LGBT-identified Texas judge loses bid for reelection after indictment for ordering defense attorney handcuffed in court
An LGBT-identified Texas county judge who faced criminal charges and suspension over an incident in which she ordered a defense attorney handcuffed in court lost her bid for reelection this week.
Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez lost to challenger Alicia "Ali" Perez in the March 3 Democratic primary, after Perez secured over 65% of the vote, according to Bexar County election totals. Since no Republican candidates appeared on the ballot for the seat, Perez is set take office next January.
Perez has practiced law for nearly two decades as immigration attorney and public prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, according to her website.
Gonzalez, who assumed office in 2018 and was seeking a third term, was known for pioneering efforts in her court, including establishing Reflejo Court, Bexar County's first domestic violence rehabilitation program for first-time offenders, which earned certification for trauma-informed care.
She stoked controversy in 2020 after she claimed she was forced to remove a rainbow pride flag from her courtroom. A complaint filed with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Gonzalez said she was required to remove a pride flag along with a “mouse pad with rainbow patterns” and other items, according to NBC News.
In 2023, Gonzalez won an appeal to continue displaying the flag in court, but later said she would discontinue the practice to avoid further complaints.
Her tenure was later overshadowed by events from a December 2024 probation revocation hearing involving a domestic violence suspect. According to court transcripts, the proceeding quickly escalated into a confrontation between the judge and defense attorney Elizabeth Russell.
The dispute began when Gonzalez accused Russell of improperly conferring with the defendant and "coaching" answers, stating on the record that "attorneys are not allowed to coach answers to their clients." After Russell objected to the judge's characterization of events, Gonzalez warned her multiple times to stop being argumentative.
"Stop. It's on the record. Your argumentative ways are not going to work today. Stop. Stop, or I'll hold you in contempt, Ms. Russell," the judge said, per the transcript.
When Russell replied that she was allowed to speak, Gonzalez responded: "You are allowed to speak, but you're not allowed to be argumentative and argue just for the sake of argument."
The judge then ordered Russell placed "in the box," resulting in the attorney being handcuffed and seated in the jury box. After Gonzalez asked if Russell would conduct herself professionally, the attorney agreed, and the handcuffs were removed shortly after.
In January, Gonzalez was indicted on charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression. She surrendered to authorities, was booked, and released on her own recognizance.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended her without pay in February with the order stating the suspension would continue until the charges are dismissed, she is acquitted, or further action by the commission.
