Meet DaSean Jones

What is your background and campaign platform?

As District Judge for the 180th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas, I began my tenure on November 6, 2018, securing a second term on November 8, 2022. Overseeing a caseload of 2500 criminal matters, I presided over 60 trials. Before my judgeship, I excelled as a trial lawyer in civil rights, handling over 100 cases, including the "Gaslamp" racial discrimination lawsuit and a Texas Whistleblower Act case. In the U.S. Army JAG Corps since 2001, present rank- LTC.

Which Texas Supreme Court case do you believe to be the most important? Why?

Working as a justice or judge is deeply rooted in the law and the facts, but crucially, it is a people-centered profession. Constantly making decisions that impact the lives of individuals, singling out a specific case as "most important" could potentially marginalize others. All cases that reach the Texas Supreme Court are inherently significant, underscoring the importance of approaching each with fairness and impartiality. As judges, it is essential to remember that these matters are significant to the entire community of Texans, not just a select few.

What inspired you to pursue a path of studying law?

"My initial interaction with a judge dates back to the 1980s, when my now-deceased mother used to watch a TV show called Night Court. Interestingly, that show has always stuck with me, along with other cherished moments spent with my mother. However, my genuine commitment to justice began to take root when, as a middle schooler returning from Germany due to my dad's military service, I encountered blatant racism for the first time. This stark experience, unusual among the Army bases I had previously visited, deeply impacted me during my formative years. After losing my mother on Valentine's Day following my second tour of duty in Iraq as a Field Artillery officer, the profound impact of her untimely passing became apparent. Determined to pursue my life's aspirations, acknowledging the uncertainty of tomorrow, I enrolled in law school. Since then, I have remained steadfast in my dedication to fairness and impartiality, all while striving to make my mother proud."

Describe an interesting case on which you worked.

"One compelling case that underscored the vital need to safeguard both dedicated medical professionals and the well-being of Texans involved Dawn Simons, a staff nurse at OakBend, a municipal hospital authority. Commencing her tenure in June 2011, Simons, equipped with orientation materials on safety policies, faced a harrowing incident in 2012 when a patient assaulted her. Promptly reporting the matter to OSHA, she expressed concerns about inadequate security, initiating an investigation that, unfortunately, could not substantiate her complaint. In December 2013, Simons became aware of a ""sentinel event,"" an unforeseen death at the hospital. This prompted her to file another OSHA complaint, stressing the significance of security and the safety threats encountered by the hospital staff. Regrettably, Simons faced professional repercussions from her supervisor, Rhonda Abbe, who deemed her actions insubordinate. Complicating matters, OakBend denied Simons tuition reimbursement for pursuing a nurse practitioner license, citing a purported policy misalignment. Simons, having received reimbursement previously, believed the denial was a retaliatory response to her justified complaints. The situation escalated as an investigator from the Texas Department of State Health Services probed into an allegation that Simons had kicked a patient. This investigation led to OakBend suspending Simons, who subsequently filed a lawsuit under the Texas Whistleblower Act in July 2014. In August 2014, OakBend terminated her employment. The subsequent trial, commencing in May 2018, shed light on the critical intersection of workplace safety, whistleblower protection, and the overall health landscape. The jury's determination that Simons' reports to OSHA were made in good faith and constituted grounds for OakBend's denial of tuition reimbursement underscored the need to safeguard healthcare providers who prioritize patient safety. The awarded compensatory damages not only acknowledged Simons' plight but also emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture where healthcare professionals feel secure in raising legitimate concerns. Despite OakBend's appeal, the trial court's unwavering support for the jury's verdict and the subsequent awarding of attorney's fees to Simons highlighted the significance of protecting those who advocate for the well-being of both medical practitioners and the Texan populace they serve. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the critical balance required to ensure a healthcare environment that prioritizes both the health of Texans and the rights of conscientious medical care providers."

How do you handle making difficult decisions, especially ones with which you do not agree?

"In addressing challenging decisions, especially those I may not personally agree with, my approach is deeply rooted in my extensive 23 years of military experience, which includes combat missions where life-or-death decisions were a constant reality. As one of the few candidates running in the State of Texas with a distinguished record as a decorated combat veteran, my ability to handle difficult decisions is characterized by a combination of decisiveness, resilience, and steadfast commitment. My military background has honed my capacity to make tough decisions under extreme pressure, often with significant consequences. In combat situations, I learned the importance of maintaining composure, analyzing the available information, and taking decisive action to achieve mission objectives and ensure the safety of those under my command. This experience has instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a commitment to decisive leadership. I understand that difficult decisions are inherent in leadership roles, and my military training has equipped me to navigate through uncertainty, assess risks, and make informed choices for the greater good. Furthermore, being a decorated combat veteran underscores my dedication to service and the principles of honor, duty, and integrity. I bring this same sense of duty and commitment to decision-making in my candidacy. I am steadfast in upholding the values that have guided me throughout my military career, ensuring that even when faced with tough choices, my decisions are grounded in a deep sense of responsibility to the people I serve. In summary, my military experience, particularly in combat situations, has shaped my ability to handle difficult decisions with a focus on decisiveness, resilience, and unwavering commitment. As a candidate in the State of Texas, I bring these qualities to the forefront, demonstrating that I am well-equipped to navigate complex issues and make principled decisions that prioritize the well-being and interests of the community."