01
Equal Justice
The courthouse door must open to the same measure of justice for everyone.
Every appeal deserves careful review based on the law and the record—not identity, influence, or resources.
Campaign Principles
Public trust is earned in the details.
Large statements set the direction. Careful explanations show what those commitments mean in the daily work of an appellate court.
Daniel Elijah Vargas for Justice13th Court of Appeals · Place 3
Justice should not depend on who you are.
02
Independence
A judge’s obligation is to the Constitution and the law.
Independent judgment means resisting outside pressure and deciding each case with discipline and integrity.
03
Respect for the Law
Judicial authority carries a duty of restraint.
Courts earn confidence when judges faithfully apply governing law and clearly explain the basis for their decisions.
04
Clear Decisions
The public should be able to understand what the court decided—and why.
Precise writing helps litigants, lawyers, trial courts, and communities understand the law they are expected to follow.
05
Respect for Every Litigant
Every case represents real people and real consequences.
Respect begins with preparation, patience, and attention to every argument properly presented to the court.
Independence is not distance from the community. It is fidelity to the law on behalf of the whole community.
The Just Big Dan campaign
A Standard for Service
Prepared. Fair. Clear. Respectful.
These are not slogans for a campaign season. They are the standard Dan has held himself to as a public defender, as a practicing attorney, and as an airman — and the standard he will bring to every appeal that reaches Place 3.