Nicola J. James
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
Biography
Nicola J. James is the incumbent Justice of the Peace for Bell County Precinct 4, Place 2. She was elected to the position but lost the March 2026 Democratic primary for re-election, making her a lame-duck incumbent whose term expires December 31, 2026.
The Precinct 4 Place 2 JP court serves the Killeen area, handling Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims civil matters up to $20,000, eviction proceedings, and emergency protective orders.
During her tenure, Judge James has presided over a high-volume docket that reflects the demographics and needs of the Killeen community. Her court has handled thousands of cases, from traffic citations to dispute resolution.
The March 2026 Democratic primary was competitive, with James facing multiple challengers. Jessica A. Gonzalez ultimately won the Democratic nomination after a May 26 runoff election, and she faces Republican Beatrice Cox in the November general election.
Judge James’s term expires December 31, 2026.
Credentials & Education
Office
- Justice of the Peace, Bell County Precinct 4, Place 2
Qualifications
- Texas JP certification
Professional History
Bell County Precinct 4 Place 2 — Justice of the Peace Served as JP for Precinct 4, Place 2. Lost re-election primary in March 2026. Term expires December 31, 2026.
Record
Court case records and JP court statistics will be added here.
Nicola J. James is the incumbent Justice of the Peace for Bell County Precinct 4, Place 2. She was first elected to the bench but lost the March 2026 Democratic primary for re-election. Her term expires December 31, 2026.