For nearly 20 years, I’ve served our community as a District Judge, making tough decisions with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law. I’m running for Chief Justice of the 4th Court of Appeals because experience matters – especially at a time when our courts’ role as an independent and stabilizing force has never been more important.
The 4th Court serves 32 counties and impacts millions of Texans. I believe it deserves steady, proven leadership from someone who has done the work, understands trial courts, and applies the law fairly and consistently.
I respectfully ask for your vote in the Democratic Primary on March 3rd to ensure that the 4th Court is led by the most qualified and experienced candidate – a jurist who brings steady leadership and nearly 20 years of judicial service who deeply cares about the community.
A Judge Who Leads with Experience, Compassion, and Integrity
Judge Antonia “Toni” Arteaga is a lifelong public servant with nearly two decades of judicial experience. In 2008, she made history as the first woman elected to the 57th District Court in Bexar County – a court established more than a century ago.
Now in her fifth term, Judge Arteaga has presided over hundreds of complex civil cases, earning a reputation for fairness, preparedness, and respect for the law. Her experience extends far beyond the bench. She has served in leadership roles throughout the legal community, including:
◽Past President of the Texas Association of District Judges ◽President and Founding Member of Texas Latinx Judges ◽Bexar County Chair, National Association of Women Judges
Judge Arteaga is a frequent speaker, educator, and mentor. Her commitment to fairness and equity has earned her numerous recognitions, including being named a “Texas Gold Medal Judge” and receiving Mentor of the Year honors from St. Mary’s University School of Law Hispanic Law Alumni Association.
Raised in a small close-knit West Texas town as the youngest of eight daughters, Toni understands the value of hard work, education, and service. Now that her children are grown and attending college, she is stepping forward to continue that service on a broader scale – as your next Chief Justice of the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals.
Judge Arteaga grew up the youngest of eight sisters.Judge Arteaga’s law school graduationJudge Arteaga with her children during her first term.Judge Arteaga is serving her fifth term as Judge of the 57th District Court.Judge Arteaga with her parents.Judge Arteaga with her family.
Watch Judge Arteaga’s interview excerpt below!
Vision & Beliefs
“I believe deeply in a judicial system that is fair, impartial, and accessible to everyone.”
My vision for the Texas 4th Court of Appeals is rooted in three core principles.
Fairness and Equal Treatment Every person who comes before the court deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I will continue to apply the law without bias, ensuring decisions are based on facts, not politics or personal beliefs.
Commitment to the Law The Constitution and the rule of law must guide our courts. I believe in the consistent application of legal principles so that outcomes are trusted by the public.
Service and Accessibility I’ve dedicated my career to making the justice system more responsive and more connected to the communities it serves. As Chief Justice, I will work to keep the court efficient and transparent ensuring that the people of South and Central Texas continue to have faith in their appellate courts.
4th Court of Appeals
Serving 32 Counties Across South Texas and the Hill Country
Running a court of this size requires more than just legal knowledge – it requires proven leadership. Judge Antonia “Toni” Arteaga brings nearly two decades of experience presiding over the 57th District Court. She understands that behind every case file is a human being waiting for a resolution. As Chief Justice, she will apply that same dedication to ensure the 4th Court of Appeals is accessible, efficient, and fair for all 32 counties.
The Texas 4th Court of Appeals is one of the most important-and busiest-appellate courts in the state. Based in San Antonio at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, it serves a massive district that spans from the Rio Grande to the Hill Country.
Unlike the trial courts (where witnesses testify and juries decide facts), the 4th Court of Appeals reviews decisions to ensure the law was applied correctly.
Our District: A Voice for 32 Counties
This court does not just serve San Antonio. It hears cases from a diverse region covering urban cities, rural ranchlands, and border communities.
Hill Country & Rural South: Wilson, Atascosa, Medina, Bandera, Gillespie, Kerr, Frio, Uvalde, Jim Hogg, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Karnes, La Salle, Mason, McMullen, Menard, Real, Sutton, Edwards, Zavala
Rio Grande Region: Webb (Laredo), Val Verde (Del Rio), Maverick (Eagle Pass), Starr, Zapata, Kinney, Dimmit
“What is the difference between the Chief Justice and the other Justices?”
While every Justice on the court has an equal vote on the cases they hear, the Chief Justice serves as the administrative leader of the entire court. Think of the Chief Justice as the “CEO” of the 4th Court of Appeals.
Managing the Docket (Efficiency) The Chief Justice is responsible for the flow of cases. A court that isn’t managed well develops a backlog, leaving families and businesses waiting years for answers. The Chief’s Duty: To ensure cases move swiftly, assign panels, and monitor “clearance rates” so that justice is not delayed.
Financial & Administrative Oversight The Chief Justice oversees the court’s budget, operations, and the Clerk’s Office. The Chief’s Duty: To be a steward of taxpayer money, ensuring the court has the resources to operate professionally and transparently.
The Face of the Court The Chief Justice represents the 4th Court to the public, the State Legislature, and the legal community. The Chief’s Duty: To advocate for the court’s needs and to maintain public faith in the integrity of our justice system.
Volunteer
Join our campaign to keep integrity, dedication, and leadership to the office of Chief Justice of the 4th Court of Appeals. Your support is critical to winning this race!
