Waco, TX – Judge Gary Coley Jr., a longtime fixture in McLennan County’s judiciary, has announced his resignation from the 74th State District Court, effective February 16, 2025. Coley, 56, made the decision after citing financial concerns related to the stagnant salaries for Texas judges. Despite being sworn into a new four-year term earlier this month, Coley stated that the lack of a salary increase since 2019 made it difficult to support his family, including three children, one of whom is still in college.
In his resignation letter to Governor Greg Abbott, Coley explained that he could no longer rely on the potential for a salary increase, which has not materialized. According to a recent study, Texas ranks 49th in judicial pay, with state district judges earning a base salary of $140,000 per year, which increases by 10% after four and eight years, for a maximum annual salary of $168,000. Coley’s decision highlights a growing concern in the legal community about the financial realities faced by judges in the state.
Coley’s resignation will leave a significant void in McLennan County, where he has served as both a respected judge and an advocate for innovative legal initiatives. He co-founded the McLennan County Veterans Treatment Court and the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition, initiatives that have garnered attention for their focus on rehabilitation and addressing complex social issues. For years, Coley presided over the county’s juvenile court, earning praise for his approach to youth justice and his ability to work collaboratively with local legal professionals.
The 74th State District Court, which handles civil and family law matters, will now be without its presiding judge. Governor Abbott will appoint a replacement, who will serve until the March 2026 primary. In the meantime, McLennan County judges will meet to elect a new administrative judge, a role Coley has held since the retirement of Judge Ralph Strother in 2020.
Coley’s decision to step down has been met with a wave of support from colleagues and community leaders. Matt Johnson, a former state district judge who recently became the chief justice of Waco’s 10th Court of Appeals, expressed his admiration for Coley’s service. “Judge Coley’s resignation is a true loss for the judiciary,” Johnson said. “He has been a pleasure to work with and has served the citizens of McLennan County and the state with integrity and dedication.”
McLennan County Judge Scott Felton also spoke highly of Coley’s contributions. “I am going to personally miss Judge Coley,” Felton said. “He has a lot of insight on how the judicial process works, and I’ve always valued his opinions.”
Throughout his career, Coley has been a passionate advocate for justice and public service. In addition to his work in local courts, he has made significant contributions to the global fight against human trafficking. Last year, Coley, along with McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Liz Buice and Susan Peters of the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition, traveled to Indonesia and Nepal to train law enforcement and judicial officials on combating trafficking. They also led seminars in Paris and Poland in 2023.
Coley’s work has left a lasting impact on the legal community, both locally and internationally. His colleagues, including 414th State District Court Judge Ryan Luna, praised his commitment to justice. “Judge Coley has made a Texas-sized impact for good on our community,” Luna said. “His thoughtful rulings and dedication to causes like human trafficking have made a lasting difference.”
Though he is stepping down from the bench, Coley plans to remain involved in the legal field. He hopes to work with a local law firm in an “of counsel” capacity and explore opportunities in dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, and private judging.
Coley’s resignation marks the end of an era for McLennan County’s judiciary, but his legacy of service, innovation, and dedication will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
