugar Land and a parent, I understand the importance of a SAFE COMMUNITY,” said Hrbacek.  “We moved to Fort Bend County to live in a safe community. As a Judge, I will work for YOU in keeping your family safe. I will bring my 35 years of experience to the bench and will be a fair but tough judge. I will respect the rights of every individual and will apply the law with impartiality, uniformity and fairness. I will follow the law and use common sense.”

Visit www.DeanForCCL.com for more information.

Thirty-year Fort Bend County resident Courtney Rosen Kovach brings her experience as a felony prosecutor and local business owner in her quest to serve as a County Court at Law Judge.  A member of her family’s Richmond-based law firm, Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, Rosen Kovach has served as a defense attorney following in the footsteps of her father, Steven Rocket Rosen, a renowned criminal defense attorney.

Family: Married to John Kovach; sons Kace, Callahan and Cannon

Qualifications:

• Partner at Rosen & Kovach, PLLC
• Former Fort Bend and Harris County Assistant District Attorney
• Felony prosecutor trial experience including aggravated robberies,
intoxication Manslaughter, murders and capital murder.
• Served as County Court Misdemeanor Chief
• Supervised over misdemeanor trials including assaults, thefts, driving while intoxicated
(DWI’s) and burglary of motor vehicles
• Juris Doctor (JD) South Texas College Of Law
• Longtime Sugar Land, Texas Resident
• Graduate of William P. Clements High School
• Division 1 athlete: Played softball at Florida State University

Community Involvement:

• Attends Parkway Fellowship Church
• Teaches Sunday School with husband, John
• Lamar Little League Baseball
• Family-owned businesses in Historic Downtown Richmond: Trough Juice Bar and Dapple Grey Boutique

Endorsements:

• Rosenberg Police Association
• Missouri City Police Association

Rosen Kovach shares the philosophy of former President Ronald Reagan when it comes to the law and its societal impact. “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.”

“Being a judge is important to me because I believe in law and order to keep our community safe,” shared Rosen Kovach.  “I will make sure the law is followed and upheld in my court.”

Visit www.courtneyrosenkovach.com for more information.

A 32-year resident of Fort Bend County, Judge Walter Armatys has served 12 years as an Associate Judge and four years as elected District Judge.  Judge Armatys understands the future of this diverse county is dependent on the strength of its families and the children who will one day lead. He believes every child no matter background, race or ethnicity deserves to live in safety and hope for the future, and he has proven to serve the court and community well to help make this happen.

Family: Wife Gail; daughter Madison and son-in-law, Doug; son Logan and daughter-in-law, Lindsey; son Hudson and daughter-in-law, Laura. Two granddaughters, Mila (2), Cora (4 months), and one granddaughter to arrive soon. Plus, a sweet dog, Beaux (15) and cat, Callie (17).

Community Involvement:

• Life Member, Fort Bend County Fair
• Co-chairman Exceptional Rodeo for challenged kids
• Fort Bend Ramps volunteer – builds wheelchair ramps for people in need
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Prison Bible Study leader
• Bible Study teacher for nearly 30 years

Community Awards and Commitment:

• Crime Victims Alliance Volunteer of the Year, 1996
• CASA Professional of the Year, 2021
• Crime Victims Response Team “Carol Rees Award” for commitment and advocacy to
crime victims of Fort Bend County, 2022
• 17 years leadership and support of Infants and Toddlers Program reuniting children
with parents in a safe environment
• 9 years of service to youth on mission summer camps

“I am proud to endorse Walter Armatys for re-election as Judge of the 328th District Court. As a highly qualified, experienced judge, Walter will continue to support families and guard the best interest of children,” said Jacey Jetton, Texas House of Representatives, District 26.

“Families are the backbone of our community, and it’s important to protect them,” said Judge Armatys.  “Being a FAMILY District Court Judge is important to me because I hear CPS cases and protective order cases.  Families need to be protected. I also know regarding divorce cases and Suits Affecting Parent-Child Relationships, experience is key. I have 16 years of this experience – it matters.”

Visit www.walterforjudge.com for more information.

A resident of Fort Bend for over 19 years, Chad Brides was appointed to the 240th District Court of Fort Bend County in 2015. He is currently the Chief Prosecutor for the Family Violence Division of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and has served as a Chief Prosecutor for over 15 years. Bridges has handled over 150 jury trials as an Assistant District Attorney and dozens of appellate matters in cases ranging from misdemeanors to Protective Orders to Capital Murder.

As a District Court Judge, Bridges moved thousands of cases through his docket, including presiding over dozens of trials, and the Texas Council on Family Violence has asked him to train judges to set bonds to protect the community.   

Family: Married 25 years to Claudia Torres Bridges; son Matthew and daughter Lauren.

Qualifications:

• President, Fort Bend County Crime Victim’s Response Team
• Member, Texas Council on Family Violence’s Public Policy Committee
• Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Member, State Bar College
• Former member, Fort Bend County Board of District Judges
• 2011 Recipient Carol Rees Award, Outstanding Service to Crime Victims
• Lecturer, George Law Enforcement Academy
• Faculty Advisor and Presenter for the Texas District & County Attorney’s Association
• Advanced Trial Skills and Prosecutor Skills Course
• Published, Texas Center for the Judiciary
• Trained Judges for Texas Council on Family Violence
• Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for The State Bar of Texas
• Adjunct Professor, Houston Baptist University
• Bachelor of Arts, Texas A&M University
• Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston Law Center

Community Involvement:

• Past President, Exchange Club of Fort Bend
• Volunteer Trainer, Fort Bend Women’s Center
• Co-Volunteer of the Year with wife, Claudia, Pecan Grove Gators of the Fort Bend Youth Football League
• Wharton County Junior College Human Services Program Advisory Board
• Lifetime Member, Fort Bend County Fair Association Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Member, 2011
• Leadership Class
• Parishioners, St. Laurence Catholic Church, Sugar Land

“Fairness in the courtroom and safety in the community.  It’s not a slogan,” shared Bridges. “It’s what the Fort Bend County community deserves.  I am a proven leader, and I am ready to serve from day one.”

Visit www.ChadforJudge.com for more information.

A native Texan and Fort Bend County resident born and raised in Orchard, Edward M. Krenek is double board certified and has practiced law for 34 years.  His extensive first-chair trial experience in a variety of legal arenas makes him the best candidate for this position.

Family: Married to Tricia; children Carol, Keith, Kelli and Andrea; two grandchildren and family dog, Bella

Qualifications:

• Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law 1996 – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law 1999 – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Certified Public Accountant since 1986
• Tried hundreds of cases to resolution/disposition and handled over a thousand matters
in active litigation practice
• Fellow, College of the State Bar of Texas
• NITA National Session in Trial Advocacy
• Member, Fort Bend County Bar Association
• Graduate, Texas A&M University, BBA in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude
• Graduate, University of Texas School of Law, JD with Honors

Community Involvement:

• Board Commissioner, Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4
• Director and Lifetime Member, Fulshear Police Foundation
• Member, Brazos River Rotary Club
• Lifetime Member, Fort Bend County Fair
• Member, Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
• Volunteer, Family Hope
• Fulshear Citizens Police Academy (Inaugural Class)
• Former Precinct Chair, Fort Bend County GOP
• Third Degree Knights of Columbus Member
• Professional Musician

“I am proud to endorse Edward Krenek for Judge of the 240th District Court.  Ed has the knowledge, experience and integrity that Fort Bend County voters deserve and will be well-served by,” said Bobby Eberle, Chairman of the Fort Bend Republican Party.

“I want to serve as your judge to make a positive difference for all people of Fort Bend County,” said Krenek. “Our community faces a critical crossroads, one that will shape the future of our children and grandchildren. Promoting the tenets of safety and security for all families and ensuring law and order are the paramount principles I will bring to the bench. I will use my extensive trial experience and desire to ensure fairness for all people appearing before this Court to make this the safest community in Texas that we all call ‘home.’”

For more information, visit www.edkrenek.com.

Steve Rogers has called Fort Bend home for over 13 years. His desire to serve his community is based on his belief that “there is a push to turn our judges into legislators and invent law. I am running for district court judge to protect the constitutions of the United States and Texas.

“Being your neighbor has been a blessing and having the opportunity to serve in this district is a privilege,” shared Rogers. “My bench will be one where everyone has equal justice under the law. I will serve and protect the people of Fort Bend County. And I will not give in to peer pressure to do anything less than follow the Law as it is written.”

Family: Married to Rebecca for over 20 years; Children Emily, John, Mac and Will.

Qualifications: 

• 19 years practicing attorney in the areas of tax, Real Estate, estate planning, contracts,
criminal defense and M & A
• 15 year College Lecturer in Law, Government and Business at Houston Baptist University,
HIU and UNCP
• Assistant District Attorney, Brazoria County
• Admitted in Iowa, Arizona, Texas and 7 Federal Courts

Community Involvement:

• Member, St. Laurence Catholic Church
• Marriage preparation teacher for over 12 years; prepared over 4,000 individuals for marriage
• Fort Bend Lawyers Care, Volunteer Attorney
• Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, Volunteer Legal Counsel
• Stella Maris, Volunteer Legal Counsel

“Steve Rogers deeply respects the Constitution and has the education, qualifications, and temperament to be an excellent judge. Steve Rogers has my full support in his election to the 268th District Court,” said Congressman Troy Nehls.

In 1919, President Coolidge wrote, “Men do not make laws.  They do but discover them.  Laws must be justified by more than the will of the majority.  They must rest on the eternal foundation of righteousness.”

“Lawyers and judges in particular are called to do good,” said Rogers.  “They are tasked with doing justice for the community.  That is my oath to the people of the 268th Judicial District Court.”

Visit www.VoteSteveRogers.com for more information.