Beatrice "Bea" Cox
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
Biography
Beatrice “Bea” Cox is the Republican nominee for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2. She faces Democrat Jessica A. Gonzalez in the November 3, 2026 general election in the only contested judicial race in Bell County this cycle.
The Precinct 4 Place 2 JP court serves the Killeen area. If elected, Cox will preside over Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims civil matters up to $20,000, eviction proceedings, and emergency protective orders.
Cox is the Bell County truancy master, presiding over juvenile truancy cases for all school districts in the county. At an Oct. 7, 2026 candidate forum, she said she worked in the JP office for more than two decades, including many years for longtime Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke, now Bell County sheriff (Killeen Daily Herald). Neither candidate is an attorney.
Both candidates are listed on the official Bell County sample ballot (sample ballot, Precinct 401).
If elected, Cox will succeed outgoing incumbent Nicola J. James. Whoever wins will take office in January 2027.
Credentials & Education
Office
- Justice of the Peace, Bell County Precinct 4, Place 2 (Candidate)
Party
- Republican Party Nominee
Professional History
Bell County Precinct 4 Place 2 — JP Candidate (R) Republican nominee. Faces Jessica A. Gonzalez (D) in November 2026 general election.
Record
JP court statistics will be added upon election outcome.
Beatrice “Bea” Cox is the Republican nominee for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2. She faces Democrat Jessica A. Gonzalez in the November 3, 2026 general election.