Judge Ben Woodward Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

SAN ANGELO, TX — Judge Ben Woodward, presiding over the 119th Judicial District encompassing Concho, Runnels, and Tom Green Counties, has declared that he will not run for re-election in the upcoming 2024 cycle. Having held the position since 1999 and securing his last unchallenged re-election in 2020, Woodward communicated his decision through an email addressed to county officials.

This news arrives as expected, following his July appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to the role of Presiding Judge of the Seventh Administrative Judicial District. Despite his departure from the district judge position in January 2025, Woodward retains the ability to lead the 7th AJR, offering administrative aid to courts across 38 counties in West Texas.

With Woodward’s announcement, speculation is rampant among San Angelo's political circles about his potential successor. The start of the candidate filing period is rapidly approaching, with November 11 marked as the opening date for both Republican and Democratic hopefuls. The deadline for Primary election filing is set for December 11 at 6 p.m., leaving a narrow window for candidates to declare their intentions.

District Attorney Allison Palmer of the 51st District has emerged as a prominent figure for candidacy, having been previously considered for a gubernatorial appointment. Although Judge Carmen Dusek was selected to succeed the retiring 51st Judge Barbara Walther, Palmer remains a name of significant interest. Some local observers have humorously noted that every attorney in San Angelo might vie for the now-open seat. With the political machinery gearing up, developments are expected to unfold rapidly.

Currently, Tom Green County hosts four incumbent district judges: Carmen Dusek of the 51st District, Brad Goodwin of the 291st District, Jay Weatherby of the 340th District, and Ben Woodward of the 119th.

Judge Woodward's esteemed career is highlighted by his involvement in multiple legal and community organizations. He is an active member of the State Bar of Texas, has served on the board of its Judicial Section, and is a member of both the American Law Institute and the Texas Bar Foundation. His leadership roles extend to chairing the College for New Judges and presiding over the board of the Texas Center for the Judiciary. His past positions include chairing and membership on the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, contributions to the Texas Supreme Court's Special Committee on Jury Selection and Task Force on Code of Judicial Conduct, and directing roles with the Texas Young Lawyers Association, the Tom Green County Young Lawyers Association, and the Tom Green County Bar Association.

Woodward’s community engagement also reflects his commitment to public service, with positions held in various capacities including chairing the board of Hospice of San Angelo, trustee roles in health and education, and contributions to literacy initiatives.

A proud alumnus, Woodward holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin, complemented by a Juris Doctor from the Texas Tech University School of Law.