At least two candidates have stated their intention to run for office, following the announced retirement, earlier this month, by 87th District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans.
Tossing their hat in the ring are Stanley Sokolowski and Brian Walsh, both of Palestine, Texas.
Stanley Sokolowski practices law in the 87th District and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Prior to opening a private practice, Sokolowski served as the 1st Assistant District Attorney for Anderson County, Texas. He worked in the Anderson County District Attorney’s Office from 2003 to 2014.
He plans to run in the Republican primary.
Brian Walsh in Houston at Vinson & Elkins, and then McClanahan & Clearma,, before moving home to East Texas in 2010 and opened his own practice.
Walsh is a certified mediator, and currently serves as City Prosecutor for the City of Palestine.
He also plans to run in the Republican primary.
District Judge Evans will hold her position until her term ends on December 31, 2022.
A new District Judge will be elected next November.
“This position is important to me because I understand the gravity and personal nature that a Judge’s decisions have on a person’s life. Judges rule on civil lawsuits, determine child custody, and can give the death sentence,” said Stanley Sokolowski. “Over the 25 years I have spent serving the citizens of Texas, I believe my faith has helped me gain the knowledge and temperament required to render these life changing decisions.”
Brian Walsh stated, “I believe that my broad range of legal experience and extensive court experience will strongly serve the 87th Judicial District Court. I am fully committed to serving Anderson, Freestone, Leon, and Limestone Counties fairly, justly, and effectively.”
Official filing of candidacy will open on November 13, 2021.
Republican and Democratic primaries are scheduled for March 1, 2022. The General Election will be held November 8, 2022.
