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CAMPAIGN NEWS
October 25, 2018
Remarks: Mcallen Citizens League Political Forum
MCALLEN (October, 2018) – Thank you to the McAllen Citizens League for hosting a candidate forum today.
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October 25, 2018
Remarks: Proven Integrity
CORPUS CHRISTI (October, 2018) – "Justice Dori Contreras has adhered to the highest ethical and moral standards. She does not play favorites with anyone or allow herself to be subjected to political pressure. Justice Dori Contreras is proud to serve on the court. As Chief Justice, she will lead the court with the same high level of integrity she has demonstrated for 16 years."
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October 23, 2018
Remarks: Proven Excelllence
CORPUS CHRISTI (October, 2018) – "In her 16 years of service on the court, Justice Dori Contreras has authored 1,875 opinions and participated in over 6,000 cases. She has established herself as a hard-working, efficient, fair and balanced jurist. Justice Dori Contreras is a true example of judicial excellence."
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October 20, 2018
Remarks: CALLER TIMES ENDORSES JUSTICE DORI CONTRERAS
CORPUS CHRISTI (October, 2018) – I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Caller Times. You can read the full article here.
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October 19, 2018
Remarks: JUSTICE DORI CONTRERAS VISITS WITH STUDENTS
EDCOUCH-ELSA (October, 2018) – I spent the morning speaking to Edcouch-Elsa High School students on the important topic of domestic abuse. I commend Edcouch-Elsa ISD teachers and administrators for raising awareness of this serious problem that is common among this age group.
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October 18, 2018
Remarks: NUECES COUNTY ATTORNEYS SUPPORT JUSTICE DORI CONTRERAS
CORPUS CHRISTI (October, 2018) – Nueces County attorneys overwhelmingly support Justice Dori Contreras for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals. These attorneys know the importance of her first-hand experience and knowledge based on 16 years of service on the court.
The 2018 Corpus Christi Judicial Preference Poll was conducted by the State Bar of Texas Department of Research and Analysis. The poll was conducted electronically and emailed to all members in good standing. The poll was conducted from October 2, 2018 to October 11, 2018. 76% of the attorneys who participated in the poll support Justice Dori Contreras for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals.
For more information, contact the State Bar of Texas Department of Research and Analysis at (512)427-1724 or by email at research@texasbar.com.
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October 17, 2018
Remarks: CAMERON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
BROWNSVILLE (October, 2018) – Thank you to the Cameron County Democratic Party for a wonderful evening celebrating and honoring the judiciary. Thank you to Jared, Cyndi, Amber and everyone else that worked so hard on this event.
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October 17, 2018
Remarks: ANNUAL JUDICIAL APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
BROWNSVILLE (October, 2018) – Thank you to the Cameron County Court Reporters Association for holding its annual Judicial Appreciation Luncheon. It was nice to visit with all who attended. On the Court of Appeals, we greatly appreciate the excellent work of the court reporters in our district. A good record of the trial proceedings is essential to our review of the case.
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October 8, 2018
Remarks: 30 Days to Election Day!
MCALLEN (October, 2018) – In thirty days, you will elect the next Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals. Retiring Chief Justice Roy Valdez has served the court for eighteen years. I thank Chief Justice Valdez for his years of dedicated service to the court as its leader and as my colleague, mentor, and friend.
I have worked alongside Chief Justice Valdez for sixteen of those eighteen years. The first-hand experience and knowledge I have gained makes me the most qualified person to succeed him. It is critical for the court that the next Chief Justice be able to hit the ground running on day one with no learning curve. I can do that because I know the court, the judges and staff and the issues the court is facing. It isn't in the court's best interest to allow someone from outside the court to assume this very important position.
By electing me, you know what you are getting -- a hard-working jurist with an established record of fairness and integrity. I will easily assume the additional administrative responsibilities of managing the court and its budget because of my experience on the court coupled with my accounting background.
In order to win on November 6, I need your help. Please share my information with your network of family, friends and co-workers. Ask them to visit my website, www.justicedori.com, or my Facebook page, Justice Dori Contreras, to get more information about my candidacy.
You can trust me to lead the court through its next chapter of judicial excellence.
Thank you,
Justice Dori Contreras
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October 18, 2018
Remarks: TRUST, EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY
MCALLEN (October, 2018) – Trust, excellence and integrity are some of the qualities that define Justice Dori Contreras. For proven leadership and experience elect Justice Dori Contreras for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals.
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September 24, 2018
Remarks: A Message From Justice Dori Contreras
MCALLEN (September, 2018) – You first elected me to the 13th Court of Appeals in 2002 and reelected me in 2008 and 2014. I appreciate your support!
This November I am asking for your support for Chief Justice. Please take a moment to review this video and share it with your family, friends and social networks.
Thank you!
Justice Dori Contreras
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September 20, 2018
Remarks: PSJA Pre-Law Institute Advisory Committee
MCALLEN (September, 2018) – I am very proud to be asked to serve on the inaugural PSJA Pre-Law Institute Advisory Committee. I look forward to helping students determine at an early age whether the legal profession is the right career choice for them.
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September 9, 2018
Remarks: White Wing Party - Quinta La Noria
MCALLEN (September, 2018) – Thank you to Ray Thomas and all hosts and co-hosts of the White Wing Hunt held in honor of my colleagues and me. Everyone had a nice time especially the birds that got away!
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September 3, 2018
Remarks: Aransas County Democrats Headquaters - Grand Opening
MCALLEN (September, 2018) – Congrats to the Aransas County Democrats on a fabulous grand opening of their headquarters— great people, excellent conversation and good food! Thank you for all you are doing to help us win in November!
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August 31, 2018
Remarks: Yard signs are in!
MCALLEN (August, 2018) – Yard signs are in! Come on down and get yours! DM us for pick up location. For pick-up locations, please send us a message.
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August 11, 2018
Remarks: Fundraising Golf Tournament in Support of Justice Dori Contreras
MCALLEN (August, 2018) – On Saturday, August 11, 2018, I held a Fundraising Golf Tournament at Tierra Del Sol Golf Course in Pharr, Texas. All proceeds will go towards my campaign for Chief Justice. I am grateful for the support of the sponsors and volunteers who made this tournament possible. Thank you!
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March 7, 2018
Remarks: Dori Contreras secures Democratic nomination for chief justice of 13th Court of Appeals
MCALLEN (March, 2018) – "Contreras received 63.81 percent of the vote, earning 22,000 more votes than her Democratic opponent, McAllen attorney Ray Thomas.
Contreras has served as Place 6 justice on the court since 2003.
The court serves 20 South Texas counties, with offices in Edinburg and Corpus Christi, and its remaining general election races were already set well before Tuesday’s primary because the candidates ran unopposed in their respective primaries."
To continue reading, click here.
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March 6, 2018
Remarks: Election Watch Party
Pharr (August, 2018) – Thank you to all my volunteers and supporters who joined me for last night's Election Watch Party!
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March 6, 2018
Remarks: A Special Message from Justice Dori
Pharr (August, 2018) – Thank you for the overwhelming support you showed me in yesterday's Democratic Primary and also for the support you have shown me throughout the years.
We are one step closer to electing the court's first Latina Chief Justice. Thank you!
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March 2, 2018
Remarks: A Special Message from Justice Dori
MCALLEN (February, 2018) –Friends, please share this special message! Election day is Tuesday, March 6. If you haven't voted, please vote Tuesday. Thank you!
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March 2, 2018
Remarks: A Special Message from Justice Dori
MCALLEN (February, 2018) –Friends, please share this special message! Election day is Tuesday, March 6. If you haven't voted, please vote Tuesday. Thank you!
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February 20, 2018
Remarks: Justice Dori - Experience Matters
MCALLEN (February, 2018) – To all my supporters: Please review this video and share with your social networks to enable me to reach as many voters as possible. Every vote is critical in this election. I need your help and am very grateful for your support. Thank you!
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February 26, 2018
Remarks: 60th Birthday Celebration & Vote Rally.
EDINBURG / CORPUS CHRISTI (February, 2017) – I had a wonderful time surrounded by family and friends at my 60th Birthday Celebration and Early Vote Rallies in Corpus Christi and Edinburg! It was wonderful to have people there from every aspect of my life -- cousins, aunts, childhood friends, professional friends, political friends and on and on. I am blessed and fortunate to have the loyal support of so many. Thank you for making my 60th birthday very memorable! Special thank you to Henry Cisneros and to Bambi Cardenas for their kind words of encouragement and support.
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February 16, 2018
Remarks: A Special Invitation from Henry Cisneros.
EDINBURG (February, 2017) – I am so excited to have Henry Cisneros join me for two campaign rallies on Sunday, February 25! We’ll also be celebrating my birthday. Henry will be sharing his insight into the upcoming elections. Everyone is invited. I hope to see you there!
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October 28, 2017
Remarks: Women in Leadership Meet & Greet.
EDINBURG (October 28, 2017) – Thank you to all who joined me at my Ladies Meet & Greet held earlier this week. The kind words of support and encouragement so many of you shared with me that evening are greatly appreciated. I am also very thankful to Blandina "Bambi" Cardenas for spending her birthday evening with us and for sharing such a powerful and inspiring message.
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October 18, 2017
Remarks: FIESTA Fundraising Reception.
MCALLEN (October 18, 2017) – We had a wonderful time at the FIESTA Fundraising Reception! I would like to thank everyone who attended the event. I am also proud to have the love and support of my son, Michael. I appreciate everyone’s support!
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October 12, 2017
Remarks: 3rd Biennial LUPE Gala: Community Resistance.
MCALLEN (October 12, 2017) – Congratulations to LUPE on its beautiful event. Actress and San Juan native Cristela Alonzo shared her amazing story. It was an honor to meet her. We enjoyed a funny moment, because I offered to take her picture with the ladies that were ahead of me in line, she said, “You really are a public servant!”
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October 11, 2017
Press Release: Women in Leadership Meet and Greet with Justice Dori Contreras.
EDINBURG (October 11, 2017) – Join us for a Meet and Greet to engage, exchange and network with Justice Dori Contreras, candidate for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals, fellow women professionals on Wednesday, October 25th, from 5:30PM - 7:30PM, at the Home of Dru LaMantia, 601 Hobbs Drive, Edinburg, Texas. The Women in Leadership Meet and Greet is being hosted by Marsha Acosta, Sharon Almaguer, Chris Ardis, Celeste Cantu, Gloria Cantu-Salinas, Lorena Castillo, Sarah Cowen, Velma de Leon, Edna De Saro, Mary Lou Doeppenschmidt, Dolly Elizondo, Betty Garza, Viola Garza, Diana Garza-Farias, Jeannette Goldenburg-Noone, Lori Goldman, Ada Gomez, Sabrina Guerra, Norma Guevara, Sarah Hammond, Rosanna Henrichson, Connie Hernandez, Melissa Jalomo, Melina Lerma, Laura Martinez-Ilgun, Magda Magdaleno, Rose Marques, Mayor Diana Martinez, Ruby Martinez, Giselle Mascarenhas-Villarreal, Kandii Meadows, Irma Muñoz, Cynthia Negrete, Summer Olmos, Ronnie Ontiveros, Melissa Osio, Imelda Palacios, Edna Posada, Andrea Rodriguez, Cynthia Sakulenski, Kelly Scrivner, Susan Sullivan-Martinez, Liza Vasquez Garza, Selma Wadhwani, Laura Warren, Rosalie Weisfeld, Brandy Wingate-Voss and Jeri Worthington.
For more information, contact Dru LaMantia at 956-789-4557.
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October 11, 2017
Press Release: Fiesta Fundraising reception in support of Justice Dori Contreras.
MCALLEN (October 11, 2017) – You’re cordially invited to a Fiesta Fundraising reception in support of Justice Dori Contreras, candidate for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals, beginning at 5:30PM on Tuesday, October 17th, at 505 N. 15th Street in the City of McAllen, Texas. The Fiesta gathering is being hosted by Atlas Hall & Rodriguez, LLP, Bob and Marsha Acosta, Brandy Wingate Voss, Bruce and Lori Goldman, Cowen & Garza, Escamilla Law Firm, Escobedo & Cardenas, LLP, Garcia & Martinez, LLP, Gault, Nye & Quintana, Joe Phillips, Jones Galligan Key & Lozano, Law Firm of Garcia & Ochoa, Law Office of Diana Fuentes Aguilar, Leon and Velma de Leon, Orendain & Dominguez, Ramon Worthington, PLLC, Roerig Oliveira & Fisher, LLP, Steve and Melina Lerma,
The Almaguer Law Firm and Villeda Law Group.
For more information, contact Sandra I. Tutka at 956-655-5189.
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October 06, 2017
Remarks: Campaign Fundraiser.
MCALLEN (October 05, 2017) – Thank you to Barbara Canales and Doug Allison for hosting my campaign fundraiser in their beautiful home. I appreciate their faith and belief in my ability to serve as the next Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals. Thank you also to the host committee and to all that were able to stop by.
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September 07, 2017
Remarks: September Hidalgo County Democratic Party Meeting.
EDINBURG (September 07, 2017) – I was happy to host the September Hidalgo County Democratic Party meeting. Thank you to those that were able to attend. Rather than making my campaign the primary focus, I asked a representative from the Food Bank to provide an update on Harvey relief efforts. As you know, the harm from this catastrophic storm is going to linger for months and, in some cases, years. There are many ways to help so I encourage all to continue to help in any way you can. Thank you, Omar Rodriguez, for your presentation. For more information, go to www.foodbankrgv.com.
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August 23, 2017
Remarks: NINOS, Inc. Grand Opening.
RIO HONDO (August 23, 2017) – Congratulations to the leadership and board of NINOS, Inc. for celebrating the grand opening of its beautiful new facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony today. I'm proud to say that my mother was a Head Start Director in Pharr in 1966 when the program first started. Kudos to Manuela Rendon for the excellent job she has done over the years. It's a very important program.
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August 12, 2017
Remarks: La Lomita March.
MISSION (August 12, 2017) – Thank you to the Team Dori volunteers who are handing out water to the marchers participating in the La Lomita March today!
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August 10, 2017
Remarks: Precinct Chair Appreciation Dinner.
EDINBURG (August 10, 2017) – Thank you to the precinct chairs who attended the Precinct Chair Appreciation Dinner I hosted in their honor. The precinct chairs truly are the heart of the Party, but for the efforts of many, I wouldn't have enjoyed the privilege of serving on the court for fifteen years. I appreciate all they do to increase voter participation in our elections. Their role is critical. Thank you, precinct chairs!
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August 02, 2017
Remarks: The Easter Seals Perfect Pair.
EDINBURG (August 02, 2017) – Attending a great event and supporting a great cause is particularly enjoyable when I can see and visit with good friends. The Easter Seals Perfect Pair was once again a successful event. Kudos to CEO Patricia Rosenlund and the board. Big shout out to Event Champions Carlos Melguizo and Saul Sanchez!
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August 01, 2017
Remarks: Texas Exes - 2017 Student Send-Off.
EDINBURG (August 01, 2017) – It's great to see 400 plus students from the Rio Grande Valley heading to UT Austin! Congratulations to Vallery Valle who is the recipient of the RGV Scholars scholarship and Marla Zarate who received the RGV Scholars Lisa Garcia scholarship last year. Lisa was a dear friend who died way too young but her Longhorn spirit is being carried on through Marla and future scholarship recipients. I am proud to say I was part of the committee that made this scholarship possible. Hook 'em!
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July 30, 2017
Remarks: Town Hall Meeting.
EDINBURG (July 30, 2017) – I attended the Town Hall meeting with Beto O'Rourke. He thanked me for attending all three of his events that were held within my twenty county district, Corpus Christi, Brownsville and McAllen. From there, I was invited to accompany him and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez to Hidalgo to visit with voters that were participating in the BBQ Chalupa hosted by Jaime Jerry Munoz. Nice event!
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July 15, 2017
Remarks: National Foundation for Judicial Excellence Symposium.
EDINBURG (July 15, 2017) – Continuing judicial education enables me to be the best jurist I can be. Plus, it is nice to connect with fellow appellate judges from Texas who are shown in this picture. Chief Justices Carolyn Wright (Dallas) and Jim Worthington (Tyler) look forward to the prospect of me joining them on the Council of Chiefs. They both remarked that serving as a Justice on the Court, as they did, prior to becoming Chief Justice is critical to doing the job well.
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July 12, 2017
Remarks: RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Legislative Report Card Luncheon.
EDINBURG (July 12, 2017) – Enjoyed listening to our legislators at the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Report Card Luncheon. We all need to appreciate their hard work as our representatives.
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July 09, 2017
Remarks: Court’s Summer Internship - “Brown bag” luncheon.
EDINBURG (July 09, 2017) – Serving as a positive role model to law students is important to me. As part of the Court's summer internship program, I shared my story during our "brown bag" luncheon. A central part of my message is that no matter the obstacles encountered, and there will be some, with sheer will and determination, they will succeed. I wish them all the best!
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June 09, 2017
Remarks: Educational Seminars.
EDINBURG (June 09, 2017) – As part of our judicial responsibilities, Justice Gina M. Benavides and I enjoyed participating in educational seminars. Today, we shared our court experience and legal knowledge with members of the bar who practice in the area of government law. Appellate attorney Audrey Vicknair moderated.
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June 06, 2017
Remarks: Willacy County.
EDINBURG (June 06, 2017) – I visited with several Willacy County elected officials, many of which have served many years. They agree that experience really does matter and know that my fifteen years of experience on the court make me the best qualified candidate for Chief Justice. I appreciate the opportunity to visit with them and to ask for their support.
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May 31, 2017
Remarks: Graduates of RMA Corpus Christi.
EDINBURG (May 31, 2017) – Judge Joe Benavides and I had the honor of addressing the graduates of RMA Corpus Christi. These students have overcome many obstacles to complete high school. I shared some of my story to encourage them to continue their education despite further challenges they may encounter. Congratulations to the students and their parents!
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May 30, 2017
Remarks: Coastal Bend Texas Democratic Women.
EDINBURG (May 30, 2017) – I had the pleasure of addressing the Coastal Bend Texas Democratic Women. This dynamic group of women are instrumental in the "Get Out The Vote" effort every election cycle. I appreciate their hard work and am proud to be a member!
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May 18, 2017
Remarks: Kids' Courthouse Tour - Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association.
EDINBURG (May 18, 2017) – Justice Gina Benavides and I enjoyed speaking to three groups of elementary students today who were part of the Kids' Courthouse Tour organized by the Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association. Serving as a positive role model for the youth in our community is something we take very seriously as part of our judicial duties.
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May 13, 2017
Remarks: Hidalgo County Bar Association Gala
EDINBURG (May 13, 2017) – We had a great time at the 80's themed Hidalgo County Bar Association Gala. Congratulations to my good friends Judge Rose Guerra Reyna and Valorie Glass (RIP), Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients, and Sarah Cowen, Ethics Award as well as to the other award recipients. Your exceptional leadership and service is appreciated.
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May 02, 2017
Remarks: Campaign Gathering.
EDINBURG (May 30, 2017) – Thank you to the folks who attended my campaign gathering in Corpus. I appreciate your loyal support. I look forward to visiting with more of you as we continue spreading my message: Experience Matters.
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April 08, 2017
Remarks: April Hidalgo County Democratic Party Meeting.
MCALLEN (April 08, 2017) – I enjoyed speaking at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party meeting. There are only two questions that matter in the race for Chief Justice: Who is the best qualified candidate to be the next Chief Justice and who can win in the general election? The answer to both is me based on my years of experience on the court and my proven track record of winning in a gubernatorial cycle. I ask for your support!
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March 28, 2017
Press Release: Justice Dori Contreras Announces Candidacy for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals
EDINBURG (March 27, 2017) – Justice Dori Contreras recently announced that she will seek election to the Chief Justice of the Thirteenth Court of Appeals position in 2018.
The announcement comes on the heels of Chief Justice Rogelio Valdez announcing he will retire at the end of his term in 2018. “I thank Chief Justice Valdez for his years of dedicated service to the Court as its leader and as my colleague, mentor, and friend,” says Justice Contreras. “After nearly fifteen years of serving with Chief Justice Valdez as a justice, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I seek election to follow in his footsteps and maintain the legacy of fairness and efficiency that the 13th Court of Appeals enjoys.”
The judicial duties and responsibilities of chief justice do not differ from that of a justice; however, the chief justice has the added responsibility for administration of the Court and its budget. “My years of service on the Court, coupled with my accounting degree and experience, make me the most qualified candidate to seek this position. In addition to disposing of cases in a just and efficient manner, I have assisted Chief Justice Valdez with numerous administrative matters and will continue to do so as he completes his current term.”
The Thirteenth Court of Appeals serves twenty counties throughout South Texas and the Coastal Bend with offices in Edinburg and Corpus Christi. “For several years, I have contemplated succeeding Chief Justice Valdez, and I am fully prepared to serve as his successor. Because of my many years of service on the Court and familiarity with its procedures, the transition will be seamless. I will have no learning curve.”
“Experience matters in the important Chief Justice role,” says retired Fourth Court of Appeals Chief Justice Catherine Stone. “Justice Contreras has the intelligence, temperament, and experience to lead the 13th Court of Appeals to its next chapter of judicial excellence.”
Justice Contreras was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and also raised three children there. She has served on several organizations in the community and throughout the state. Recently, she relocated to Corpus Christi. “Being there puts me closer to Coastal Bend constituents and communities. It also enables me to work closely with the Clerk of the Court, who offices in Corpus Christi.” After graduating from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in 1976, she enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin where she majored in Accounting. She worked as an accountant for several years in Houston before enrolling in the University of Houston Law Center in 1987. She graduated in 1990 and began her legal career in Houston working as an associate for Thomas N. Thurlow and Associates. In 1991, she moved to San Antonio and began employment with the Law Offices of Frank Herrera. After one year, she transferred to the McAllen branch office which she managed until 1997. In that year, she became a partner in a civil trial firm that litigated and tried state and federal court cases. Justice Contreras also formed a mediation practice in 1997 which she ran concurrently with her law practice. She was elected to the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in 2002 and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. In 2010, Justice Contreras was one of three recommended by the Texas congressional delegation for nomination by the White House to a United States District Court seat in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Justice Contreras has served as a member of numerous legal and community organizations including President of the Hidalgo County Bar Association and on the boards of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. She currently serves as a councilmember to the State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section. Throughout her legal career, Justice Contreras has lectured at continuing legal education programs around the state. She enjoys speaking to students at local schools and serving as a role model to the young women in her community. Before relocating to Corpus Christi, Justice Contreras was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in McAllen.
In 2014, Justice Contreras was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and received the Good Samaritan Award from Good Samaritan Community Services-RGV, a non-profit organization that provides an after-school and summer program for at-risk youth in the Pharr community. In 2016, she received the Judge of the Year Award from the State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section.
Justice Contreras has three children. Lisette Marie Howard is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has a Master’s degree from the University of North Texas. Vanessa Barry graduated summa cum laude from UT Pan American and is employed as the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for IDEA Public Schools. Michael James Garza, Jr. is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Justice Contreras has three beautiful grandchildren and a fourth due in May.
"I am committed to the rule of law, to applying the law fairly and impartially, and to upholding the constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas," said Contreras. If elected, Justice Contreras will be the first female Chief Justice to serve on the court.
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March 11, 2017
Justice Dori Contreras Announces Candidacy for Chief Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals
Dear Family, Friends and Long-Time Supporters:
Yesterday, Chief Justice Rogelio Valdez announced that he will retire at the end of his term in 2018. I thank Chief Justice Valdez for his years of dedicated service to the Court as its leader and as my colleague, mentor, and friend. After nearly fifteen years of serving with Chief Justice Valdez as a justice, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I announce my intent to seek election to serve as your Chief Justice of the Thirteenth Court of Appeals.
The judicial duties and responsibilities of chief justice do not differ from that of a justice; however, the chief justice has the added responsibility for administration of the Court and budget. My years of service on the Court, coupled with my accounting degree, make me the most qualified candidate to seek this position. In addition to disposing of cases in a just and efficient manner, I have assisted Chief Justice Valdez with numerous administrative matters and will continue to do so as he completes his current term.
As you may know, the Thirteenth Court of Appeals serves twenty counties throughout South Texas and the Coastal Bend with offices in Edinburg and Corpus Christi. I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and have served on several organizations in the community and throughout the state. Recently, I relocated to Corpus Christi. Being there puts me closer to Coastal Bend constituents and communities. It also enables me to work closely with the Clerk of the Court, who offices in Corpus Christi.
For several years, I have contemplated succeeding Chief Justice Valdez, and I am fully prepared to serve as his successor. Because of my many years of service on the Court and familiarity with its procedures, the transition will be seamless. I will have no learning curve.
Your support in the past has meant so much to me. With your continued support, I look forward to serving as your next chief justice.
Sincerely,
Justice Dori Contreras
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