Judge Jacqueline Franklin with her husband Louis Williams, and children Levi and Ethan.
Published•
Thu, Sep 3, 2026
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Jacqueline Franklin as judge of the 513th Judicial District Court in Harris County, effective Sept. 1, for a term set to expire Dec. 31, 2028, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.
“I take tremendous pride in serving as a Jewish judge in Harris County and in representing a community that has played such an important role in shaping who I am,” Franklin said.
Franklin attended Beth Yeshurun Day School and The Emery/Weiner School. She became a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Emanu El.
“Those experiences instilled in me an immense sense of Jewish pride and taught me from an early age that representation matters. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and is one of the reasons I felt it was important to apply for this judicial position.
“To have the opportunity to serve the people of Harris County while also being one of the few Jewish judges serving at the civil district court level is an honor I do not take lightly.”
Franklin will be sworn in Sept. 8.
“I hope to serve with integrity, fairness and humility, while carrying with me the values that were instilled in me through my Jewish upbringing. As I raise my own two children, I want them to understand not only the traditions and history of Judaism but also why our identity and our community matter every day.
“I hope they will see my service on the bench as an example of how our Jewish values can guide us in public service and how important it is to take pride in who we are and to make sure our community is represented wherever we have the opportunity to serve.”