Biography

Bell County voters found Nicola J James insuitable for reelection.

The Precinct 4 Place 2 JP court serves the Killeen area of Bell County. If elected, Gonzalez will preside over Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims civil matters up to $20,000, eviction proceedings, and emergency protective orders.

Gonzalez emerged from a competitive Democratic primary that included incumbent Nicola J. James. After the March primary failed to produce a majority winner, Gonzalez prevailed in the May 26 runoff election to secure the Democratic nomination.

The November general election between Gonzalez and Republican Beatrice Cox is the only contested judicial race in Bell County in 2026. All other judicial positions have unopposed Republican nominees.

Gonzalez’s campaign has focused on accessible justice, fair treatment for all citizens, and bringing a fresh perspective to the JP bench.

Credentials & Education

Office

• Justice of the Peace, Bell County Precinct 4, Place 2 (Candidate)

Party

• Democratic Party Nominee

Professional History

Bell County Precinct 4 Place 2 — JP Candidate (D) Won Democratic primary runoff May 26, 2026. Faces Beatrice Cox (R) in November general election.

Campaign & Community Gallery

Addressing key local issues: "Building a Stronger Killeen Together"

Community engagement and citizen dialogue

Jessica A. Gonzalez speaking at a local public address

Constituent engagement and policy coordination

Record

Recent controversy

A recall petition was filed against Gonzalez by resident Janice Taylor, with organizing assistance from Mellisa Brown. The organizers alleged that Gonzalez failed to report being lobbied by developers, supported rezoning projects without ensuring that the city had the necessary infrastructure to support them, and was argumentative during public meetings. Gonzalez vehemently rejected the allegations, stating that she was strictly adhering to long-term economic planning and remained committed to executing the city’s vision and comprehensive plan. The recall effort ultimately failed to go to a vote because the organizers could not gather the 246 valid signatures required from her district.

On December 6, 2022, Jessica Gonzalez actively supported the amendment to Killeen’s marijuana enforcement ordinance (Proposition A) by personally introducing the motion to amend it. Her motion passed in a 4-3 vote and sought to balance the voters’ push for decriminalization with practical law enforcement needs.

Gonzalez’s amendment structured the ordinance in three key ways:

• Removing the “Odor as Probable Cause” Ban: The amendment removed Section 22-83, a provision that would have stopped police from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause for searches and seizures. Gonzalez argued that eliminating this could compromise officer safety and disrupt broader investigations, pointing out that many multi-offense arrests begin with the detection of marijuana odor.
• Preserving Core Decriminalization: She ensured that the core decarceral intent of the original proposition remained intact. The amended ordinance continued to prohibit Killeen police officers from making arrests or issuing citations for Class A or B misdemeanor marijuana possession, as well as Class C citations for drug paraphernalia in lieu of possession charges.
• Mandating a Statistical Review: Gonzalez’s motion required the Killeen Police Department to return to the City Council in three months to present statistical data. This allowed the city to monitor the real-world impact of the ordinance and ensure it was being implemented without compromising community safety.

The public career of Jessica Gonzalez highlights her role as a pragmatic, resilient leader in Central Texas. From her roots in a decorated military and educational family, she has successfully bridged the gap between private-sector expertise in real estate and public-sector governance. Her legislative record on the Killeen City Council demonstrates a consistent effort to balance progressive voter initiatives with the practical demands of municipal administration and public safety.Despite facing political challenges, including an organized recall campaign and shifting council alignments, she has maintained a resilient political base. Her subsequent bid for Bell County Justice of the Peace represents a logical evolution in her public service, as she seeks to apply her experience in municipal policy to the county’s judicial system. Whether navigating city council debates, driving economic development in underserved neighborhoods, or pursuing county-wide judicial office, Gonzalez remains a highly influential figure in the civic and political life of Bell County