I’m Mariel Kelley. I’m a mom, a former public school teacher, a courtroom fighter, and a proud progressive Democrat. I’ve spent my life serving working families in classrooms, in courtrooms, and in our community.

And now I’m running for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 because justice doesn’t start in Washington D.C, it starts right here, at home.

Most people have never set foot in a courtroom until they come to a JP court. These courts decide whether people keep their homes, what kind of future a teenager gets after a mistake, and whether working folks are treated with respect when they challenge a criminal legal system stacked against them.

But let’s be honest: Precinct 2 is stuck. It’s outdated, out of touch, and out of step with what our community needs.

Since 1843, only three women have ever served in this seat. Three. In nearly two hundred years. That’s not just history, that’s a broken pattern. And I’m here to change it.

We need a court that sees people, not just paperwork. A court that understands that eviction isn't just a case number, it's a family on the line. That truancy isn’t just skipping class, it’s a cry for help. That our system should meet people with solutions, not just consequences.

I’ve taken on the good ol’ boys club before. I stood up to pro-Confederate groups trying to keep up racist statues. I’ve prosecuted powerful people for cruelty and abuse. And I lead a criminal division that puts people first.

I’m not here to play it safe. I’m here to do what’s right.

This court belongs to all of us. So let’s build a JP court that reflects our values: justice, equity, and people-first leadership.

I’m ready to fight for you.

— Mariel