Both of the candidates running in the March 5, 2024, Democratic primary for Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals Place 4 — Incumbent Charles Spain (D) and Derek Obialo (D) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Spain:
“I’m an Eagle Scout, lifelong Democrat, gay man, father, husband, and native Houstonian.
I believe that judges must be highly competent, ethical, and hardworking. I also believe government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. For me, that means the legitimacy of the judiciary demands that the public see people like them on the bench, reflecting the diversity of modern society and allowing everyone a place at the table.”
Obialo:
“I am a trial and appellate attorney. I started my legal career as a lawyer in a small town in Nigeria. Later relocating to Houston where I worked for several companies including a stint as a contract worker at a now defunct major energy company. … I hold a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami, MBA from the Houston Baptist University (Houston Christian University), Barrister-at-Law from the Nigeria Law School, and Bachelor of Laws from the Abia State University. I am a member of the College of the State Bar and State Bar Construction Law and Litigation sections, among many other professional associations. In 2020, I ran for the office of the Judge of the 400th District Court in Fort Bend County in the Democratic Party primary and I have been engaged in the community ever since. I am married to Dorothy Obialo, and we live in Fort Bend County with our four children.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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