Justices of the Peace hear civil matters in which the dispute does not exceed $20,000, as well as certain criminal misdemeanors that can be punished by fines but not jail time. Justices of the peace, who do not require law degrees, serve four-year terms and are paid $114,541 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Rosalie Dominguez, 60, is a retired code enforcement officer.
Enedina “Nina” Serna, 69, is the incumbent justice of the peace.
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been edited to fit the word count and for grammar.
What qualifications separate you from your opponent?
Rosalie Dominguez: Experience in the judicial system for over 25 years: six years with the county attorney’s trial team, eight years with the JP as civil and criminal clerk, 12 years in the enforcement as code enforcement officer, eight years as a justice of the peace.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: I bring over 11 years of experience in the judicial system along with 220 hours of judicial training and 10 years of legislative service. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how laws are created, interpreted and applied, as well as the real impact they have on our community. What truly sets me apart is this combination of legislation, the judicial system and being a community engaged JP, along with proven leadership and a deep connection to the community I serve.
Texas does not require justices of the peace to be licensed attorneys. If you are an attorney, how does your legal background prepare you for the types of cases you’ll preside over? If you are not, how have you prepared yourself to interpret and apply the law accurately in your courtroom?
Rosalie Dominguez: Not an attorney but have worked with licensed attorneys all my career. With the county and district attorneys, enforce and interpret the laws of Texas as a code enforcement officer, and as a prior JP judge and clerk.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: I am not an attorney; I have gained my knowledge over the course of my career through my trainings and professional guidance from the county and district attorney’s office. I have developed a strong understanding of legal processes, courtroom procedures and the practical application of the law. My work has required careful judgment, attention to evidence and a commitment to fairness, integrity and respect essential qualities for a justice of the peace.
How will you improve efficiency, transparency and communication within the JP court?
Rosalie Dominguez: As a former JP, the doors were always open to the public. Meeting with the public was always available to hear people’s issues or concerns.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: As the current justice of the peace, I understand firsthand the importance of maintaining an open and accessible court that truly serves its community. During my tenure, I made it a priority to keep my doors open to the public, ensuring that individuals always had the opportunity to share their concerns, ask questions and seek guidance. I firmly believe that a justice of the peace should not only preside over legal matters but also remain an active and engaged member of the community they serve.
How will you ensure that people who come before your court – many without attorneys – understand the process and receive fair treatment?
Rosalie Dominguez: As a former JP, at the beginning of each court hearing, whether criminal or civil, my priority was to make sure the public was well aware of their rights before proceeding. If any doubt, cases would be reset to obtain legal counseling.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: I have made it a standard practice at the beginning of each hearing to clearly explain the court process and make sure individuals understand their rights before any proceedings begin. I believe that informed individuals are better able to participate in their case and make decisions that affect their lives. If there is ever any doubt that a person fully understands their rights or the process I reset the case to allow them time to seek legal counsel or gain the clarity they need.
What does your political affiliation indicate to voters about how you will handle the cases that come before you?
Rosalie Dominguez: I do not bring politics into the court as other JPs do, by maximizing fines in order for the public to be deceived by lowering it for the return of their political support. I will be fair and just to everyone, young, old, wealthy or poor. Working with the public all my life has given me the experience and the knowledge to know how to work with my community and to understand the issues that come from our daily lives.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: My political affiliation does not influence how I handle cases that come before the court. As a justice of the peace, my responsibility is to uphold the law with impartiality, integrity and fairness, ensuring that every case is decided based on the facts and the law — not politics. Voters can trust that I will remain impartial, apply the law consistently, and treat every individual who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect.
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