Why me? Why now?

I was an experienced attorney with 31 years of practicing law when I took the bench on January 1, 2023. I’d seen firsthand the profound impact our courts have on the lives of everyday people. I brought more than just legal expertise to the bench—I brought a deep commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect for every individual who enters the courtroom. As a family law attorney, I’d spent years working directly with spouses, parents, children and attorneys—helping people navigate some of the most emotional, high-stakes moments of their lives. I'd seen how the system works, and more importantly, where it didn't.

During my time on the bench, I’ve built a reputation for being thoughtful, impartial, and tough when necessary, while prioritizing efficiency.

I know how frustrating it is when court delays drag on for months. I know what it’s like when families can’t get the answers they need—or when attorneys spend full days waiting on a five-minute hearing. I believed we could do better. And, I did.

In 2024, the court I preside over achieved the highest overall clearance rate for family law cases in the district. While that’s just one metric, it reflects a commitment to moving cases forward efficiently and thoughtfully—because timely resolution matters deeply to the families we serve. I believe that when courts function smoothly, it reduces stress, lowers costs, and helps everyone focus on what truly matters: building stability and solutions for the future.

That’s why I’m running for reelection: to keep practical, real-world experience on the bench and create a courtroom that’s respectful of everyone’s time, especially during already stressful situations.

I understand that a judge’s role is to apply the law faithfully, ensure equal access to justice, and foster trust in the judicial system. I will continue to bring these values to the bench every single day.

Now more than ever, our courts need leaders who are fair, impartial, and committed to upholding the rule of law without bias or influence. In today’s climate, trust in our institutions is fragile—and keeping your confidence starts with having judges who are experienced, principled, and grounded in the community they serve.

Join me in keeping fairness, integrity, and efficiency front and center in the 312th Family District Court. Vote to reelect Judge Teresa J. Waldrop!