While one candidate for Taylor County's 104th District Court argues he has more expertise in criminal law that makes him the better pick, his opponent claims to have represented more criminal law clients and handled more criminal jury trials.

Republican election on textured American flag. Photo: danielfela/Shutterstock

Jeff Propst and Kevin Willhelm are dueling in the Republican runoff for the 104th District Court in Abilene. Whoever wins will get the bench since there's no Democratic candidate in November.

Willhelm argues that he's practiced law for longer, represented more clients in criminal cases and handled greater numbers of criminal and civil trials during his career.

"I have better perspective, temperament and discernment through my legal experience as well as my life experience," Willhelm wrote. "My career and my life exhibit consistency, strength and integrity."

But Propst, noting that the 104th District Court's caseload is made up of 70% criminal cases, argued that his criminal law expertise better qualifies him for the bench.

"I am the only candidate who has both prosecuted and defended criminal cases," wrote Propst, who is board certified in criminal law. "I have also handled many civil law cases, giving me a well-rounded background for this court."

Texas Lawyer is publishing Q&As with judicial candidates in primary runoff elections. Early voting is June 29 to July 10, and election day is July 14.

Here are the Q&As for Propst and Willhelm.

Read more: Texas Voters: Meet the Candidates Running for Judge in July Primary Runoffs

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Jeff Propst

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

Jeff Propst Jeff Propst. Courtesy photo

I have been licensed to practice law for almost 12 years. In that time, I have handled all sorts of legal matters, both civil and criminal. My primary experience is in criminal law, which accounts for about 70% of the docket of the 104th District Court. I have prosecuted and defended felony cases and developed a word-of-mouth business based on hard work.

Why do you want this position?

Abilene, Taylor County, and the Big Country are part of who I am. My family settled about 20 miles north of Abilene in the 1800s. I care deeply about this community and what it becomes, and I want to serve its citizens and help keep it a great place to live and raise a family.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent in the election?

My expertise is in criminal law, and that is the primary area of law that the 104th District Court handles. About 70% of the cases in the 104th District Court are criminal or criminal-related. I am the only candidate who has both prosecuted and defended criminal cases. In addition, I am board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I have also handled many civil law cases, giving me a well-rounded background for this court.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

I am going to bring to the bench the same work ethic that has allowed me to build a successful practice over these last 12 years. I am also going to look for new ways to bring cases to trial faster and prevent long delays.

Where can voters go for more information about you?

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Kevin Willhelm

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

Kevin Willhelm Kevin Willhelm. Courtesy photo

More than 27 years trial experience in state and federal courts; experienced in criminal, civil, family and other major areas of law; admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation; member, The College of the State Bar of Texas; member of Mensa.

Why do you want this position?

I want to serve our community. I want to keep our community safe, improve our community and provide justice for individuals in Taylor County.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

I am better suited for the bench in many ways.

I am more experienced than my opponent in several ways. I've been practicing trial law for more than 27 years in all areas heard by the 104th District Court. My opponent has been practicing only ll years and primarily criminal law. Additionally, in the past three years in Taylor County alone, I've represented more than 575 clients in criminal cases verses my opponent representing only 91 clients. In our respective careers, I've represented more than seven times as many clients as my opponent. Further, I've handled 56 criminal jury trials and 15 civil trials while my opponent has had 27 criminal trials and only three civil trials.

I'm vested in our community. I've been on the board of several nonprofits during the past 21 years including Disability Resources Inc., Communities in Schools and Kicks for Kids. I am a member of Rotary Club of Abilene and Rotary International. I am a deacon at Oldham Lane Church of Christ.

I have better perspective, temperament and discernment through my legal experience as well as my life experience. I've been married for 31 years to Stacy Willhelm. We have three children and two college graduates: Austin (25), Dillon (22) and Ella (16).

My career and my life exhibit consistency, strength and integrity.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

I've owned my law firm for more than 20 years. I've learned how do get things accomplished efficiently and effectively by providing consistent, diligent effort on a daily basis with a commitment to excellence. I would manage the court's docket by providing a consistent schedule for handling cases. I would monitor timelines to make sure no case languishes without getting heard in a reasonable time. I would conduct status conferences, often referred to as docket calls, to organize and prioritize cases for trial or resolution.

Where can voters go for more information about you?