On Thursday, February 20, 2025, The Paris News reported that no decision has been made regarding the appointment of a replacement for 62nd District Judge Will Biard, who resigned to pursue private practice on January 10. Under Texas law, the governor is responsible for appointing a temporary replacement for a district judge who resigns. This appointed judge will serve until the next partisan election, during which voters will select a new judge based on party affiliation.
Will Biard, who has been serving since 2013, was first elected in 2012 after defeating Erwin Cain. He successfully won re-election in both 2016 and 2020 without facing any opposition. Born and raised in Lamar County, Biard previously held the position of mayor of Paris and served as vice president precinct chair for the ALCR.
The 62nd District Court covers Lamar, Hopkins, and Red River Counties. In the absence of a permanent judge, court proceedings in the affected counties are currently being managed by visiting judges.
In Texas, district court judges handle general trial matters, including serious civil and criminal cases, presiding over both jury and bench trials. Their responsibilities include hearing motions, issuing warrants, overseeing grand jury proceedings, and making critical legal decisions.
Following his resignation, Biard has joined the law firm of McLaughlin, Hutchison and Biard, LLP in Paris, Texas.
Source: The Paris News
