TO THE VOTERS OF POLK, SAN JACINTO AND TRINITY COUNTIES

I write to you with the same commitment to honesty, fairness, and service that has defined my time on the bench and my more than forty years of practicing law before taking office as your District Judge on January 1, 2019.

Recently, my opponent has suggested that my age makes me unfit to continue serving. I respectfully disagree — and I believe the voters of this district deserve to consider what truly matters in a judge.

Judicial service is not measured by a number. It is measured by judgment, experience, temperament, and the ability to apply the law fairly to every person who enters the courtroom.

In just the past few months, I have presided over a murder jury trial in San Jacinto County, a two-week complex multi-million-dollar personal injury jury trial in Trinity County, and a will contest jury trial in San Jacinto County. I am scheduled to begin another criminal jury trial shortly. I continue to manage heavy criminal and civil dockets across Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties.

The people who appear before this court do not ask how old the judge is. They ask whether they will be heard. They ask whether the law will be applied fairly. They ask whether the courtroom will be steady and impartial.

Experience provides perspective. Perspective strengthens judgment. And judgment is essential to justice.

I remain fully engaged, active, and committed to serving this district with the same energy and dedication that I have brought to this role since taking office.

As President Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “Let the people know the truth and the country is safe.”

The truth is simple: this office requires steadiness, independence, and respect for the rule of law. I have spent decades building that record, and I am honored to continue that service.

I respectfully ask that you judge me by my record, my work, and my commitment to fairness — not by an arbitrary number.

Thank you for your continued trust and for your thoughtful consideration on March 3. Early voting is underway. Please take the opportunity to exercise your right to vote.

Respectfully,

Judge Travis Kitchens

Presiding Judge, 258th District Court