What people are really saying about Derek…

  • "Nothing is more effective than sincere, accurate praise."

    — Bill Walsh

Last summer I announced my retirement as District Attorney and had every intention of remaining neutral in the election of the next one. Many citizens have asked me my thoughts and for whom I was voting. I have had a lot of people express to me that my insight was important to the community. I’ve made the decision that we have worked too hard bringing this office to a place Washington County can be proud of to stay quiet. I have spent my career concerned every day about how to protect our citizens. I have run a tough but fair office utilizing our limited resources in a fiscally conservative way. We are fighting everyday to enhance the safety of this beautiful community.

Julie Renken

Washington County District Attorney

I have watched Derek Estep as a supervisor in my office flourish as a leader, and grow his vision for the next steps that need to be taken. Derek is the only candidate with a plan, who can take over on day one with no learning curve, who knows the issues we are facing and is currently working with law enforcement to combat them.

Derek has been with me every step of the way. I trust him, and law enforcement trusts him, now and for the future.

Vote Derek Estep for your next Washington County District Attorney. I will be.

Niki Johnson

BSN, RN, CA/CP-SANE, SANE-A, SANE-P (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)

It is my pleasure to strongly recommend Derek Estep for Washington County District Attorney.

I am a Forensic Nurse and the Forensic Nurse Program Coordinator at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center- College Station. I have 10 years of experience working as a Forensic Nurse and have seen many professionals come and go. Derek is one individual I have worked with who uniquely stands out.

Mr. Estep displays incredible commitment for victims. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with Derek, and when we worked together, his understanding of the medical role in assisting victims of violence grew far more than that of his peers. He is approachable, committed and strives to do the best for not only his victims but his community. I have known him to try hard cases not because of the confidence in the outcome, but because he truly wants to support victims and give them the best possible resolution.

It's not just Mr. Estep’s dedication that impress me, however. Derek is a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude and ability to connect with peers. He supports our efforts in providing medical care to victims of violence and encourages other community members involved to recognize and support the need for medical intervention.

I am confident that Derek Estep would be an excellent District Attorney. Not only will he bring the kind of skills and experiences the community is looking for, but he will go above and beyond to help bring Justice to victims in Washington County.

I know this guy personally and fully support him. He is a Christian, solid conservative, and an all around great guy. He has my vote!

Vote for Derek Estep!

Kyle Hafner

Brenham ISD Board of Trustees

Hunter Andras

Fmr. Canine/SRT Officer, Brenham Police Department

Derek Estep is the right man for this job. He’s proven to be a great asset for law enforcement over his 11 years in Washington County already serving in the District Attorney’s office. I know he will continue to do an excellent job serving this county.

Vote Derek Estep for District Attorney.

I’m endorsing Derek Estep. He understands that his constituents would rather he spend those 12 weeks of trials on sexual assault of a child or aggravated robbery-the real dangers to the community. Derek has built trust and respect with the law enforcement community-something that will help him continue to serve the county.

Derek is running on what he has already done as an ADA, not just what he will do. I urge you all to look at the record, not solely a candidate’s promises.

Todd Dillion

Criminal District Attorney, San Jacinto County

Jennifer Schoen

Mom of twins!
FMN, CHPPN, AASCJ, Pediatric Palliative Case Nurse Interventionist

As a responsible citizen of this county, I believe that it is crucial to have a candidate who is not only sincere in their actions but also vested in the well-being of the county and its residents. The candidate I am referring to is Derek Estep, who may not share DNA with me, but our families share a bond of choice. Derek's impeccable integrity and outstanding character have earned him respect in the community. He has worked tirelessly to build his name and reputation in Brenham by relying on his own merits and not depending on any other names or accreditation.

Derek has integrated himself into our community and has earned the trust and respect of the people. He stands for what is right, just, and constantly strives for improvement. He loves his family, respects the law of the land, and is an embodiment of all things Texas. Derek is the tried and true candidate for the position of Washington County District Attorney, and I fully endorse him.

I’ll share a little about my experience working criminal investigations…

I’ve called our current First Assistant District Attorney Derek Estep more times than I can count. I’ve texted him too, many times, and many times after hours. After hours when he’s been with his family but I’ve been working late and overtime fighting for my cases. I’ve also showed up, unannounced, to various places, needing his advice and guidance.

Andrea Guerra

Detective, Brenham Police Department

He was quick to help, quick to listen, quick to brainstorm with me, and quick to roll up his sleeves and work. He has always been available, just like he has been for the last 7 years that I’ve worked with him. I have many friends in law enforcement in this state, and other states. Not many of them are fortunate enough to share the same experience with their DAs. I feel privileged to work with a DAs office that is fair, objective, impartial, and supportive of law enforcement.

Our First ADA has proven himself time and time again and will continue fighting alongside us the way he always has. That makes some people uncomfortable, undoubtably. It’s important to vote. It’s important to ask questions - the hard questions. This is your county. It’s not a question of if the crimes are here in little old Washington County. It’s a question of who you trust to hold the seat to fight on your behalf. For me, I want someone who is always supportive, willing, and ready to roll their sleeves up and go to work.

Elizabeth Zweiner

Assistant County Attorney, Brazos County

Former Asst. District Attorney, Washington County

I’ve known Derek Estep since he started working for the (21st District) Washington County District Attorney’s Office in 2013.

When I was a defense attorney, he was fair but not a pushover. Now that I’m back in prosecution, I would want him working on my team, seeking justice.

Definitely getting my vote this March.

If you want a District Attorney that is tough but fair with a strong sense of right and wrong and with a proven track record as a prosecutor, then you need to vote for and support Derek Estep. With a great deal of experience as a prosecutor, especially in Washington County, he will hit the ground running and unlike his opponent, does not need any “on the job” training. Derek is well versed in criminal law with many criminal jury trials under his belt, knows the ins and outs of prosecution, has been active in the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association, and has a great working relationship with the community and law enforcement.

Russell (Russ) D. Thomason

91st Judicial Criminal District Attorney (ret.)

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has a strong reputation for being tough and bringing justice to victims of crime. Derek has been a key part of that team, serving as the First Assistant District Attorney (second in command). He already knows the formula for a successful prosecutor’s office and will undoubtedly carry on that reputation.

As a retired Criminal District Attorney that was elected to five consecutive four year terms of office in Eastland County, Texas and having had the privilege of employing Derek as a prosecutor there prior to his move to Brenham, I feel especially qualified to comment on his status as a candidate for the office of District Attorney. He is exceptionally bright, professional, principled, determined, hard-working, tough, and highly disciplined. He is perseverant even under the most challenging of circumstances and does not shy away from difficult challenges. Derek is a strong conservative leader but, equally collaborative and able to work effectively with people with widely disparate backgrounds and personalities.

In my view, Derek is absolutely the superior candidate and would be an outstanding elected District Attorney.

Amanda Klehm

Owner & CEO, Sew Stitches Boutique

VOTING is right around the corner, and THIS is the man for the job… Derek Estep for District Attorney!

Not only is he dedicated, honest and an all around good guy, he’s one heck of an attorney! He is the current First Assistant District Attorney of Washington County and has put in 12 YEARS at our DA’s office. He’s MORE than qualified!

Law enforcement testimonials…

  • Washington County people, please listen. This man, my friend, Derek Estep, needs to be our next District Attorney. He is a good man, he’s proven himself over and over, he’s fought for justice for all the citizens of this county, and has a tremendous amount of experience prosecuting felonies. Voting for Derek will ensure things will continue to improve for all citizens of Washington County.

  • My man! Always makes risking your life for others worth it! I have been told before by numerous agencies that we are one of the luckiest counties to have an Assistant District Attorney show up on search warrants, and be as proactive as G-Step.

    So proud of this guy!

  • Vote Derek Estep! Even though I haven’t worked in Washington County for several years, I did work here for 10 years. I was honored to have worked alongside Derek. I can attest now having worked for three different Texas Counties, that the citizens of Washington County are lucky to have an experienced, passionate, and supportive Assistant District Attorney like Derek!

    Now is the time to make Derek THE District Attorney.

  • “Wish we saw more of this kind of support!”