David Fleischer

David Marcel Fleischer (born December 6, 1974) is an American judge of the Harris County Criminal Court in Texas. He was first elected to the position in 2018, running as a Democrat, and won reelection in 2022. Fleischer has gained a following online for holding defendants accountable while offering them guidance. His livestreamed courtroom proceedings have also drawn criticism, including from at least one attorney who appears in his court, and in 2024 the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association approved printing cards warning defendants about the livestream and the possibility of going viral online.

Biography Fleischer was born on December 6, 1974, in Houston, Texas to a Jewish family. He is a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Santiago, Chile, to Houston in 1973. He graduated from the University of Houston and Cooley Law School. He focused his campaign on reforming the court and ensuring that all defendants are treated fairly and equally. In the general election, Fleischer defeated Republican Xavier Alfaro 55.13% to 44.87%.

Once in office, Fleischer worked with other newly elected reform judges to settle lawsuits that ruled the bail practices in Harris County were unconstitutional.

Fleischer ran for re-election in 2022 and, like other reform judges, faced two District Attorney challengers, a Democrat and a Republican. In the general election, he faced Elizabeth Buss who had criticized the county's progressive judges for the increase in violence. In the November election, Fleischer narrowly defeated Buss, 50.15% to 49.85%.

In 2024, Fleischer received national attention for his viral videos for his blunt commentary while ruling on cases, while also providing guidance and compassion for defendants. He has also received praise for his stance on racial justice and for dismissing cases involving potential racial profiling by law enforcement. Some defense attorneys have criticized Fleischer for "playing to the camera" when live streaming his cases.

Personal life Fleischer is married and has four children with his wife.