Your State District Judge in the Criminal Courthouse.

Supporter Demi Stewart and Judge Andy Porter at the Cowtown Republican Women’s Club.

Since January 1, 2023, I have served as your steward of Criminal District Court No. 4 (CDC4), overseeing the most serious felony cases.

I promised to attack the COVID-19 backlog. Since taking office, I’ve reduced CDC4’s average daily caseload from almost 2300 cases to around 1300 cases. I’ve tried serious cases, which resulted in lengthy sentences for murderers, child rapists, and violent drug dealers. I’ve also signed acquittals for defendants who weren’t guilty.

I’ve worked with fellow judges to maximize your tax dollars. Working together, we eliminated wasteful spending in the courthouse. We’ve streamlined processes, improved operational efficiencies, and reduced the time victims and defendants wait for trial.

I implemented policy changes that made your judges more available to aid state and federal law enforcement agents, including most major holidays. The result? Homicide and other violent crime rates are dramatically lower in Tarrant County than in any other major urban county in Texas.

Four years ago I also promised to resolve cases without fear or favor. I promised to decide cases by following the law as written. And I promised CDC4 would be an open and transparent court where “backroom deals” are not allowed. I have kept those promises, and I will continue to do so.

Thank you, Tarrant County, for this great honor. I look forward to continuing as your judicial steward of Criminal District Court No. 4.

Sincerely,

Judge Andy Porter