McAllen

Support from McAllen, Texas.

“Ray Thomas has been a highly respected member of the legal community for more than three decades. He is widely regarded as an exceptional trial advocate who represents his clients with skill, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Beyond his courtroom excellence, Ray is distinguished by his leadership, professionalism, and tireless commitment to service—both within the legal profession and in the broader community. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly endorse and support Ray Thomas in his candidacy for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.”

Luis Cardenas

Luis Cardenas

McAllen

“It is a privilege for me to endorse Ray Thomas for State Bar President. Ray is a lawyer’s lawyer. His unique background, both personally and professionally makes him exceptionally qualified to represent all Texas lawyers. 

Personally, his first formative years were spent in the Presidio, Texas. Then his single mother moved him to the Dallas area for High School, experiencing both the smallest and largest communities in Texas. He has also lived in San Antonio, Austin, Seguin and McAllen. He knows Texas and Texas lawyers. 

Professionally, Ray has a represented a wide range of clients. He has defended fortune 50 companies in high stakes cases, he’s represented injured parties as plaintiffs’ counsel, he’s represented elected officials, judges, doctors, celebrities and lawyers from all fields of practice and all parts of Texas. 

Ray has been a partner in a firm, been co-counsel with lawyers from the biggest firms in the country, and he has operated his own law firm, he’s done it all as a lawyer. He has served as a Special Master, arbitrator and mediator. His professionalism and ethical standards are exceptional. Ray is respected by judges and lawyers and opposing counsel, Ray understands the specific issues faced by all Texas lawyers and will serve the entire bar with integrity, energy and an open mind. Ray has the ability to listen, identify problems and get them solved.”  

Michael M. Guerra

Michael M. Guerra

McAllen

“I have had the privilege to know Ray as a friend and colleague for more than 25 years.  He’s as good as they come. He is a true servant and exactly the leader the State Bar of Texas deserves.  I have witnessed his impeccable integrity, work ethic, intelligence, and compassion in all facets of our profession.  There is no doubt that Ray will work hard on behalf of all Texas attorneys, the public and our State Bar. I am proud to support and emphatically endorse Ray Thomas for State Bar President-Elect.”

William R. Garza

William R. Garza

McAllen

“I am writing to offer my strongest recommendation and endorsement for Raymond Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas. I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Ray for many years, and I can say without hesitation that he possesses the legal excellence, integrity, and character required for this important leadership role.

As a trial lawyer, Ray is exceptional. He is always thoroughly prepared, strategically sharp, and deeply respected by colleagues, clients, and even adversaries. His advocacy reflects not only technical mastery of the law, but also a commitment to fairness and professionalism that elevates the practice as a whole.

Beyond the courtroom, Ray is a person of integrity and service. As a deacon in our church, he consistently demonstrated humility, compassion, and a dedication to serving others. These values are not only confined to his personal life but they are evident in the way he mentors younger attorneys, engages with the legal community, and approaches leadership with thoughtfulness and respect.

Most importantly, Ray is simply a great individual—approachable, principled, and trusted. He listens carefully, leads by example, and brings so much to the table. These qualities will make him uniquely suited to represent our State Bar and he will do so with wisdom and credibility.

I am confident that Ray Thomas will serve as an outstanding President of the State Bar of Texas and would bring honor, vision, and steady leadership to the role. I endorse him without reservation.”

Aizar J. Karam Jr.

Aizar J. Karam Jr.

McAllen

“We are proud to support Ray Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas. Ray has long demonstrated professionalism, a respect for the Rule of Law, and a deep commitment to serving both the legal profession and the public, which we believe make him well qualified to lead at this important time. We believe he will serve the State Bar.”

Adriana Cardenas & Susan Sullivan

Adriana Cardenas & Susan Sullivan

McAllen

“I’ve had the privilege of practicing law in the past alongside Ray Thomas as my law partner and calling him one of my closest friends for many years—he’s even godfather to my oldest son. His leadership as Chair of the State Bar’s Litigation Section and former President of the Texas Young Lawyers Association speaks to his tireless commitment to our profession, while his service as a Deacon reflects the integrity and servant’s heart he brings to everything he does. Ray is not only an exceptional litigator but a unifying voice who will lead our State Bar with the same dedication he’s shown throughout his career. I wholeheartedly endorse him for State Bar President.”

Roberto L. ‘Bobby’ Ramirez

Roberto L. ‘Bobby’ Ramirez

McAllen

“That Ray Thomas is a highly skilled and respected trial lawyer is not what makes him such a great choice to lead the State Bar or Texas.    What makes Ray the perfect person to lead our profession is his consistently demonstrated ability to combine vision and leadership with consensus building and enthusiasm.   Ray always comes to the table well-prepared but tempered by his confidence to listen (and hear) your point of view (even when it differs from his).  I can promise, without reservation, that Ray is a great choice for this job and his performance as our State Bar President will validate your trust in giving him your vote.”

Dan Worthington

Dan Worthington

McAllen

“I am incredibly proud to endorse Ray Thomas for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas. Having clerked for Ray through law school and subsequently blessed to work alongside him after passing the bar exam, I can personally attest to his exceptional qualities. Beyond being an incredible trial lawyer, Ray is an even better person, mentor, and friend. He inspires everyone who has the privilege to know him. I will never forget the first summer I clerked for him: on my last day he reminded me that as a lawyer I would have plenty of opportunities to be successful, but he also emphasized that true joy in life doesn’t come from financial success, but rather from service to others. Ray is a humble, but extremely brilliant competent and effective leader. He has dedicated his life to serving God, his family, his clients, his community and our profession. I believe Ray is the ideal candidate to represent and advance the interests of lawyers and of our profession across our great State. I am confident that under his leadership and vision, he will take the State Bar to great heights. I humbly ask everyone to join me in casting their vote for Ray.”

Kristen Vela

Kristen Vela

McAllen

“I’ve known Ray for over 30 years. He is a highly skilled and formidable trial lawyer, and I’ve had the opportunity to try complex, hard-fought cases against him. Anyone who has been in that arena knows how difficult it can be to remain genuinely collegial when the stakes are high—but Ray consistently manages to do just that. Our professional relationship has always been marked by mutual respect, a reflection of his integrity and the way he approaches both the practice of law and the people in it.”

Danny Gurwitz

Danny Gurwitz

McAllen

“I am honored to endorse Ray Thomas for State Bar President.

There are very few people who leave a lasting imprint not only on your career, but on your life. Ray is one of those people. His influence on me extends far beyond the practice of law and has shaped who I am both professionally and personally.

Ray taught me that being a lawyer is not just about skill, but about responsibility, character, and service. He has also grounded those lessons in faith and values that continue to guide me every day, in my work and in my life with my family.

What sets Ray apart is not only that he is an exceptional trial lawyer, but that he is deeply invested in people. He does more than offer advice, he builds others up, stands beside them, and remains committed to their growth. I am a direct beneficiary of that commitment, and I will always be grateful for it.

Ray Thomas leads with conviction, humility, and purpose. I cannot think of anyone more deserving or better prepared to serve as State Bar President.

I strongly and sincerely support his candidacy.”

Weldon “Beau” Nixon

Weldon “Beau” Nixon

Former Law Partner, McAllen

“I am proud to endorse Ray Thomas, my former law partner, a colleague and a friend I deeply respect, for President‑Elect of the State Bar of Texas. Having practiced alongside him for years, I witnessed firsthand the qualities of unwavering integrity, exceptional legal skill, and a genuine commitment to serving both clients and the broader legal community.

Working together gave me a unique vantage point. I saw how Ray approaches every matter with thoughtfulness, fairness, and a steady hand. He lead not by volume but by example — with clarity, humility, and a consistent dedication to doing what is right. His ability to navigate complex issues while maintaining respect for everyone involved is exactly the kind of leadership the State Bar of Texas deserves.

Beyond his professional excellence, Ray is someone who invests in people. He mentors younger lawyers, collaborates with peers, and elevates the standards of our profession simply by the way he carries himself. I have no doubt that his vision and character will strengthen our Bar and support the thousands of attorneys who rely on its leadership.

For these reasons, and with full confidence in his judgment and integrity, I wholeheartedly endorse Ray Thomas for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.”

Deborah L. Cordova

Deborah L. Cordova

Former Law Partner, McAllen