• David Tewes •
• Originally published September 22, 2009 at 5:21 p.m., updated September 22, 2009 at 10:25 p.m.

• Filing for a place on the primary ballot begins Dec. 3 and continues until 6 p.m Jan. 4.

A second person has joined the race to capture the Republican nomination for Victoria County Court-at-Law No. 2 judge.

Victoria attorney Travis Ernst, 38, announced Tuesday he will run against Dan Gilliam for the post. Incumbent Juan Velasquez III is not seeking re-election.

Ernst said he's been an attorney since 1998 and has had a varied practice during that time, focusing on criminal defense and juvenile law. Those cases are primarily held in county courts-at-law, he said.

"I'm on virtually every docket those courts have and I think that's important," Ernst said. "In the courtroom, I know how it works and I know how it functions on a day-to-day basis."

County courts-at-law primarily handle misdemeanor crimes and juvenile cases, as well as mental commitments, guardianships and such civil cases as will probates.

Ernst commended Velasquez for his years of service and said the judge's ideas and guidance helped shaped the future of many attorneys in the community.

"I've learned a great deal practicing and trying cases before him over the years," Ernst said. "First and foremost, I know how important it is that a judge be impartial and follow the law."

Ernst worked as an intern for Criminal District Attorney George Filley until he passed the bar exam. He opened his own practice after that, handling cases ranging from murder and aggravated assault to robberies and driving while intoxicated.

Ernst, a native of Victoria, earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1993 and a law degree from Texas Southern University in Houston in 1997.

He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Ellwood Ernst, of Victoria, and is married to the former Jennifer Barnette, a third-grade teacher in the Victoria public school system. They have two children, Ryan and Evan.

Ernst has been active in the Youth Rodeo, Coastal Conservation Association and National Rifle Association. He serves on the board of the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

He is also a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Victoria County Bar Association and holds certificates of mediation and guardianship.

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