Roy DeFriend, the County Attorney for Limestone County, filed to run for judge of the 77th District Court, after the Honorable Patrick Simmons announced that he would not seek re-election.

“Judge Simmons has served as District Judge with distinction for many years. It has been an honor to have him on the bench in Limestone County during much of my tenure as County Attorney,” DeFriend said. “When Judge Simmons decided not to run for re-election, I decided to seek the bench so that I could use my experience and expertise to continue to serve the public.”

DeFriend has been the Limestone County Attorney since January 1, 2001. Prior to being elected, DeFriend served as an Assistant County Attorney for 10 years.

During his tenure as County Attorney, DeFriend has received several special recognitions for his work in the County Attorney’s office. He was named Prosecutor of the Year by the Central Texas Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and received the coveted Director’s Award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the highest honor a prosecutor can receive from that Department. He was one of five finalists for the first ever Prosecutor of the Year Award given by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

DeFriend has also received numerous other special recognitions including being named the Citizen of the Year by the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce and a Distinguished Alumnus of Navarro College.

Roy DeFriend is a native of Limestone County. He was raised in Thornton by his parents, the late Monroe DeFriend and Elsie DeFriend Williams. Roy’s mother, Elsie was a long-time city secretary for the city of Thornton and he credits her with inspiring him to pursue public service.

Roy graduated from Groesbeck High School before attending and graduating from Navarro College, Baylor University and Baylor Law School. He is married to Bonnie Wehman DeFriend, from Portland, Texas. Roy and Bonnie have two daughters: Haley, married to Brendon Roark, and Hannah.

DeFriend will be on the ballot in the Republican Primary scheduled for March 5, 2024.

Paid Political advertisement by Roy DeFriend