Harris Hughey, the Republican incumbent for Denton County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democratic candidate Will Robertson, according to the newsroom’s candidate records.
Asked why he is running, Hughey said in our candidate questionnaire: “To continue the high level of legal standards that have been established in JP 4. I love my job and working beside our court staff.”
Candidate information
Party: “Republican,” Hughey said in our questionnaire.
Education: Hughey listed:
“University Of Tulsa, J.D.
BBA Texas Wesleyan University”
Family: Hughey listed:
“Wife Cheryl for 37 years.
2 Sons, 2 Daughter-in-Laws
5 Grandchildren”
Experience and public service
Hughey has served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4 since 2019. His court is at the Southwest Courthouse, 6200 Canyon Falls Drive, Suite 101, in Flower Mound, according to the Denton County website.
Asked about his work history, Hughey said: “Currently the JP in Pct 4. Have been the last 8 years. Presiding Municipal Judge for the Town of Northlake, Texas and Associate Judge for the City of North Richland Hills, Texas. I also serve as the Administrative Judge for the other 5 Denton Co., JP's.”
Northlake’s staff directory confirms his municipal court position. His North Richland Hills and administrative assignments are described here as he reported them in the questionnaire.
Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Hughey said: “We are one of the most efficient courts in Denton Co. I have been a great steward of the taxpayers money by consistently being under budget. Every person that steps into the court is treated with courtesy and respect.”
Those efficiency and budget statements are Hughey’s assessments; supporting performance and financial records were not provided with his response.
On the issues
What sets him apart: Hughey said: “Experience matters. I have over 30 years experience in the legal field as a practicing attorney, prosecutor and judge.”
Fairness for self-represented parties: Justice courts handle evictions, small claims and debt cases, often involving people representing themselves. Asked how he would ensure both sides are treated fairly, Hughey said: “30 years of legal training. Rest assured that the law will be followed and applied.”
Eviction cases: Asked how he approaches cases in which tenants face losing their housing, Hughey said: “Apply the law as written.”
Bail decisions: Justices of the peace also serve as magistrates who set bail. Asked how he approaches those decisions, Hughey said: “Each case stands on its own set of facts. My job is to ensure due process is provided and to inform the defendant of their rights.”
Court accessibility: Asked what he would do to make his court more accessible, Hughey said: “We have on-line filing available. Depending on the facts of each request, we do limited remote hearings.”
Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire for the Flower Mound Times. Questionnaire quotations are excerpted without changing the candidate’s wording.
