Meet the Democrats running for Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6
The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Larry Praeger
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 64
Website: larrysc6.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for: 5th District Court of Appeals 2010 unexpired term, 2012 full term; 301st District Court, 2014 primary
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? Yes. I was involved in a lawsuit when my home was damaged as a result of new construction next door.
Why are you seeking this office? To bring balance back to the Texas Supreme Court. I will be the first justice in decades to have run a solo practice and who has worked with working and middle class litigants and small businesses. Those groups need someone on the court who understands what can happen at trial and how costly and stressful litigation can be.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? Restore balance, make the courts more accessible to working and middle class Texans, make sure that every Texan is treated with dignity and respect in the judicial system.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent? The breadth and depth of my experience. I have appeared in every level of court in the State of Texas. I have fought — and won — hard cases. I do not shy away from a challenge and I believe that the courts must be a level playing field for all. I am board-certified in family law and AV rated. I spent five years as a volunteer on the grievance committee evaluating ethical complaints against lawyers. I perform services annually pro bono, and I act as a mentor through the transition to law program of the Dallas Bar, helping young lawyers establishing their practice.
Kathy Cheng
Occupation: Attorney in private practice
Age: 46
Website: chengforjustice.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: 209th Criminal District Court in 2010; 1st Court of Appeals Place 9 in 2012; Texas Supreme Court Place 6 in 2018
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? I was involved in a civil lawsuit at least 10 years ago for severe injuries sustained due to an automobile accident.
Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking office for the Texas Supreme Court, Place 6 because I want to balance the highest court in the State of Texas. For almost a quarter of a century, the Texas Supreme Court has consisted of a panel of nine justices of all Republicans. Because that is the panel entrusted with the high responsibility of interpreting the laws of the State of Texas, we desperately need to elect justices who will balance the Court and bring back integrity so that Texans can believe in and trust in the judicial system to be fair, equal and just for all.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? (1) Assuring that my staff and all parties involved in the case are treated equally, professionally and with dignity and respect; (2) assuring transparency so that constituents understand the responsibilities of the Court and its impact on the constituents; and (3) assuring transparency with the legal practitioners so as to build an ongoing rapport with those who practice before the Texas Supreme Court to make the judicial process more effective and efficient.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent? My areas of practice will be an asset for the position I am seeking since a majority of those cases are the types of cases considered on the Texas Supreme Court. Furthermore, because of my diverse knowledge, experience and ability to think outside the box, I will bring diversity to the Texas Supreme Court. Lastly, qualification and electability are required in this race. As a candidate, I am not only qualified but also relatable. As a candidate who came within four points of winning this position in 2018, I am the candidate who will win the November 2020 election.
This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Meet the Democrats running for Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6."
