114th Judge Candidate Jarad Kent speaks during his press conference at the Smith County Courthouse on Monday Aug. 5, 2019. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Jarad Kent, of Tyler, launched his bid to be the next 114th District Court judge with a news conference Monday at which he emphasized his conservative values and heritage of having attorneys as parents.

He is seeking the seat held by Christi Kennedy, who has said she will retire after completing her term.

His mother, Cynthia Kent, was the judge in the court from 1989 to 2009.

He pledged to be a conservative judge.

“Being a conservative judge means being a judge that is independent and will make the tough decisions called for by the facts and the law of a case,” Kent said, speaking at the Smith County Courthouse. “I know that it is important for our community to have cases heard by a judge who will patiently listen with an open mind and who will fairly apply the law as written and not write law from the bench.”

He acknowledged the work of his mother. “What an honor it would be for me to serve as judge in the court that my mom presided over for 20 years.”

At one point he spoke directly to his mother, who along with other family members, sat on the front row. “While I recognize these are huge shoes to fill, I can promise you that if I am elected, I will work tirelessly to follow your example and live up to the high standards you have set.”

Among those who spoke in support of Kent were Matt Bingham, a retired Smith county district attorney; J.B. Smith, a retired sheriff of Smith County; County Clerk Penny Clarkston; and the Rev. Jerome Milton.

Bingham said he believed that Kent has “exactly what it takes” to make the tough decisions that district judges are forced to make.

Smith described Kent as a “true conservative” who would serve with “honor and dignity.”

Kent is a partner in the law firm Chamblee Ryan and holds a degree from Baylor School of Law. He has spent much of his career practicing civil law.

Kent is married to Dr. Jennifer Kent and has two young daughters. His father, Don Kent, is a retired attorney. Many of his family members were present at the news conference.

A new judge will be elected for the office in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. So far, Kent is the only one running for the office.