Indian-American Democrat Juli A. Mathew has been sworn in for her second consecutive term as a judge in Fort Bend County, Texas. Originally from Thiruvalla, Kerala, Mathew took the oath remotely from Bheemanady, Kasaragod, and will continue to serve as the presiding judge for Number 3 of the Fort Bend County Court for the next four years.
Re-election and Victory
Mathew secured re-election with 123,116 votes, defeating Republican Andrew Dornburg. Expressing gratitude after her victory, she acknowledged the support of her supporters, prayer warriors, and voters throughout her journey.
Achievements and Contributions
Having won her first electoral bid in 2018 against Republican Tricia Krenek, Mathew made history as the first Indian-American woman elected to the bench in the US. With 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney in various legal domains, including mass tort, civil litigation, probate, and criminal matters, she also spearheads the first Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court.
Academic Background
Mathew, who grew up in Philadelphia, attended Penn State University before obtaining her Juris Doctorate from Delaware Law School. In January 2021, she founded the Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court to support young individuals with mental health challenges.
Demographic Insights
Fort Bend County boasts a significant Indian population, including Malayalis. According to Mathew, 28.6% of the county’s population is foreign-born, with 51% of them being Asian-American.
Political Landscape
The state of Texas witnessed a notable presence of Indian-Americans vying for judicial positions in the November 8, 2022, midterms. Besides Mathew, two other Democrats, Judge K.P. George and Sonia Rash, secured re-election from Fort Bend County.
Challenges and Resilience
Prior to the election, Mathew and her fellow candidates faced adversity when their campaign signs were stolen, defaced, and vandalized. Despite these challenges, Mathew remains committed to her duty, emphasizing the importance of integrity, sportsmanship, and resilience in public service.
Ben Müller
Clara Cardoso
