Meet the candidate: Bernardo Cruz, 168th District Court judge
Age: 39
Occupation: El Paso County assistant county attorney and affirmative litigation attorney.
Please describe your personal and professional background.
I was born in El Paso, graduated from Cathedral High School, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. After working as a banker for several years, I decided to attend law school with a focus on public-interest law. I earned my degree from Seattle University School of Law in 2016. I began my legal career in Washington State at a non-profit plaintiff law firm in Yakima, where I represented farm workers in complex trial and appellate litigation, class actions, and employment and civil-rights matters. I returned to El Paso in 2018 and joined the American
Civil Liberties Union of Texas where I developed and litigated state and federal civil-rights cases involving constitutional rights. I currently serve as an Assistant County Attorney for El Paso County, where my practice includes civil litigation and government law.
Describe your political identity.
I am the Democratic candidate for Judge of the 168th District Court.
Questions related to El Paso County 168th District Court judge race
Political leaders are attempting to weaponize the judicial system for their political agendas. How do you plan to keep politics out of your rulings?
I will decide each case based on the facts presented, the applicable law, and the Constitution. My responsibility as a judge will be to apply the law fairly and impartially, without being influenced by partisan interests, political pressure, public opinion, or fear of criticism.
Who are your top three campaign donors and will their contributions play any part in your court? Are you willing to recuse yourself if there are any concerns about conflicts of interest?
My three largest campaign donors are Maria Concepcion Cruz, Karim Hagar, and Jorge Saad. Campaign contributions will not influence my decisions. If a circumstance arises that requires recusal, I will follow the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and applicable law, regardless of whether the circumstance involves a campaign contributor.
Does your political affiliation play a role in your decisions? Are you willing to break from party lines to uphold the U.S. Constitution?
No. My political affiliation will not determine my decisions. If elected, my obligation will be to the Constitution and the law. I will decide each case based on the facts and applicable law, regardless of the political affiliation or position of any party or person involved.
How do you plan on running your docket to meet the backlog of cases still impacting on the El Paso justice system?
I would approach the docket with consistent and effective case management. That includes setting clear expectations, establishing firm but reasonable deadlines early in a case, addressing motions efficiently, and following up to ensure cases continue moving toward resolution. I would also work to identify cases that require particular attention while ensuring that every party receives a fair opportunity to be heard and that cases are handled in accordance with the law.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge in the El Paso justice system right now, and what plans do you have to address it?
One of the significant challenges facing the El Paso justice system is the timely resolution of the growing number of cases while working within limited judicial and administrative resources.
Addressing that challenge requires effective docket management. I would prioritize early case management, clear and reasonable deadlines, efficient handling of motions, and regular attention to cases that have remained pending for extended periods. I would also look for opportunities to use available technology and court resources effectively. The goal should be a court that moves cases forward efficiently without sacrificing fairness, due process, or the quality of judicial decision-making.
El Paso judges have increasingly limited local reporter access to courtrooms. As an elected official, what will your policies be on transparency and allowing local reporter access to court proceedings to make sure the public knows what is happening in your courtroom?
I believe an open and accessible courtroom is an important part of public confidence in the judicial system. As a judge, I would respect the public’s and the press’s right of access to court proceedings, consistent with the Texas Constitution, applicable law, and court rules. I would not limit access based on a reporter’s identity, viewpoint, or affiliation. Any restrictions on access would be based on lawful requirements applicable to the proceeding, such as protecting confidential information or other interests recognized by law. I would also seek to make court procedures and information about the court as accessible and understandable to the public as reasonably possible.
Learn more about Bernardo Cruz
Do you plan to continue in your current employment if elected?
If elected, I would leave my position with the El Paso County Attorney’s Office before taking office and would not continue practicing as an attorney for the county.
What experiences in leadership do you have that qualify you for this position?
My leadership experience has included legal, organizational, and community leadership. At Columbia Legal Services, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, and the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, I have taken leadership roles in complex litigation, community outreach, public education, and collaboration with community organizations, government officials, and other stakeholders.
I have also served on the board of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, including as Board President. That experience taught me the importance of listening to different perspectives, building consensus, and making thoughtful decisions in support of an organization’s mission. These experiences have prepared me to lead a courtroom with professionalism, fairness, and accountability.
Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime? Have you ever had a civil judgment against you? Have you ever been in arrears on local, state or federal taxes? If so, please provide an explanation.
No.
If elected, would you have any potential conflicts of interest that you are aware of that would impair your ability to serve? Please explain what they are and how you would avoid the conflict.
I am not currently aware of any conflict of interest that would impair my ability to serve as judge of the 168th District Court. If a potential conflict or circumstance requiring recusal were to arise, I would follow the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and applicable law and recuse myself when required.
What does transparent government mean to you? Will you be personally accessible to answer questions while in office?
To me, transparency means making the court accessible and understandable to the public and ensuring that everyone who comes before the court is treated fairly and with respect. I will be accessible to the community and willing to explain the court’s procedures and operations, while respecting the ethical limits on discussing pending cases or matters that could compromise a fair and impartial proceeding.
The candidates' responses are being published largely as they were submitted.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Meet the Candidate: Bernardo Cruz seeks 168th District Judge seat
