Richard Sapp
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Biography
Richard Sapp is the Republican nominee for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 in Bell County. A retired Temple Police detective with 32 years of law enforcement experience, he is running unopposed in the November 2026 general election to succeed retiring incumbent Cliff Coleman.
Sapp’s 32-year career in law enforcement gives him extensive firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system from the law enforcement perspective. As a detective with the Temple Police Department, he investigated a wide range of criminal offenses, from thefts to serious violent crimes.
Sapp emerged from a competitive four-way Republican primary to secure his party’s nomination. The primary field included several qualified candidates, but Sapp’s law enforcement background and community connections helped him prevail.
As Justice of the Peace, Sapp will preside over Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, minor civil matters up to $20,000, eviction proceedings, and emergency protective orders. His law enforcement background is expected to inform his judicial approach, particularly in criminal and protective order cases.
His campaign website can be found at sapp4jp.com. He has been endorsed by local law enforcement officials and community leaders in the Precinct 2 area.
Credentials & Education
Experience
- Temple Police Department — Detective (32 years), Retired
- 32 years of law enforcement experience
Office
- Justice of the Peace, Bell County Precinct 2 (Elect)
Professional Memberships
- Justice of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas (incoming)
Professional History
Temple Police Department — Detective (32 years) Served as a police officer and detective, investigating criminal offenses ranging from property crimes to violent felonies. Retired after 32 years of service.
Bell County Precinct 2 — Justice of the Peace (Elect) Won four-way Republican primary. Unopposed in November 2026 general election. Will succeed retiring Judge Cliff Coleman.
Record
Court case records and JP court statistics will be added here upon taking office.
Richard Sapp is a retired Temple Police detective with 32 years of law enforcement experience. He won a four-way Republican primary and is the Republican nominee for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2. He is unopposed in the November 2026 general election, succeeding retiring incumbent Cliff Coleman.