What communities are served by Justice of the Peace Pct. 5-2?

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 is one of the largest JP precincts in Texas and serves much of West Harris County, including:

• Katy and Cypress (south of Highway 290)

• Alief, Chinatown, and Sharpstown

• Spring Branch and Memorial

• The Galleria, Greater Uptown, and Meyerland

Because of its size and diversity, decisions made in this court affect 1.3 million residents.

Why do Justice of the Peace courts matter in Harris County?

Justice of the Peace (JP) courts are where most everyday legal issues are decided. In Harris County, 94% of JP court cases involve evictions, debt collection, and traffic offenses. These courts also handle small claims, truancy cases, and weddings.

JP courts play a major role in housing stability, family finances, and whether people experience the justice system as fair and accessible - or confusing and punitive.

Why is housing such a big issue in Pct. 5?

According to a 2024 study by Texas Housers, 51% of Precinct 5 residents are renters, and the precinct has an above-average eviction rate.

In 2025 alone:

• More than 50 apartment complexes in Precinct 5 filed at least one eviction case per week

• Entire neighborhoods experienced repeated eviction filings from the same properties

This level of eviction activity puts families, schools, and local economies at risk.

What is happening in Pct. 5-2 right now?

In 2025, Precinct 5-2 led all of Harris County in evictions, surpassing the seven lowest-eviction courts combined - during an ongoing housing crisis.

Despite this:

• No eviction prevention or diversion program is in place

• Residents are not allowed meaningful access to free legal help inside the court

• Fewer than 1% of tenants had an attorney

• One in three cases ended in a default judgment, often because residents are unaware, cannot miss work, or feel intimidated by the process

Houstonians deserve a fair shot at housing and access to justice.

Why don’t residents have access to free legal aid in this court?

While the Houston Eviction Advocacy Center provides free legal services and operates fully in other Harris County JP courts, the Republican incumbent in Precinct 5-2 has chosen not to allow them to fully operate in his court.

This decision limits residents’ access to:

• Legal information

• Court navigation support

• Representation that could prevent unnecessary evictions

As a result, most tenants face eviction proceedings alone.

Who is Davis Mendoza Darusman?

Davis Mendoza Darusman is a nonprofit leader, community organizer, and small business owner running for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 5-2.

He is focused on making the court more accessible, modern, and fair, while keeping people housed and out of the criminal justice system whenever possible.

What are Davis Mendoza Darusman’s priorities as Justice of the Peace?

Keeping Houstonians housed

Davis will implement an eviction prevention and diversion program to help tenants and landlords resolve cases before families lose their homes.

Expanding access to free legal aid

He will partner with pro bono legal organizations and nonprofits, including allowing legal aid providers to fully operate in the court.

Reforming debt collection practices

Davis supports eliminating the 30% private collection fee, which unfairly increases the cost of unpaid fines and debts.

Modernizing the court

He will implement universal virtual court access and text message reminders for all cases, reducing missed court dates and default judgments.

Ending jail for poverty

Davis will prioritize alternatives to arrest warrants for unpaid tickets, ensuring no one is jailed simply because they cannot afford a fine.

How does virtual court access help residents?

Virtual court access allows people to attend hearings without missing work, arranging childcare, or traveling long distances. When paired with text reminders, it significantly reduces default judgments and helps residents meaningfully participate in their cases.

Why are eviction diversion programs important?

Eviction diversion programs use mediation, payment plans, and rental assistance to resolve disputes before eviction. These programs:

• Keep families housed

• Reduce homelessness

• Save public resources

• Stabilize neighborhoods

Many Texas courts already use them successfully.

When is the Democratic primary election?

• February 2 – Last day to register to vote

• February 17–27 – Early voting

• March 3 – Election Day

Where can I find official voting information?

Official voting information, polling locations, and sample ballots are available at Harris Votes.

Why does this race matter?

Justice of the Peace courts are often the first or even only interaction people have with the legal system. The policies set by the JP determine whether courts function as barriers or gateways to justice.

This election is about housing stability, fairness, and whether our courts serve everyday Houstonians.