Texas general election: November 3, 2026

Who is running for Criminal District Judge, Dallas County Number 5 in 2026?

Here are the candidates for Criminal District Judge, Dallas County Number 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for voters in Dallas County.

Judges may not promise how they would rule, so we show experience and record instead of issue positions. How to research a judge.

Lakesha Smith

Democratic

Attorney

Lakesha Smith is a 2012 Tulane law graduate who has worked as a Dallas County prosecutor, public defender and legal advisor to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office¹². She has not previously served as a judge². She won the May 26, 2026 Democratic runoff and is unopposed in November¹³.

Dallas County prosecutor, public defender, legal advisor to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, and attorney in private practice (per the Dallas Morning News and her own Ballotpedia survey)¹²
Law degree, Tulane University, 2012; bachelor's degree, Seattle University¹
Not currently a judge. Finished first in the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary and won the May 26, 2026 runoff over Mareen Alexander¹². The seat is being vacated by Judge Carter Thompson, who is retiring after 20 years, and no Republican or third-party candidate filed².

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.