Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – After 43 years of distinguished public service on the bench, the Honorable State District Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. of the 332nd District Court, in Hidalgo County, has announced his retirement plans at the end of his current term, which is December 2024. Judge Ramirez will not be seeking re-election. His decision to retire marks the end of an era of exemplary judicial service.
Judge Ramirez, a native of Roma, Texas, is the longest-serving presiding judge in Hidalgo County and the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region of Texas. “Judge Ramirez has been an exemplary public servant, a model of justice and integrity, and an astute voice of wisdom and leadership in Hidalgo County’s judicial system,” said a Hidalgo County Commissioners Court Resolution dated August 13, 2013.
Judge Ramirez graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1972 and from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1975. He began his judicial career in 1980 as the presiding judge of County Court at Law No. 2, and served on the bench of the 93rd District Court from 1981 to 1982. In 1983, the Texas Legislature created the 332nd District Court. Judge Ramirez was the first and only presiding judge of the 332nd District Court since its creation.
Judge Ramirez has served as the judicial overseer of the Hidalgo County Juvenile Probation Department for 39 years. In 2009, the Hidalgo County Commissioners made him the namesake of the expanded Mario E. Ramirez, Jr Juvenile Justice Center. Judge Ramirez has received numerous honors, recognitions and awards during his tenure, including Distinguished Law Graduate by St. Mary’s University Law Alumni Association.
Judge Ramirez extended his deepest gratitude to his family, whose support has been his stronghold. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to his dedicated staff, whose efforts have been integral to his success. Judge Ramirez also thanked his colleagues, the legal community and his supporters for their many years of support, confidence and trust.
“Serving on the bench has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am profoundly grateful for the trust and support I’ve received over the years,” said Judge Ramirez. “It has been a privilege to work alongside dedicated professionals committed to upholding the law and serving the people of Hidalgo County as well as all those who have appeared in court. I look forward to continuing to serve as your Judge of the 332nd District Court through the end of my term next December.”
