Michael Dickens, the incumbent judge of Denton County’s 477th Judicial District Court, is running as a Republican in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He is the only candidate listed for the seat in the state’s ballot certification.
Background
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Dickens on Jan. 6, 2025. The announcement said his appointed term would expire Dec. 31, 2026, or when a successor was elected and qualified.
Before the appointment, Dickens worked as an assistant district attorney in the Denton County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The governor’s announcement lists a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a law degree from Texas Tech University.
The office and campaign
A district judge presides over cases assigned to the court, applies state law and oversees court proceedings. The office does not write legislation or independently set county taxes.
The primary sources reviewed did not establish a detailed new campaign platform, a proposed court-administration budget or specific implementation plans. This profile therefore does not attribute additional policy promises to Dickens.
The court serves Denton County. Its work affects residents involved in cases before it, including litigants, witnesses and jurors.
The Flower Mound Times did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
