Michelle Merendino was sworn in Friday, Sept. 19, as the new judge for the 75th Judicial State District of Texas. She was appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to finish the unexpired term of former Judge Mark Morefield, who retired in January 2025.
Merendino makes history as the first woman to serve as a district judge for Liberty County. She is not the first judge to be appointed to a district court seat in the county, however. In 1977, when Liberty County was granted the 253rd State District Court, Judge W.G. “Dub” Woods was appointed after years of serving as the county’s district attorney. Another earlier appointment came in 1967, when Thomas Wheat was named judge of the 75th District Court, though he lost the seat in the following year’s election to Judge Clarence Cain.
The 75th State District courtroom in the Liberty County Courthouse was filled with well-wishers who came to celebrate and witness the occasion. Merendino was joined by her husband of more than 30 years, longtime educator Jared Merendino, and their family as she took the oath of office. The ceremony was conducted by former County Court at Law Judge Don Taylor.
Afterward, Merendino reflected on the milestone and the significance of beginning her judicial service in her home county.
“The very first hearing I ever had was right here with Judge [Zeke] Zbranek on the bench. Our history in Liberty County is so deep. We were such a small county and know each other so well. Judge Zbranek was a fellow [Hull-Daisetta] Bobcat, and he was kind to me,” she said, acknowledging several attorneys in attendance who supported her early legal career.
Although her law practice began in Houston, Merendino said she always felt called to serve closer to home. For a decade, she commuted from her home in Liberty to downtown Houston for work before setting up a legal practice in Liberty.
“I wanted to serve here [in Liberty County]. I wanted to be a part of this community because our people are special people. We have the Lord in our hearts even if we don’t always like our neighbors,” she said with a laugh.
Merendino told the audience she views her new role as both a calling and a responsibility.
“I truly and earnestly believe that God gives each of us talents and a calling. I promise each of you that I will do my best to put in the effort, the diligence and the work. With every bit of honor and integrity that I am able to give, I will do this job for you, and I will do the very best I can to protect, promote and defend the Constitution, and to protect, promote and defend the rights of all of us here in the county,” she said.
Looking ahead, Merendino said she is honored to continue the work of the district court.
“There have been some wonderful, wonderful judges who have come before me, and I have mighty big shoes to fill,” she said.
Well if she’s endorsed by Paxton an Abbott
that will tell you she’s an incompetent piece of shit. No equality in the legal Justice system in Liberty county unless you know the right people. Child molesters will continue to thrive in Liberty County under her.