Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Gary Young as judge of the 62nd Judicial District Court, the Office of the Texas Governor announced on June 23.
The appointment covers Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, and Lamar Counties through December 31, 2026. The previous district judge, Will Baird, resigned on January 10.
The judicial appointment fills a key position in the four-county district. Young brings extensive prosecutorial experience to the bench.
Young of Paris currently serves as the Lamar County and District Attorney. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Harris and Collin Counties.
The new judge holds a marketing degree from UT Austin. He earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.
Young maintains an active membership in the State Bar of Texas and the Texas District County Attorney’s Association. His civic involvement spans multiple organizations.
He chairs the capital campaign for the Boys and Girls Club of Red River Valley. Young previously led the Rotary Club of Paris, Paris Education Foundation, Downton Food Pantry, and Lamar County Coalition of Business and Industry.
The appointment extends until December 31, 2026, or until a successor is elected and qualified. From his new position, Young will oversee cases across the multi-county judicial district.