By Dawn Burleigh

Becoming a judge one day was something attorney Michael Catt was always in his plans.

“It was always in my mind as something I might want to do,” Catt said. “I have been told I would be good at it.”

While he may not have ever served a s court appointed attorney, he has spent 23 years in the courtroom.

“When I have a criminal case, I am hired,” Catt explained. “I am well equipped to handle those type cases. I have spent my career in the courtroom.”

It has provided Catt with experiences he will need to serve as 163rd Judicial District Court Judge.

The position is being vacated with the retirement of Dennis Powell. It was due to Powell’s retirement that Catt felt this was the time to seek the position at the bench.

“I have essentially maintained a general practice throughout my career. My cases have included every area of the law over which the 163rd Judicial District Court presides.  I have tried family law, personal injury, criminal, and civil cases both to judges and juries,” Catt stated in his Letter of Introduction which published in a previous edition of The Orange Leader. “My experience makes me the unique candidate in this race, as I have a far more diverse and well-rounded practice, which is essential for district judges in Orange County who hear cases of every type rather than being courts of specific jurisdiction.”

The response, according to Catt, has been positive on the announcement he is running for the position.

“I have had two endorsements. One from the Pinehurst Police Association and from the Vidor Police Association,” Catt said. “The response has been incredible, and I have had positive feedback.”

The heart of Catt’s practice are cases involving children.

“I love working with those families,” Catt said. “I spend my free time helping kids through sports and church.”

Catt’s father was a Baptist minister whose ministry was music and youth.

He and his wife, Angelique, have been married for 22 years. They have three children, Alex, 20, a sophomore at Lamar, Valentin, 19, and Sydney, 17. The two youngest are in high school.

Michael Catt, a Republican, is running against Rex Peveto, also a Republican, for 163rd Judicial District Court Judge. Primary Election is March 3, 2020.

 

UPDATE: Over the January 18-19, 2020 weekend, Michael Catt received another endorsement. Sabine Area Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO which is the Union comprised of all the unions in SETX gave Catt an endorsement.

UPDATE: On February 6, 2020, Michael Catt was endorsed by the Beaumont Police Officers Association.