Jorden Maljovec, a Republican attorney, is running for Fort Bend County Court-at-Law Judge, Court 2, in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. She faces Democrat Tyra McCollum.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why she is seeking the bench, Maljovec said, "Being a judge is one of the highest forms of public service, and I have always had a servant's heart. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve the community that shaped me and where I am now raising my family."

Maljovec ran uncontested in the March 3 Republican primary, receiving 39,341 votes, according to Ballotpedia. She said in our questionnaire that she has not held elected or appointed office.

Candidate information

Party: Republican

Education: Asked about her education in our questionnaire, Maljovec said, "I am a graduate of Clements High School. I earned my undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and my Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law."

Family: Maljovec said in our questionnaire, "I am married and the proud mother of three children. I grew up in a close-knit family with four sisters, and my family has deep roots in Fort Bend County. My mother, Robin Rosen, is a court reporter, and my late father, Rocket Rosen, was a highly respected and well-known attorney in Fort Bend County. Growing up surrounded by the legal profession gave me an early appreciation for the importance of the justice system and the responsibility that comes with serving our community."

Family in government: Maljovec said her mother, Robin Rosen, "is a court reporter in the court system."

Experience and public service

Asked about her occupation and work history, Maljovec said in our questionnaire, "I have been a practicing attorney since 2013. I began my career in Austin, where I worked with a firm handling mass tort litigation and cases involving birth injuries. After gaining valuable experience there, I returned home to Fort Bend County, opened my own law practice, and have continued serving clients in the community. For the past nine years, I have represented clients with cases at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, gaining extensive experience in the court room and a firsthand understanding of the people and families we serve. Outside of the law, I co-founded Trough Juice Bar, a café in historic downtown Richmond, dedicated to educating and nourishing our community through healing food."

Asked what accomplishments show she can handle the job, Maljovec said, "I primarily practice in the County Courts at Law in Fort Bend County, giving me extensive experience with the types of matters and issues that come before these Judges. … I have represented appointed clients as well as retained, and my experience spans from criminal law, probate, mental health, ad litem representation, and juvenile cases."

On the issues

Critical differences from opponent: Maljovec said in our questionnaire, "Judge McCollum has done a fine job serving as Judge of CCL 2, and I respect the work she has done for our community. What distinguishes me is the breadth and diversity of my legal experience. … As judge, I will be committed to protecting families and communities while ensuring that every person who comes before the court is treated fairly and that their constitutional rights are honored. I will be tough on crime and committed to protecting our families and communities - for my children and yours."

Best advice: Maljovec shared advice from her late father: "'Preparation today is performance tomorrow.' Those words, shared with me by my father, have remained firmly engrained in me throughout my life and career. … The opportunity of Judge is before me, and I am prepared to serve and protect the people of Fort Bend County."