GONZALES
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
Surrounded by family, friends, and a strong showing of community support, Jessica Gonzales officially announced her candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2. Her campaign, grounded in two decades of service, highlights both her legal experience and her long-standing connection to the community.
“I am running for Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Pl 2. I am humbly asking for your support and your vote,” Gonzales shared on social media following her announcement held publicly at the Heavin Trail in San Benito last weekend. “This election is March 3, 2026,” she said.
A lifelong resident of San Benito, Gonzales graduated from San Benito High School in 1992. She went on to study criminal justice at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville and completed training at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Police Academy. That foundation launched her into public service, where she has remained for more than 20 years, according to her biography.
Gonzales has served as associate and presiding municipal judge for the City of Rio Hondo for the past 15 years. She said those years have given her insight into the kinds of challenges people face when navigating the court system. “Serving as a municipal Judge for the past 15 years has presented lots of learning experiences in what the normal citizen is experiencing and the hardships that are added when facing fines, penalties, and orders from a court,” she said.
Her commitment to public service extends well beyond the bench. She spent eight years as a member of the Rio Hondo ISD School Board and 18 years involved with the Rio Hondo Youth Sports League.
She currently holds seats on several boards, including Su Clinica Familiar, the Salvation Army Board in Harlingen, the Rotary Club of San Benito, the San Benito Historical Society Board, the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Friends of the San Benito Public Library, the San Benito Friends of the Museums, and the Rio Hondo Bridgefest Committee Board. She also serves as Chair of the San Benito Housing Authority Board.
“I have spent most of my adult life in a servant leadership role, which has allowed me to serve the public, helping and caring for others,” she said.
Gonzales went on to add that she hopes voters recognize not only her experience but the consistency of her involvement across Precinct 3. She believes it reflects her willingness to stay present and accessible, regardless of title. “I hope that when voters see my name on the ballot, they remember the community involvement and commitment I have had in Precinct 3 and know that I will continue to work hard serving in our community’s best interest,” she said.
This isn’t her first campaign. Gonzales previously ran for office but was not elected. That outcome, she said, helped her grow in visibility and purpose. “I came up a little short in the last election, but feel that I have had more exposure and have received positive feedback and support from people,” she said. “I have and will continue to make myself available to the citizens of Precinct 3.”
If elected, she said she would commit herself fully to the bench. “I pledge to serve as a full-time judge for the court and do the job to the best of my ability,” she said.
While her campaign focuses on experience and qualifications, Gonzales said her greater hope lies in how people remember her. “Whether I am elected or not, I hope that people remember me as a person in the community who always gave everyone a listening ear and hand, a compassionate heart, an open mind, and always positive energy to believe that anything is possible with GOD’s blessing,” she said.
“I am in hopes that the citizens of Precinct 3 will evaluate my experience along with my enormous heart for serving others when considering me for justice of the peace.”
The position is currently being held by David Garza.
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