OPINION – San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board
Voters in the 32 Texas counties covered by the 4th Court of Appeals have two excellent choices for chief justice.
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Bert Richardson, a Republican, and 57th District Court Judge Antonia “Toni” Arteaga, a Democrat, have years of experience to draw on. Throughout their careers, they have demonstrated the fairness, sound reasoning, work ethic, professional ethics and people skills necessary to be a chief justice.
Both candidates hold one another in high regard, which speaks to their character. At a time of fierce partisanship, their mutual respect is refreshing and commendable. We can’t say enough good things about both candidates.
Our recommendation goes to Richardson, who is one of the most respected jurists and legal minds in our state. He has been a judge with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — the highest court for criminal matters — since 2015. He served for 10 years as a district court judge, and he has been a visiting judge in various venues, presiding over civil and criminal cases.
A graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, Richardson was a trial and appellate lawyer, notably with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas.
He also gives back to the law profession, teaching at St. Mary’s and San Antonio College, and serving with the State Bar of Texas.
Arteaga has presided over the 57th District Court for nearly two decades, overseeing hundreds of complex cases. A graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law and a protégé of former San Antonio Mayor and 4th Court of Appeals Chief Justice Phil Hardberger, Arteaga has been the presiding judge of Bexar County’s civil district courts and president of the Texas Association of District Judges.
Richardson, however, has served at the highest level of Texas’ court system. He is at the head of the class.
