Two candidates from Longview, Texas, are contending for the position of Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Gregg County. The election will take place during the Republican primary on March 3, 2024. Donna Blalock and Lacy Jameson Grubb presented their qualifications and visions for the office during a forum hosted by the Republican Party of Gregg County in January.
Both candidates emphasized their commitment to fairness and integrity in their potential roles. In Texas, Justices of the Peace manage cases involving Class C misdemeanors, disputes involving amounts up to $20,000, truancy matters, and landlord-tenant conflicts. Additionally, they officiate weddings and serve as coroners, responsible for determining causes of death in certain circumstances.
Blalock has an extensive background in the legal system, having served as a Gregg County probation officer for 30 years and as a municipal judge for 24 years. Currently, she presides over cases in Big Sandy and East Mountain, which are similar to those she would encounter as a Justice of the Peace. Blalock holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and sociology from East Texas Baptist University.
Her community involvement spans over two decades, including a significant tenure on the board of the Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center, which focuses on assisting abused children. Blalock remarked, “I have learned that character matters, and that how you serve others defines who you are.” Her experience as a probation officer has taught her the importance of balancing accountability with compassion.
Unique to her qualifications, Blalock is the only certified court interpreter in Gregg County and the only bilingual judge in the region. She collaborates with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and treatment facilities to help individuals in need. “I have seen firsthand how service, especially when it is rooted in fairness and dignity, can change lives,” she stated.
Grubb, daughter of the current Justice of the Peace, B.H. Jameson, is eager to continue her family’s legacy. B.H. Jameson has served since 1987 and will not seek reelection. Grubb has aspired to work in the legal system since she was 16. She pursued criminal justice education in high school and later graduated from Texas State University with a degree focusing on psychology and forensics.
Her prior roles include serving as an apartment manager, where she gained experience in eviction laws, and working at Welch’s Funeral Home, which provided insights into the legal aspects of death and cremation. She also has a background as a mental health professional, assisting individuals during crises to ensure their safety and that of the wider community. “The position of the Justice of the Peace is not just a title. It’s a tremendous honor, and a full-time commitment to the residents of Precinct 1 and all of Gregg County,” Grubb asserted.
Grubb believes that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Her faith in God serves as a guiding principle, allowing her to maintain perspective and integrity in her work. “Serving as Justice of the Peace, guided by my faith, is about leading with humility and fairness,” she explained.
Both candidates maintain active social media presences, including Facebook pages, where constituents can learn more about their campaigns and stay informed on upcoming events and initiatives. With the election approaching, the emphasis on community service and integrity remains at the forefront of their campaigns, appealing to voters in a key judicial race in Gregg County.
