Criminal District Judge, 496th Judicial District

Dan Simons

Republican Incumbent

On ballot as: DAN SIMONS
Current role: Judge, 496th District Court, Harris County (appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Jan. 7, 2025; appointed term expires Dec. 31, 2026)
Background: Bachelor's degree in business, Sam Houston State University
Law degree, Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law
U.S. Air Force veteran (1996–1999); honorable discharge
Born in Galveston
Raised in Southeast Texas; spent time in foster care (per campaign)
Experience: Criminal defense attorney and owner, Dan Simons Law Firm (when appointed)
Former attorney, Thiessen Law Firm
Former assistant district attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Republican nominee, Harris County District Attorney (2024); lost the general election to Sean Teare
Republican primary (March 3, 2026): advanced
Top priorities: Not found
Tidbits: Judicial philosophy: No public statement found
Court administration: No public statement found
Endorsements: Houston Police Officers' Union
Houston Association of Women Attorneys
"C" Club of Houston
Campaign website: electdansimons.com

Democratic

On ballot as: RAMONA FRANKLIN
Current role: Not found
Background: B.A. in English, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (1996)
M.S. in sports administration, Lynn University (1999)
Law degree, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (2002)
Experience: Judge, 338th District Court, Harris County (left office Dec. 31, 2024)
Ran for 338th District Court (March 2024 Democratic primary); lost to Allison Mathis
Democratic nominee, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 (2018); lost the general election
Former assistant district attorney, Harris County
Private law practice (began 2006)
Democratic primary (March 3, 2026): won over Michael Abner
Top priorities: Not found
Tidbits: Judicial philosophy: No public statement found
Court administration: No public statement found
Endorsements: Houston Black American Democrats
Bay Area Democratic Movement
Campaign website: Not found