Kosub: 'The bench is not a place for weak, flimsy progressivism'
Dobie Kosub kicked off his campaign to become 89th District Court judge Wednesday with a slew of endorsements from top law enforcement, legal and political figures in Wichita County.
Kosub wants to replace the current judge, Charles Barnard, who has said he will retire at the end of his term next year.
Kosub, a Republican who is currently the county’s first assistant district attorney, told a gathering at the Woman’s Forum he will be a tough, fair judge.
“Make no mistake, when it’s appropriate I will deliver the punishment to the worst among us. Child molesters, murderers and drug dealers — they will get what they deserve," Kosub said.
"They will come to understand what life sentences mean. Where appropriate, they will hear words like ‘consecutive and stacked’ when being sentenced,” Kosub said. “The bench is not a place for weak, flimsy progressivism. It is an office that demands strength.”
The Luling native is a Baylor University graduate who earned his law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law.
Kosub, who has spent 22 years in the DA's Office, said he will “adhere to and protect the Constitution and all the rights we enjoy as Americans.” He also said there will be no undue delays for justice in his courtroom.
He was introduced by his brother-in-law, Wichita Falls Mayor Stephen Santellana, who said Kosub has dedicated his whole career to being “a strong Christian conservative who puts everything and everyone before himself.”
“His personal principles are second to none,” Santellana said.
On Wednesday, he also received endorsements from Wichita County Sheriff David Duke, retired 78th District Court Judge Barney Fudge, Karen Price, widow of Judge Mark Price, who once presided over the 89th District Court, and DA John Gillespie.
“Dobie was raised to work hard and get the job done, and it shows,” Gillespie said.
All speakers praised Kosub’s work ethic and his efforts in fighting illegal drugs and prosecuting child molesters.
Kosub’s first — and likely only — hurdle will be the Republican primary in March 2024.
In staunchly Republican Wichita County, the party primary is often the only challenge for party hopefuls who face little or no serious opposition in the general election. That election will be in November 2024.
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This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Kosub announces candidacy for 89th District Court Judge
