Frequently Asked Questions

Barrett Thomas is running for the 170th District Court Judge position in McLennan County. This is a civil courtroom that has historically handled family law cases in addition to a smaller portion of civil disputes.

Barrett believes McLennan County families deserve a fair, experienced, and principled leader on the bench — someone who will ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect. With 45% of cases in McLennan County's district courts being family law cases, Barrett wants to ensure there is at least one court dedicated to serving families with the specialized knowledge and experience that family law requires.

Barrett is the only candidate who brings both family and civil law experience to the bench. His unique background includes:

• 15+ years as a family law attorney
• Experience as an Assistant District Attorney
• Service as Chief of Police in Anson
• Recognition as a SuperLawyers honoree from 2017 to 2025
• Voted "Best in Waco" in both family and criminal law

For the past 15 years, Barrett has served as the managing attorney of Lighthouse Legal Services, a respected Texas law firm. He has successfully handled thousands of family law cases, helping families through divorce, child custody, adoption, and other family matters. His experience gives him deep insight into the unique statutes, deadlines, and standards that govern family law.

Yes. Barrett began his career as a correctional officer and police officer, eventually serving as Chief of Police in Anson. He also trained new police officers in courtroom conduct and ethics, and served on local boards dedicated to protecting children and victims of crime. This experience gives him a unique perspective on how the justice system affects families and communities.

Barrett is committed to serving with:

• Fairness: Every case will be decided on its merits, with equal treatment for all
• Compassion: Understanding the emotional and psychological realities of family law
• Integrity: Upholding the law with honesty and ethical conduct
• Sound Judicial Temperament: Maintaining professionalism and respect in the courtroom

Yes. Barrett is a conservative, faith-driven father who is committed to honoring McLennan County's conservative history while ensuring that all families receive fair and impartial treatment in the courtroom.

Barrett lives in Waco with his wife, Charla, a fellow attorney. He is a proud father of four: twin sons Will and Aaron (now grown), and daughters Adellyn and Lauren. Barrett will soon be a grandfather later this year. As a 5th-generation Wacoan, Barrett's family has deep roots in the community, and he cherishes the opportunity to guide his daughters through their school years while serving McLennan County.

Barrett is a 5th-generation Wacoan with deep roots in McLennan County. He was a member of the 35th Class of Leadership Waco and continues to serve the Chamber in various capacities. His family has been active in local schools, churches, and community organizations for generations.

The election date will be announced soon. Barrett is actively campaigning and would appreciate your support. You can help by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about his campaign.

There are several ways you can help:

• Make a donation to support campaign efforts
• Volunteer your time to help with events and outreach
• Display a yard sign at your home or business
• Share Barrett's message on social media
• Talk to your friends and neighbors about why you support Barrett
• Vote on election day!

The rules apply to candidates for and officeholders of the following positions:

• Chief justice or justice of the Supreme Court
• Presiding judge or judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals
• Chief justice or justice of a court of appeals
• District judge
• Judge of a statutory county court
• Judge of a statutory probate court

These do not apply to justices of the peace. Specific-purpose political committees supporting or opposing these candidates or assisting officeholders must follow similar rules.

Contribution limits apply per election (primary, general, and runoff are treated separately) and cover both monetary and in-kind contributions from a single person or entity. Limits depend on the office and judicial district population (based on the most recent federal census).

Contribution Limits per Contributor:

• Statewide judicial offices (e.g., Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals): $5,000
• Courts of appeals, district courts, statutory county/probate courts (over 1 million population): $5,000
• Same offices (250,000–1 million population): $2,500
• Same offices (under 250,000 population): $1,000

General-Purpose Committees (GPACs):

• Per GPAC: $25,000 (statewide); $5,000 (other offices)
• Total from all GPACs: $300,000 (statewide); $75,000 (appeals over 1M population); $52,500 (appeals ≤1M or district/county/probate over 1M); $30,000 (district/county/probate 250K–1M); $15,000 (district/county/probate under 250K)

Law firms and groups:

Treated as a single contributor (firm plus members, associates, employees, "of counsel," and spouses). After exceeding the group limit, further contributions are capped at $50.

• Statewide or over 1M population: $30,000 group limit
• 250K–1M population: $15,000 group limit
• Under 250K population: $6,000 group limit

Contributions from a candidate's blood relatives (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren) are unlimited. Spousal contributions are not attributed to the other spouse. Cash contributions are capped at $100 aggregate per person per reporting period.

Excess contributions over limits must be returned within 5 days of receipt or by the end of the reporting period.

Most individuals, entities, and committees can donate, subject to limits and prohibitions.

• Individuals: Any U.S. citizen or resident; minors' contributions are attributed to parents.
• Committees: Specific-purpose committees supporting the candidate count toward limits. Out-of-state PACs require documentation if contributions exceed $1,110 in a reporting period.
• Unlimited donors: Blood relatives.
• Prohibited donors: See prohibited donations below.

Contributions must be accepted (not just received) by the end of the reporting period; undecided contributions are deemed accepted.

Donations may be accepted only during the "election period," which begins 210 days before the ballot or application filing deadline (or vacancy date for unexpired terms) and ends 120 days after Election Day.

Exceptions:

• Post-election debts: up to 60 days after assuming office for appointed vacancies
• Personal funds may be deposited or spent outside this period but must be reported as loans if deposited

There is no moratorium during legislative sessions for judicial offices.

• Campaign contributions: For elective office campaigns; require a filed treasurer appointment (Form JCTA).
• Officeholder contributions: For unreimbursable official duties; no treasurer required but subject to the same timing and limits as campaign contributions.

Both must be kept separate from personal funds but may be combined with each other.

Restrictions under the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act include:

• Corporate or labor organization contributions (professional corporations exempt; partnerships with corporate partners prohibited)
• Foreign national contributions (federally prohibited)
• Anonymous contributions over $50 (must be remitted to the state treasury)
• Contributions accepted in the Capitol, Capitol Extension, or courthouses
• Certain contributions from lobbyists
• Personal use of funds (no salaries to self/spouse/children; no real-property purchases or rentals from relatives or related businesses)
• Cross-office use of funds (judicial vs. non-judicial); penalties up to three times the misused amount
• Cash contributions over $100 per person per period
• Contributions to other candidates are limited ($100 aggregate per year) or prohibited in some cases

Personal funds deposited into campaign accounts are treated as loans and must be reported.

Reimbursements from campaign funds are capped per election:

• Statewide: $100,000
• Over 1M population: $25,000
• 250K–1M population: $12,500
• Under 250K population: $5,000

Intent to reimburse must be disclosed at the time of expenditure.

Subject to personal-use prohibitions.

All candidates must appoint a treasurer before accepting or spending funds. Reports are filed with the Texas Ethics Commission or local authority, depending on the office.

Key reports include:

• Semiannual (January 15 and July 15)
• Pre-election (30-day and 8-day reports)
• Runoff (8-day)
• 48-hour report for large late contributions
• Final report ending candidacy
• Annual reports for surplus funds

Itemization is required for contributions over $110 and expenditures over $220. Records must be kept for two years. Late fees start at $500. Modified reporting is available for low-activity campaigns.

Former candidates or officeholders have six years from the final report or leaving office to dispose of unexpended funds. Annual reports must be filed until final disposition.

Options include:

• Donating to parties, candidates, or PACs
• Returning funds to contributors (subject to limits)
• Donating to charities, scholarships, or the state treasury

Interest or gains over $140 must be reported and cannot be used personally.

For more information, visit:

• Texas Ethics Commission forms
• Campaign Finance Guide for Judicial Candidates (PDF)
• Judicial contribution limits information
• Judicial Campaign Fairness Act guidelines

For personalized guidance, contact the Texas Ethics Commission. This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice.