Republican candidates Judges Sara Maynard and Amy McCullough are running for preside over Smith County Court at Law 2.

Republican candidates Judges Sara Maynard and Amy McCullough are running to preside over Smith County Court at Law 2.

In larger counties, county courts-at-law are established by statute to supplement the single county court’s judicial functions.

County courts-at-law are responsible for handling criminal misdemeanor Class A and B cases, civil cases, family law cases, and cases appealed from the justice of the peace and municipal courts.

Incumbent Maynard’s family has a long history of public service. Her great-grandfather, a sheriff’s deputy in East Texas, was shot in the line of duty in the 1920s.

“His picture hangs in my office; he watches over me while I do my work,” Maynard said.

Maynard’s widowed great-grandmother was later elected tax assessor when few women held government roles.

Her ancestors inspired generations of her family, and she grew up with a strong duty to support the community.

Maynard was first appointed to fill the bench vacancy in January 2023. In her time, Maynard said she’s effectively administered justice, reduced case backlog and saved taxpayer dollars through responsible department budgeting.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Dallas Baptist University and her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center, according to her campaign website.

She has experience in various roles within the legal community, including owning and operating a local private practice for over 20 years, the majority spent representing child abuse victims. She is also one of only 68 attorneys board-certified in juvenile law, making her uniquely qualified to preside over the extensive family law docket, she said.

Practicing law in Smith County has been rewarding for Maynard as she’s developed relationships with professionalism. With over 27 years of private practice experience, Maynard has expertise in all areas the court addresses.

She’s involved professionally and proudly serves her community through many volunteer organizations, boards, and community roles.

Maynard hopes to continue serving the people of Smith County to ensure an efficient and effective justice system as Court Law 2 Judge. Some of her endorsements include State Rep. Matt Schaefer, Grassroots America chapter, and former State Sen. Kevin Eltife.

McCullough is also campaigning to lead County Court At Law 2.

She’s been presiding judge for the City of Tyler Municipal Court since 2017, handling 45,000 cases annually, including theft, drugs, assault and alcohol-related cases. Previously, she worked as an assistant district attorney and city attorney and owned a law firm.

Coming from a family with a mother who worked in healthcare and a father who worked in the blue-collar industry, her curiosity led her to study law and become a successful courtroom leader.

McCullough stated that she is meticulous and engaging, an active listener, and consistently proven to apply the law as written.

McCullough graduated from The University of Mississippi, The University of Oklahoma and South Texas College of Law, where she was an assistant coach of the school’s competitive mock trial team, according to her campaign website.

“I have learned and polished skill sets that are critical in the courtroom to keep order and the cases moving,” McCullough said. “But I also have compassion for the people that come before me, and let the Lord lead.”

Certain qualities define a good judge, McCullough said. These include being well-prepared and organized, having a calm and composed temperament, treating everyone with respect, having a thorough understanding of the law and applying it effectively.

Judges must make decisions based on the law, as their choices impact those in the courtroom and the wider community. McCullough strives to meet these obligations in her current court and, if elected, would carry these philosophies to the county court.

McCullough expressed her gratitude for the public officials and professionals who support her. Some of her endorsements include Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, District Attorney Jacob Putman and retired Judge Jack Skeen.

Voters can cast their ballot in the March Primary early from Feb. 20 to March 1. The last day to receive a ballot by mail is Election Day is March 5. Early voting and election day polling places can be found at the Smith County Elections website at smith-county.com/government/departments/elections.