MEET
JONATHAN RICHEY
My family and I are from Rusk, Cherokee County, Texas. Both of my parents were originally from Rusk, however my father was a highschool football coach so we moved often. As a youth, I lived in Rusk, Jacksonville, Palestine and ultimately graduated from high school in Corsicana, Texas.
After high school, I attended Texas A&M University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2004. I then attended Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing Michigan and received a Juris Doctor in 2008. I then settled back in east Texas.
I started practicing law as a prosecutor in the Houston County Attorney’s Office and then the Houston County District Attorney’s Office where I worked for 5 years. I then worked in private practice for 2 years at the Norman Law Firm in Jacksonville, Texas where I handled aspects of civil practice and represented the City of Jacksonville. I then left to work full time as a prosecutor in the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office, and then as First Assistant District Attorney at the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office for 8 years. I was elected as the Cherokee County District Attorney and began on January 1, 2025.
I was appointed by the Honorable Governor Greg Abbott to serve as Judge of the 369th Judicial District Court on December 2, 2025.
My wife Ramey, daughter Sally Jo (9) and son Hugh (3) live in Rusk, Texas. Ramey teaches 3rd grade at Rusk Elementary. Our family attends First Baptist Church in Rusk.
ISSUES
Career Prosecutor
Jonathan Richey has dedicated his legal career to prosecuting criminals, protecting victims, and enforcing the law fairly and firmly.
He has served in nearly every prosecutorial role possible:
● Assistant County Attorney
● Assistant District Attorney
● First Assistant District Attorney
● Elected Cherokee County District Attorney
● District Judge of the 369th Judicial District Court
His experience spans felony prosecutions, misdemeanor cases, juvenile matters, CPS proceedings, and appeals, giving him a complete understanding of how the justice system affects families, victims, defendants, and communities.
Jonathan has personally handled cases from intake through jury trial and appeal, ensuring justice is done at every stage.
Trusted Conservative Leadership
In January 2025, Jonathan was sworn in as the elected District Attorney of Cherokee County, a role that placed him in charge of protecting the community and ensuring the law was enforced without fear or favor.
In recognition of his integrity, experience, and commitment to the rule of law, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jonathan Richey to serve as Judge of the 369th Judicial District Court on December 2, 2025.
That appointment reflects what East Texans already know: Jonathan Richey is a steady, principled conservative who can be trusted with judicial authority.
A Judge Who Follows the Constitution
Jonathan Richey believes the role of a judge is clear:
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Apply the law as written
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Respect the U.S. and Texas Constitutions
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Protect due process
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Treat every individual fairly and impartially
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Leave policymaking to the Legislature
He is firmly opposed to judicial activism and believes judges must never substitute personal opinions for the law.