Joe Marr Wilson
Republican Candidate for District Judge, 47th Judicial District
Wilson/Photo by Campaign
Question: What is your age?
Answer: 57
Q: What is your educational background? Please list any degrees or certificates earned and any institutions attended.
A: Dalhart High School, 1982; Bachelor of Science, West Texas State University, 1985; Juris Doctorate, Texas Tech University School of Law, 1988
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Attorney
Q: If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own. (If this question is not applicable, please note that below.)
A: Law Office of Joe Marr Wilson
Q: Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
A: Amarillo Community Center; Panhandle Family Law Association; Panhandle Criminal Defense Lawyers Association; Bushland High School Political Action Committee; 'Texas Association of Sports Officials
Q: Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
A: N/A
Q: If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
A: joemarrwilsonforjudge.com; FaceBook - www.facebook.com/joemarrwilson; joemarrwilson.com
Q: Why did you decide to run for this office in 2022?
A: I believe the judiciary needs and deserves knowledgable, experienced and dedicated judges who see their job as not simply “calling balls and strikes,” but as a means of helping people resolve their disputes in a productive way. In my 33 years of practice, I have assisted over 6500 clients, many of which were facing possibly the most trying time in their life, navigate the legal system. I have seen firsthand the negative and, often life-changing consequences, that rulings made by inexperienced judges can have on the lives of defendants, victims, family law litigants and, all too often, those of children. I don't believe a bench should ever be occupied by a judge having no practical legal experience in the matters in which he/she will most often sit in judgment.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
A: 1. Treat everyone with respect and ensure that litigants appearing before the Court always feel as though the “system” has listened to them, regardless of the outcome.
2. Apply the law as set forth by the legislature to the facts before the Court in a fair and impartial manner.
3. Work diligently to reduce the backlog of cases.
Q: What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
A: It has become increasingly more difficult for litigants to gain access to the Courts in a timely manner. I would utilize all time and available resources to ensure litigants are able to have their day in court without delay.
Q: Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
A: The 47th District Judge hears almost exclusively family law and criminal law matters in Potter, Randall and Armstrong Counties. As one of only fourteen attorneys certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both family and criminal law, I will bring a unique perspective and far more knowledge to the bench than any other candidate. I am the only candidate with the background and experience necessary to serve as Judge of the 47th District Court on the very first day I take office. I am the only candidate that has dedicated my entire career to advocating for individuals and families during some of the most trying times of their lives. I am the only candidate with over three decades experience working closely with law enforcement, court personnel and Judges throughout the Texas Panhandle.