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Justice of the Peace Charles Karish resigns; court appoints Joe Hester interim JP for Precinct 1
Summary
Judge Charles Karish submitted his resignation effective Sept. 3, 2025; the Court accepted the resignation and appointed Joe Hester as interim Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 to serve until Dec. 31, 2026, in a 4-1 vote.
Waller County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of Justice of the Peace Charles Karish, effective Sept. 3, 2025, and appointed Joe Hester as the interim Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 to fill the unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2026.
Karish, who told the court he had served nearly 27 years, submitted a letter of resignation effective the date of the meeting; commissioners accepted it on the record. Several candidates and interested residents addressed the court about the interim appointment prior to the vote. Speakers who declared interest or made statements included Samantha Harris (attorney and current first responder), Anthony Polci (retired justice seeking appointment) and Candace (Karish's court administrator) who described her 17 years working in Waller County courts and eight years as Karish's court administrator.
Court discussion focused on whether appointing a declared candidate would give that person an unfair advantage in the upcoming election. Commissioner comments noted that appointing a neutral, non-running presiding judge would avoid the appearance of endorsing a candidate. Joe Hester, a current presiding municipal judge who said he will not run for the office in the upcoming election, was nominated and confirmed by the court in a 4-1 roll-call.
Why it matters: the appointment fills immediate judicial responsibilities for Precinct 1, including magistration and inquests the outgoing judge handled, and it determines who will preside until voters select a replacement.
Action and vote: the court unanimously accepted the resignation and, after an opportunity for candidates to speak, voted 4-1 to appoint Joe Hester as interim Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. Hester said he would serve without running in the 2026 election.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to proceed with the administrative steps necessary to place Hester in the interim role and to publish any required notices for the vacancy.
