Sara Maynard

Judge Sara Maynard, currently presiding over Smith County Court at Law No. 2, announced on Sept. 13 her intention to run for the seat.

With over two decades of experience in the courtroom and strong success wielding the gavel, Maynard said she looks forward to continuing her service to the citizens of Smith County.

Appointed by the Smith County Commissioners Court to fill the bench vacancy, Maynard has been serving since January 2023. In that time, she has effectively administered justice, reduced case backlog, and saved taxpayer dollars through responsible department budgeting, according to a campaign announcement.

“In my time on the bench, I’ve built a record that I’m proud to stand by as we work to move Smith County forward. I’m running to continue that work and champion constitutional, conservative values at the courthouse,” Maynard said.

Earning her bachelor’s degree from Dallas Baptist University and her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center, Maynard has practiced law in Smith County for over 25 years. Over the course of her career, she has garnered experience from a variety of roles within the legal community, including owning and operating a thriving, Tyler-based private practice for over 20 years. For 15 of those years, she also represented child abuse victims in Smith County CPS cases to ensure that the children’s best interests were being protected.

Most recently, before her appointment, she served as a Smith County Assistant District Attorney prosecuting cases in juvenile court. As one of only 68 attorneys in Texas that are Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Maynard is uniquely qualified to preside over the Court’s extensive family law docket, according to her campaign announcement.

In addition to her comprehensive legal background, Maynard has a record of servant leadership to the community. She served as a Precinct Chair and Parliamentarian for the Smith County Republican Party, volunteered as an Election Judge, served as Secretary for the Smith County Republican Club, and has been an active member of many community organizations. While serving as a Commissioner of Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2, she worked tirelessly to effectively support 11 fire departments in Smith County and ensure transparency for tax dollars spent, according to her announcement.

Before wearing the robe, Maynard enjoyed coaching the nationally recognized Good Shepherd School debate team for over 20 years. She recently celebrated 35 years of marriage with her husband, Roy, who works as a Senior Writer with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. They have three children and attend Christ Church in Tyler.

Judge Maynard’s campaign has already been endorsed by key community leaders like State Rep. Matt Schaefer, former State Sen. Kevin Eltife, Grassroots America: We The People, and more.

Maynard will be hosting a campaign kickoff on Oct. 3 at Montez Creekside Kitchen in Whitehouse.

For more information about Maynard’s campaign, visit judgemaynard.com.