Carmen Dusek Announces Plans to Run for Judge Tom Gossett's Seat

San Angelo attorney Carmen Symes Dusek will file to run in the Republican Primary for the 391st District Judge nomination.

Current 391st District Judge Tom Gossett recently announced he will not run for re-election. The 2016 primaries will be held in March, with the general election in November. The 391st District Court handles cases in Tom Green County.

“Citizens of Tom Green County benefit by having district judges who apply the law to the facts before the court. I believe my extensive experience representing the interests of my clients in cases in district courts throughout West Texas, as well as my invaluable experience gained working at the Court of Appeals in Austin, prepares me well to serve as a district judge and to carry on the tradition set by past and current district judges of Tom Green County,” Dusek said.

“I share the values of citizens of the district. I am active in the community and my church. My husband, James, and I have been married for 16 years and enjoy raising our daughter in the town we both love. It will be a privilege to serve. That is why I will run for the position.”

Dusek grew up in San Angelo and is the daughter of attorney Clint Symes and Maryana Symes. Father and daughter practice together in the law firm of Symes Dusek, L.L.P.

Dusek has practiced in San Angelo since 2000. Prior to that, she was a litigation and appellate associate in the Austin office of Jackson Walker, L.L.P. She also served as briefing attorney to Texas Third Court of Appeals Justice Marilyn Aboussie from 1996-1997.

Dusek received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and graduated cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law.

On the state level, Governor Rick Perry appointed Dusek to serve on the Protect Our Kids Commission. She is chairman of the Child Fatality Review Team workgroup for the commission.

Locally, Dusek has served on the board of the San Angelo Area Foundation since 2009 and currently is its secretary/treasurer. She has served on the boards of the United Way of the Concho Valley, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County, the San Angelo Civic Ballet, and First United Methodist Church of San Angelo. She is president of the Fort Concho Elementary PTO, a graduate of Leadership San Angelo, and a member of the Concho Country Emmaus Community.

“I expect others may run for this office,” Dusek said. “We will run a respectful campaign based on values and qualifications. A judge’s only job is to apply the law as written and see that justice is done. I intend to earn the confidence of voters that I am the best qualified person to achieve that mission.”