Judge Kristina Escalona
Meet Judge Kristina Escalona
Judge, 186th Judicial District Court | Presiding Judge, Bexar County Felony Veterans Treatment Court
Democratic Candidate for Re-election | March 2026 Primary
“Serving as a Judge is the greatest honor of my life. I love this work because it allows me to serve the public every day, to listen, to lead with fairness, and to make decisions that truly matter. I am deeply grateful for the trust Bexar County has placed in me, and I carry that responsibility with care and humility. My commitment is simple: to continue making wise, fair decisions and to deliver justice to all, with dignity and respect.
I am asking for your vote in the March 2026 Democratic Primary. With your support, we can continue building a justice system that reflects the values of this community and protects the future we share.”
— Judge Kristina Escalona
186th District Court
Bexar County, Texas
Education & Work
Rooted in San Antonio, Guided by Values
I was born and raised right here in San Antonio, a city that shaped who I am. My parents grew up on the West Side, the children of hardworking immigrants who dedicated themselves to their families and their community. From them, I inherited a deep respect for our culture, our Hispanic heritage, and the importance of service.
Both of my parents are proud graduates of Fox Tech High School. After my father returned from serving in the Vietnam War, he worked for the Department of Defense. My mother worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell. Together, they dedicated their lives to provide for our family. Through all of their hard work, my parents made sure I understood that education was the greatest gift they could give.
Their sacrifices taught me the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. With their support, my brother and I were among the first in our family to graduate from college. I was honored with the opportunity to go on to law school and be the first to become an attorney and go onto public service.
Those early experiences continue to shape my perspective on the bench. I understand the struggles many families face, and I carry that understanding with me in every decision I make. I firmly believe in accountability, self-discipline, and in the consequences of our actions. However, I also believe in rehabilitation and the power of second chances when deserved. And I will never forget where I came from or who I serve.
A Strong Foundation in Education and Service
My parents worked hard to give me the gift of a strong education. They often worked multiple jobs to support our family. Thanks to their sacrifices, I am proud to be a graduate of Incarnate Word High School. I went on to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and later a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
It was at St. Mary’s, through courses in Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure, that I discovered my passion for criminal law. That passion led me to seek an internship with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office while still in law school. After graduating and passing the Texas Bar in 2005, I was immediately sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney and began my legal career in public service.
Throughout my years in practice and now as a judge, I have never lost sight of the importance of continuing legal education. Laws evolve, and I believe it is essential for judges to stay current in order to serve the community effectively and fairly. I regularly attend legal education programs and am a proud member of the Texas Bar College, a professional organization that recognizes attorneys committed to ongoing education and excellence in the legal field.
I have also earned Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an achievement held by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys. This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge, preparation, and dedication to the practice of criminal law.
My educational journey is more than a personal accomplishment. It reflects my commitment to hard work, lifelong learning, and serving my community with fairness, integrity, and excellence from the bench.
A Strong Foundation in Education and Service
My parents worked hard to give me the gift of a strong education. They often worked multiple jobs to support our family. Thanks to their sacrifices, I am proud to be a graduate of Incarnate Word High School. I went on to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and later a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
It was at St. Mary’s, through courses in Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure, that I discovered my passion for criminal law. That passion led me to seek an internship with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office while still in law school. After graduating and passing the Texas Bar in 2005, I was immediately sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney and began my legal career in public service.
Throughout my years in practice and now as a judge, I have never lost sight of the importance of continuing legal education. Laws evolve, and I believe it is essential for judges to stay current in order to serve the community effectively and fairly. I regularly attend legal education programs and am a proud member of the Texas Bar College, a professional organization that recognizes attorneys committed to ongoing education and excellence in the legal field.
I have also earned Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an achievement held by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys. This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge, preparation, and dedication to the practice of criminal law.
My educational journey is more than a personal accomplishment. It reflects my commitment to hard work, lifelong learning, and serving my community with fairness, integrity, and excellence from the bench.
A Proven Career in Criminal Law
Before taking the bench I had dedicated my entire 17 year career to the practice of criminal law. What makes my experience unique is that I’ve worked on both sides of the courtroom: as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.
As a prosecutor, I had the responsibility and honor of seeking justice for victims of crime, including children and adults affected by sexual assault, as well as families devastated by violent crimes such as aggravated assault, Intoxication Manslaughter, and even Capital Murder. I worked closely with law enforcement, victims, and their families to ensure that cases were handled with integrity, compassion, and strength.
As a defense attorney, I defended the rights of individuals accused of crime. I protected the constitutional rights that are the foundation of our legal system. Every person deserves a fair trial, and I fought to ensure that justice is applied equally and that no one is treated unfairly under the law.
Having served as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney I bring a well-rounded and balanced perspective to the bench. I understand the gravity of the charges, the impact on victims, and the rights of the accused. My experience in over 100 jury trials, including more than 60 as lead counsel, prepared me to make tough, informed, and fair decisions that protect our community while upholding the integrity of the law.
Serving Bexar County on the Bench
Since being elected in 2022, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Judge of the 186th Criminal District Court in Bexar County.
Every day, I make decisions that impact people’s lives and the safety of our neighborhoods. I take that responsibility seriously. I work hard to be fair and impartial, to listen carefully, and to treat everyone who comes into my courtroom with dignity. I believe in being smart and tough on crime, and that justice must be thoughtful, balanced, and rooted in the law.
In addition to my work as a trial court judge, I also serve as the Presiding Judge of the Bexar County Felony Veterans Treatment Court, a role I volunteered for out of deep respect for our veterans. Many of the men and women who served our country come home with invisible wounds like PTSD, addiction, or mental health struggles. As a specialty court, the FVTC gives these Veterans a second chance through structure, accountability, and support.
Since 2024, I have grown the FVTC increasing the number of Veterans involved in the criminal justice system who get the help they need. The success of the program has seen participating Veterans learn how to navigate through their military service related issues and return to our community stronger and more stable.
Serving Bexar County on the Bench
Since being elected in 2022, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Judge of the 186th Criminal District Court in Bexar County.
Every day, I make decisions that impact people’s lives and the safety of our neighborhoods. I take that responsibility seriously. I work hard to be fair and impartial, to listen carefully, and to treat everyone who comes into my courtroom with dignity. I believe in being smart and tough on crime, and that justice must be thoughtful, balanced, and rooted in the law.
In addition to my work as a trial court judge, I also serve as the Presiding Judge of the Bexar County Felony Veterans Treatment Court, a role I volunteered for out of deep respect for our veterans. Many of the men and women who served our country come home with invisible wounds like PTSD, addiction, or mental health struggles. As a specialty court, the FVTC gives these Veterans a second chance through structure, accountability, and support.
Since 2024, I have grown the FVTC increasing the number of Veterans involved in the criminal justice system who get the help they need. The success of the program has seen participating Veterans learn how to navigate through their military service related issues and return to our community stronger and more stable.