Biography

Gonzalez won the May 26, 2026 Democratic runoff over LaTasha Quarles, 51.3% to 48.7% (1,233 to 1,171 votes, unofficial results per the Killeen Daily Herald). The incumbent, Nicola J. James, finished third in the March primary (KDH). Gonzalez is Killeen’s District 1 council member and mayor pro tem; she has said she would immediately resign from council if elected (KDH). She and Republican Beatrice Cox are both listed on the official Bell County sample ballot for the Nov. 3 general election (sample ballot, Precinct 401).

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.

At an Oct. 7, 2026 candidate forum, Gonzalez said her work as a property manager has prepared her for duties including eviction proceedings, and that newly elected JPs complete mandatory state training (Killeen Daily Herald). Neither candidate is an attorney.

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.

Record

Recent controversy

In July 2024, a recall petition against Gonzalez was submitted by Killeen residents, as reported by the Killeen Daily Herald (petition submitted). The organizers said, among other things, 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 city said the petition fell short because it lacked enough qualified signatures from District 1; 246 were required (city finding, KDH). No recall election was held.

On December 6, 2022, Gonzalez introduced the motion that amended Killeen’s voter-approved marijuana ordinance (Proposition A, approved by about 69% of voters on Nov. 8, 2022). The motion passed 4–3 (KDH; Fox 44).

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.