9th District Court Judge Kelly Case won't seek re-election in 2016

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Prior to Jude Kelly Case announcing that he would not be seeking re-election in 2016, for the 9th District Court in Montgomery County, two candidates had already announced their candidacy for his position.

Judge Case has stated that his decision was based on finances. Case defeated incumbent Judge Fred Edwards in May of 2012 by a narrow margin, with the backing of the Texas Patriots PAC, according to Edwards, who passed away in February 2014.

The two candidates for the position are Kate Bihm and Phil Grant, but neither can file until November for the March 2016 primary election. Who are the two candidates? In alphabetical order...

Kate Shipman Bihm is a 6th generation Texan, who grew up in nearby Bryan-College Station, Texas, before attending Texas A&M University (Class of '00) and Texas Tech School of Law. Her website (linked to her Facebook page) states that she was raised in a strong, conservative Christian household, the foundation for Kate's faith was laid at First Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas. Kate has long considered Micah 6:8 to be her favorite Bible verse. While attending Bryan High School, Kate worked on numerous Republican campaigns, helped found a local chapter of Teenage Republicans, and was a page at the 1994 Texas Republican Convention. While a student at Texas A&M, Kate was heavily involved on campus, including with College Republicans, the Student Senate, Texas Aggie Dance Team, and Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity.

While a student at Texas Tech School of Law, Kate was on the Dean's List, a member of the National Moot Court Team, a member of Phi Delta Phi Honor Fraternity, and a member of Board of Barristers. Also during law school, Kate was an intern on Capitol Hill for Rep. Pete Sessions (R - Dallas) and a law clerk for the Washington Legal Foundation, a conservative, free-enterprise think tank in Washington, D.C. While at Washington Legal Foundation, Kate co-authored a brief to the United States Supreme Court.

After law school, Kate briefly worked at a law firm in Amarillo, Texas before moving to Montgomery County in 2004 to accept a position at the District Attorney's Office. After three years as a prosecutor, Kate opened her own firm, representing clients at all levels of criminal defense, in family law matters, and in juvenile court. Kate has litigated criminal cases in numerous Texas counties, from the Piney Woods of deep East Texas, to the Gulf Coast, to the Hill Country. In the years Kate has been in private practice, she has enjoyed helping her clients navigate the criminal justice system, which can be a frightening and confusing experience. Kate is proud to have represented clients in appeals before the Beaumont Court of Appeals and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Kate was named one of Houstonia Magazine's Top Lawyers in 2013 and 2014, and was also honored as a Top Lawyer by H Texas Magazine in 2014. Kate was honored by her peers as Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's Appellate Attorney of the Year in 2014, and has a "Superb" Rating from AVVO.com. Kate is the President-Elect of the Montgomery County Bar Association, and has been chair of the Law Day committee for two years. Kate is also a frequent lecturer for continuing education for other attorneys.

Kate is married to Blake Bihm, and they reside in Magnolia, Texas, with Blake's children, Brandon and Lexi. Brandon and Lexi attend Magnolia High School and the Bihms are proud of Brandon and Lexi's accomplishments as students and competitive swimmers. The Bihm family attends Christ Church United Methodist Church in the Woodlands. Kate spends her free time gardening, involved in various community organizations, and traveling with her family. Kate is known for her love of Christmas and has also performed extensively as a soprano soloist. For more about Kate Bihm, see her Facebook page at the link provided.

Phil Grant is an Assistant District Attorney whose Facebook page states that he is committed to the fair efficient administration of justice consistent with Montgomery County values. The Facebook page didn’t reference a website link (nor was one located in an Internet search), but he has been actively campaigning and has set up a GoFundMe account. A kickoff fundraiser is scheduled for September 17, providing an opportunity to get to know the candidate. Phil Grant’s Facebook page can accessed at the link provided.

The race is still young and there are two months more prior to filing. Judge Case’s announcement may draw more candidates due the absence of the incumbent. Conroe Today will update if more candidates come forth.