Richard Wesley Bennett

At a glance

Richard Wesley Bennett is a federal magistrate judge in Houston with prior experience as a state prosecutor, federal prosecutor and immigration-agency attorney.

Summary sources: [1] [2]

Career and documented accomplishments

• Became a Southern District of Texas magistrate judge in April 2024, serving the Houston Division. [1]
• Served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Western District of Texas from 2006 to 2009 and in the Southern District from 2016 to 2024. [1]
• Worked as ICE assistant chief counsel from 2010 to 2016, after earlier service as a Galveston County prosecutor and clerk to Judge Marcia Crone. [1]
• Earned a Texas Christian University bachelor's degree in Latin American studies in 1997 and an SMU law degree in 2000. [1]

Role and nomination context

• The White House's September 14, 2026, notice nominates Richard Wesley Bennett for a Southern District of Texas district judgeship, a separate office from his magistrate position. [2]

Sources and review date

Career and role sources reviewed Oct 14, 2026. These sources may describe developments beyond the nomination snapshot; each nomination entry retains its recorded date and outcome.

1. U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett biography

   U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

2. Nominations sent to the Senate, September 14, 2026

   White House. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.