Toria J. Finch

Professional career

• She made history as the first African American woman to serve as Presiding Judge of this court
• Finch has also held the role of the Presiding Judge of the sixteen Harris County Criminal Courts at Law and as the Local Administrative Judge of the twenty civil and criminal Harris County Courts at Law
• She is recognized for her historic achievements, her role in advancing African American women in the judiciary, and her efforts to implement programs that support restorative justice and community engagement

Education

Additional information

• Her current term ends on December 31, 2026.
• Judge Finch is a member of the Democratic Party and is running for re-election in the general election on November 3, 2026.
• She previously defeated Sartaj Bal in the 2022 general election and has advanced from Democratic primaries in both 2022 and 2026.
• Elected to the bench of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 on November 6, 2018, and assumed office on January 1, 2019.
• She is a member of the historic “Houston 19,” a group of 19 African American women who won judicial elections in Harris County during the 2018 midterms.
• First-generation attorney who credits her upbringing in a faith- and community-centered family for shaping her dedication to public service and justice.
• Judge Finch’s career reflects a dedication to equity, leadership, and mentorship.
• Judge Finch was born in Nashville, Tennessee, as the youngest of three siblings to Pastor Harold W. Finch, Sr. and Dr. Janet M. Finch.
• As a child, she was active in sports, excelling in basketball, softball, volleyball, and track, and often traveled with her parents to small churches, which helped develop her public presence.
• Her life story emphasizes lifting others as she ascends, combining professional excellence with a commitment to service.