Criminal District Judge, 497th Judicial District

Peyton Peebles

Republican Incumbent

On ballot as: PEYTON PEEBLES
Current role: Judge, 497th District Court, Harris County (appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Jan. 7, 2025; appointed term expires Dec. 31, 2026)
Background: Bachelor of Science, University of Florida
Law degree, University of Houston Law Center
Lives in Houston
Experience: Partner, Shellist Peebles McAlister, LLP (when appointed)
Owner, Peebles Law Firm, PLLC (when appointed)
Former general counsel and staff attorney, Harris County Office of Court Management
Former investigator and assistant district attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Republican primary (March 3, 2026): advanced
Top priorities: Campaign: he "prioritizes public safety, values fairness and equal access to justice"
Campaign: he "ensures justice is swift for victims while upholding the constitutional rights of every individual who comes before him"
Tidbits: Judicial philosophy: Campaign site: says he "prioritizes public safety, values fairness and equal access to justice"
Court administration: Campaign site: "Known for running a no-nonsense courtroom, Judge Peebles ensures justice is swift for victims while upholding the constitutional rights of every individual"
Endorsements: Houston Police Officers' Union
Houston Association of Women Attorneys
"C" Club of Houston
Campaign website: keepjudgepeebles.com

Democratic

On ballot as: BREANNA SCHWARTZ
Current role: Criminal defense attorney focused on appeals and post-conviction writs (per campaign)
Background: Law degree, University of Houston (2012)
Born and raised in Harris County (per candidate)
Experience: Criminal defense attorney (since 2021) (per campaign)
Prosecutor, Harris County District Attorney's Office, nine years (per candidate)
Democratic primary (March 3, 2026): advanced
Top priorities: "My goal is to run a courtroom that treats every person with dignity and respect"
"Our justice system should be one that keeps the public safe from violent offenders, and lowers recidivism for non-violent offenders."
"Addressing court backlogs and maintaining efficiency"
Tidbits: Judicial philosophy: In a Ballotpedia survey: "My courtroom will be a place where decisions are grounded in the law and the evidence, and where consistency and fairness guides every outcome."
Court administration: In a Ballotpedia survey: plans "strategic docket management by utilizing organized scheduling, clear communication, and a robust trial schedule"
Endorsements: Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Houston Black American Democrats
Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus
Bay Area Democratic Movement
Greater Heights Democratic Club (primary)
Campaign website: voteschwartz.net