Hector Garza is a Democratic candidate who ran in the Texas House District 5 Democratic primary on March 3, 2026. He previously served as the long-time Chairman of the Smith County Democratic Party before resigning in November 2025 to pursue his candidacy for House District 5. Garza is also a judge of the Texas 195th District Court in Dallas County, a position he has held since 2016. He was elected as President-Elect of the Texas Association of District Judges in September 2023.
Hector Garza is a native of Dallas County and a graduate of Duncanville High School and the University of Texas at Arlington. He has served as a judge of the Texas 195th District Court since 2016, presiding over felony cases with jurisdiction in Dallas County. In September 2023, he was voted by his colleagues to be President-Elect of the Texas Association of District Judges. Garza has served on the board of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts and nonprofit organizations including Miles of Freedom and A Steady Hand. He is a regular speaker at local schools, universities, and law schools. Garza is a lifelong Democrat who has been active in party and community service and served as Chairman of the Smith County Democratic Party before resigning to run for House District 5. He and his spouse are raising two children in Dallas and are active in community service.