Natalia (Nata) Cornelio

Nata is the 351st Criminal District Court Judge in Harris County, Texas. She is a proud bilingual Mexican American, and the first attorney (now judge) in her family. First elected in November 2020, she is running for re-election in 2024. Since taking the bench, she has fulfilled her campaign promises to work hard, always consider the needs of the community, ensure that all persons receive equal justice under the law, and to deliver a restorative approach whenever possible. As judge, she has resolved 7,500 felony cases, she presides over a competency restoration docket that aims to provide resources and restorative justice to accused defendants who have severe mental health needs, and she chairs the Courts' Community Engagement Committee to ensure that all of her colleagues have opportunities to provide service and engage in outreach with community members. She has made the 351st District Court accessible to countless students and community members seeking to learn more about the Court through visits, internship programs, community events, and conversations. Prior to being a judge, she served as an assistant federal public defender and a civil rights lawyer.