Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez was elected as the Bexar County Court Judge No. 13 in San Antonio in 2018, representing the Democratic Party.
As the county’s first openly gay judge, she quickly demonstrated her activism. For example, during court sessions in 2019, a Pride flag was displayed next to the U.S. and Texas flags, and non-linear colors were prominently featured at the entrance of her courtroom.
However, her tenure has been marred by multiple allegations of judicial misconduct, leading to her interaction with the state’s Judicial Conduct Commission. Unfortunately for her, these issues marked the end of her judicial career in Texas.
According to reports, she had admitted in a 2023 publication to being a “traitor” to her judicial role. Additionally, she faced criminal charges in January related to an event from December 2024, where she allegedly congratulated an attorney after a court victory, leading to drastic action where a bailiff was ordered to handcuff the defense lawyer and confine her to the jury box.
In recognition of her leadership, Speedlin Gonzalez received the Texas Diversity Council’s LGBTQ+ Individual Leadership Award in 2021. However, she was charged with unlawful restraint and official oppression, both serious charges that shed light on her judicial conduct.
In response to the indictment, the Judicial Conduct Commission suspended her without pay starting February 5th.
Despite running for re-election in the Democratic primary, she faced overwhelming rejection from voters in March. To resolve pending misconduct allegations and avoid further penalties, she agreed to a permanent ban from judicial practice.
In a formal agreement signed on April 17, it was stated that Speedlin Gonzalez has officially resigned and is permanently disqualified from holding or serving in any judicial office in Texas, which would include officiating weddings, among other functions.
The document indicated additional criticisms of her behavior, including “displaying an unprofessional manner” toward a criminal defendant and mishandling motions regarding bail conditions and habeas corpus writs.
Interestingly, while the agreement didn’t force her to admit guilt regarding the misconduct allegations, it paved the way for the dismissal of her criminal charges soon after. The motion for dismissal was subsequently filed by Special Prosecutor Brian Cromens.
