constitutional Conservative
A veteran attorney, public servant, and lifelong conservative running for District Judge of the 217th Judicial District to ensure Angelina County has a court that upholds the Constitution, holds offenders accountable, and treats every person with dignity.
WHO IS KRISTI SKILLERN?
With 30+ years of diverse courtroom experience in both civil and criminal law, Kristi has tried cases from every angle. Her extensive legal background ensures she understands how the law impacts real people, families, businesses, and victims—and how to apply it fairly, consistently, and without bias.
A Proven Legal Career
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Extensive Courtroom Experience: Kristi has represented plaintiffs and defendants in matters ranging from personal injury and employment law to complex commercial disputes.
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Assistant District Attorney: She served as an Assistant District Attorney in Hidalgo County, gaining essential experience in criminal prosecution. She obtained favorable jury verdicts against dozens of felons convicted for violent offenses and crimes against children.
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In-House Counsel: Kristi spent over 14 years as in-house trial counsel for State Farm, managing high-stakes civil litigation.
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Lufkin City Attorney: Since 2022, Kristi has served as the City Attorney for Lufkin. She advises the City Manager, City Council, and all departments, and oversees the municipal court. Under her leadership, Lufkin launched a Teen Court that gives juvenile offenders a second chance on Class C misdemeanors while providing leadership opportunities to 50+ student volunteers countywide each year—a true example of accountability paired with redemption.
Commitment to excellence and ethics
Kristi’s record reflects a commitment to the highest standards of excellence and ethics. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Bar College – Society of Legal Scholars, holds advanced designations (AIC and CPCU), and is active with the Texas Municipal League, Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and Texas City Attorneys Association. She was recently appointed to the American Bar Association’s 2026 Commission on Youth and Family Justice, underscoring her credibility on issues that affect children and families.
Family and Community
A Baylor graduate with a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, Kristi’s life is grounded in faith, family, and service. She and her husband, Michael Skillern, Chief of the Diboll Police Department, proudly call Angelina County home. They have three daughters and six grandchildren.
PLATFORM
True Conservative Values
Upholding law and order, personal responsibility, limited government, and fidelity to the Constitution.
Integrity on the Bench
Ensuring all decisions are guided strictly by the law and evidence—not politics, personal agendas, or outside pressure.
Real Courtroom Experience
Applying decades of criminal and civil litigation knowledge; she understands the stakes for victims, defendants, and the entire community.
Accountability with Opportunity
Delivering swift, certain consequences for offenders while supporting proven programs, like Teen Court, that steer youth back on track.
Respect for Taxpayers & Public Safety
Running a court with efficient dockets and clear rulings, and always supporting law enforcement and community safety efforts.
“Our community deserves a judge with proven experience, a strong moral compass, and the courage to make tough decisions fairly and consistently.”
–KRISTI SKILLERN