Attorney Jana Johnson to Announce Candidacy for Judge

SAN ANGELO, TX — A public announcement is set for Tuesday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the courthouse steps, and later that day, followed by a community kick-off celebration at 6:00 p.m. at Arc Light Bar & Grill, 441 Rio Concho Dr. for San Angelo attorney Jana Johnson. She will announce her candidacy for the bench at Tom Green County Court At-Law #1.

The bench is open because longtime Judge Ben Nolan, who has held this position since 2001, is retiring. 

Johnson makes the formal announcement launching her campaign at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Tom Green County Courthouse. Then, Tuesday evening, November 11, Ms. Johnson will hold a campaign kick-off party at the Arc Light Bar & Grill inside the Clarion Hotel at 441 Rio Concho Dr. at 6 p.m. Complimentary drinks and and buffet of hors d'oeuvres will be served. Both events are open to the public.

“Fair. Honest. Trusted. Those aren’t just words—they’re the standards our community deserves in the courtroom,” Johnson said. “I’m running to ensure every person who appears before the Court at Law is treated with dignity, that the law is applied consistently, and that our court runs efficiently and transparently.”

In the statement, Johnson emphasized her commitment to service, stewardship of taxpayer resources, and a steady, impartial approach to the bench.

“Tom Green County is my home. I’m ready to work hard for victims, families, and everyone seeking justice. I look forward to earning the trust of voters in the months ahead,” she said.

Jana Johnson earned her law degree in 2011 from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently practices law in San Angelo with her father, J.W. Johnson. Her campaign states she is committed to fairness, integrity, and public service. Her campaign is focused on the promise of maintaining a court that is efficient, accessible, and respectful to all.

Tom Green County's two Courts At-Law generally handle misdemeanor criminal cases, probate, justice of the peace court appeals, and civil cases. There are discussions at the county that for 2026, the courts at-law could begin hearing divorce cases. Recent State legislation offered county courts at-law the authority to hear family law cases.

Johnson is in a field of three candidates. County prosecutor Leland Lacy, who ran unsuccessfully for County Court at Law #2 in 2022, being defeated by Judge Andrew Graves, announced his candidacy on September 2. San Angelo attorney Jessica Skinner announced her candidacy in August. We have not heard of any other potential candidates. The last day to file to run in the primary election is December 8.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The last day to register to vote for the Primary Election is February 2, 2026. Early voting begins February 17, 2026.

Event Details

What: Jana Johnson's Campaign Announcement
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Tom Green County Courthouse, 122 W. Harris Ave., San Angelo, TX

What: Campaign Kick-Off Party
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 11, 6:00 p.m. (come-and-go)
Location: Arc Light Bar & Grill inside the Clarion Hotel, 441 Rio Concho Dr., San Angelo, TX
Details: Community meet-and-greet with food and drinks. The public is invited.