Williamson County prosecutor enters district judge race
Prosecutor Ryan Bownds announced his candidacy for judge of the newly created 512th District Court on November 17. He will run on the Republican primary ticket in March.
Mr. Bownds has served as chief prosecutor of the Special Victims Unit in the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, where he led the team responsible for prosecuting the county’s most serious crimes, including child abuse, sexual assault and other violent felonies.
His background includes felony trial leadership in multiple courts, service in two district attorney’s offices and a long record of collaboration with law enforcement and victim-advocacy partners.
“The 512th District Court was created to keep pace with Williamson County’s rapid growth,” Mr. Bownds said. “Our community deserves a courtroom that is efficient, respectful, and grounded in the rule of law from day one. I’m ready to bring steady leadership and proven judgment to this new bench.”
He began his career in 2013 at the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office before joining the Williamson County DA’s Office in 2018. Mr. Bownds has handled a wide range of serious felony cases, mentored younger prosecutors and earned recognition for his work protecting vulnerable victims.
In 2023 and 2024, he received the Prosecution MVP Award from the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Multidisciplinary Team.
A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Bownds earned his J.D. with honors and participated in mock trial and journal work. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.
When he is not in the courtroom, Mr. Bownds lives in Leander with his wife, Bonnie, and their three sons. They are active members of Journey Bible Fellowship.
“As our county continues to grow, the courts will play an even more important role in maintaining public safety and delivering timely justice,” Bownds said. “I’m running to ensure the 512th District Court is ready to meet that responsibility.”
For more information about the campaign, visit RyanBownds.com.