Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2

Ken Cannata

Republican Incumbent

On ballot as: KEN CANNATA
Current role: Justice of the Peace, Fort Bend County Precinct 3, Place 2 (appointed by Commissioners Court on January 8, 2026; newly created court)
Background: Law degree with honors, South Texas College of Law (1983)
Texas law license (since 1983)
Bachelor's degree, University of South Florida (1979)
Board certified in civil trial law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization (since 1993)
Fort Bend County resident for 33 years (per campaign)
Experience: Judge, 458th District Court; its first judge (appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, September 2017; left that bench in 2019) (per the county)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 (2006–2017; 11 years)
Assistant county attorney, later chief of litigation, Fort Bend County Attorney's Office
Top priorities: Says he "created a docket control order in every case to provide for the orderly and prompt resolution of each case"
Says he reviewed more than 3,400 cases transferred to the new court and holds "daily dockets" to close inactive ones
"I ensure that each litigant has an opportunity to be heard"
Cites a "commitment to protecting individual rights and safeguarding the well-being of Fort Bend County residents"
Tidbits: Judicial philosophy: In a League of Women Voters questionnaire: "by applying the facts to the law in a fair and impartial way I make a determination that is in conformity with the law and fair and equitable."
Court administration: In a League of Women Voters questionnaire, says he "created a docket control order in every case to provide for the orderly and prompt resolution of each case."
Endorsements: Fort Bend Business Coalition
Texas Latino Conservatives, PAC (listed by campaign)
Orlando Sanchez, former Harris County Treasurer and current nominee for Harris County Judge (listed by campaign)
Campaign website: judgekencannata.com

Rachelle Carter

Democratic

On ballot as: RACHELLE CARTER
Current role: Associate judge, Sugar Land Municipal Court (per campaign); attorney, Law Office of Rachelle D. Carter
Background: Law degree, Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law (2003)
Texas law license (since 2012); also licensed in New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts, California State University (per campaign)
Former English teacher (per campaign)
Fort Bend County resident for more than 24 years (per campaign)
Experience: Former director, Fort Bend County Bar Association (per campaign)
Ran for Fort Bend County Judge (2026); lost the May 26 Democratic primary runoff
Democratic precinct chairs then selected her as the nominee for this new court (per campaign)
Top priorities: "Streamlined processes": "Efficient court operations that reduce unnecessary delays and respect people's time"
"Exploring evening or Saturday sessions" based "on community needs and available resources"
Would "explore innovative technology, including legal-access kiosks that connect people with legal resources and assistance"
"Clear communication": "Helping people understand the court process, their options, and what to expect at every step"
Tidbits: Judicial philosophy: In a League of Women Voters questionnaire: "I will carefully consider the facts, evidence, and applicable law, remain impartial and open-minded, and make fair, consistent, and well-reasoned decisions."
Court administration: In a League of Women Voters questionnaire: "I would work to reduce delays, improve communication, and make procedures understandable."
Endorsements: None found in our research
Campaign website: carterforjp3.com