Dallas Express Op-Ed: A Rare Opening on a Long-Serving Dallas County Court

Published by The Dallas Express on September 3, 2026. Opinion by Brian Wheeler, Board of Directors.

In an opinion column titled "A Rare Opening On A Long-Serving Dallas County Court," The Dallas Express examines the November 3, 2026 race for Dallas County's 298th Judicial District Court — a civil court that, in its 44-year history, has been led by only three judges for more than a few months.

A court known for stability

Created by the Texas Legislature in 1981, the 298th hears business disputes, employment cases, personal-injury claims, construction litigation, and other civil matters with significant financial and personal consequences. Its first judge, Sidney A. Fitzwater, was later appointed to the federal bench by President Reagan. Republican Adolph Canales then served nearly two decades, followed by Democrat Emily G. Tobolowsky since 2007. The column notes Republican judges principally led the court during its first 25 years.

A career spent at counsel table

The Dallas Express describes Clark B. Will as seeking the bench after more than 45 years in the profession, including an active civil practice dating to 1986 representing both plaintiffs and defendants in employment, commercial, personal-injury, and other civil matters.

"In the 46 years I have practiced, it is highly unlikely that I will see something from the bench that I have not seen from counsel table."

The piece also highlights Clark's six years in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps, including service as a trial counsel — experience he credits with teaching him to evaluate evidence, make difficult decisions, and accept responsibility for them.

"The most important thing for an umpire is the same as a jurist: make the call."

Common sense and courtesy

Much of Clark's message, the column observes, focuses on courtroom management and judicial temperament: lawyers and litigants treated respectfully, hearings conducted efficiently, and timely decisions.

"Common sense and common courtesy are not so common."

"Judges need to have short memories. Every hearing, every trial, should be a new day, a new shot."

He adds that elected office is an act of public service: "So many individuals run for public office and seem to forget that they are public servants. They seem to seek to be served rather than to serve."

The choice on November 3

Clark B. Will (R) faces the Democratic nominee in the general election. Early voting runs October 19–30, 2026; Election Day is November 3, 2026. Scroll down your ballot to 298th District Court Judge and vote Clark B. Will.

Read the full column at The Dallas Express →

Political advertising paid for by the Clark B. Will Campaign.