Lacy Announces Bid for County Court at Law Judge

SAN ANGELO, TX — Longtime prosecuting attorney Leland Lacy announced his candidacy Tuesday for County Court at Law No. 1 Judge.

Lacy is running for the open seat following the retirement of Ben Nolen, who had served as judge since 2002.

Nolen made his pitch Tuesday during a ceremony at the Cactus Hotel.

“Ben Nolen is leaving behind a tradition of excellence, and it’s so important for our community that the work this court does continues without stopping,” Lacy said. “To ensure it does, it will take an incoming judge with both broad knowledge and specific experience — things I can bring to the bench.”

The Republican Primary will be held March 3, 2026.

Trial attorney Jessica Skinner announced in July she was also vying for the seat.

The County Court at Law handles misdemeanor cases, including civil disputes, probate, criminal cases and guardianships. 

Lacy said he’s been a prosecutor in Tom Green County for 20 years, and he believes that experience has provided the best possible preparation for him to be a judge.

“I’ve been serving you the past 20 years as a prosecutor in this county, and I’m just looking to switch chairs in the courtroom and keep serving you,” Lacy said. 

Lacy earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and completed law school at Texas Tech University.