Two candidates, Donna Blalock and Lacy Jameson Grubb, are competing for the position of Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Gregg County, Texas. Their qualifications and visions for the role were presented during a forum held by the Republican Party of Gregg County on January 10, 2024. The election is set to take place on March 3, 2024, as part of the Republican primary.
Justices of the Peace in Texas handle a variety of legal matters, including Class C misdemeanors, disputes involving amounts up to $20,000, truancy cases, and landlord-tenant issues. They also perform marriage ceremonies and serve as coroners, determining causes of death when necessary.
Blalock brings over 30 years of experience as a probation officer and 24 years as a municipal judge. She currently serves as the presiding municipal judge in Big Sandy and East Mountain, managing cases similar to those she would address as a Justice of the Peace. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and sociology from East Texas Baptist University.
Beyond her judicial experience, Blalock has been an active community volunteer for over 20 years. She has participated in the Junior League of Longview and has spent 13 years on the board of the Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center, which supports children who have experienced abuse. “I have learned that character matters, and that how you serve others defines who you are,” Blalock stated, emphasizing her commitment to fairness and integrity.
Blalock is also the only certified court interpreter in Gregg County and the only bilingual judge in the area. She collaborates with judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, and treatment facility leaders to assist individuals in need of support. “I have seen firsthand how service, especially when it is rooted in fairness and dignity, can change lives,” she noted.
During the forum, candidates were asked about the influence of their religious beliefs on their work. Blalock described her faith as a foundation for her service-minded approach to leadership. “My motto, even before I decided to become a judge, was to be a giver, not a taker,” she said, expressing her long-standing desire to pursue the Justice of the Peace role.
Grubb, the daughter of the incumbent Justice of the Peace B.H. Jameson, has been involved in the legal field since she was 16. She participated in criminal justice education during high school and later attended Kilgore College and Texas State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in science and psychology with an emphasis on forensics. Grubb has experience as an apartment manager, which provided her with knowledge of eviction law, and she has worked with Welch’s Funeral Home, gaining insights into cremation and legal matters surrounding death.
She has also served as a mental health professional, where she assisted individuals during crises and ensured their safety and that of the community. Grubb emphasized the importance of the Justice of the Peace role, stating, “It’s a tremendous honor, and a full-time commitment to the residents of Precinct 1 and all of Gregg County.”
Grubb highlighted that Precinct 1 is the busiest among the county’s justice of the peace courts, underscoring the need for a dedicated and full-time commitment to the position. She believes in treating everyone with dignity and worth, a principle rooted in her faith. “Serving as Justice of the Peace, guided by my faith, is about leading with humility, being fair and consistent, and showing the same respect to everyone, no matter their background and circumstances,” Grubb remarked.
Both candidates have established campaign pages on Facebook, allowing constituents to learn more about them and stay updated on their campaign activities. As the election approaches, the residents of Gregg County will have the opportunity to choose between two candidates with distinct backgrounds and perspectives on how best to serve their community.
