Pastor Irvin Barrett Defeats Incumbent in Rematch, Outlines Plans for Collin County Justice Court

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

Four years after losing to Republican Mike Missildine by more than 8,500 votes, Pastor Irvin Lynn Barrett has defeated the incumbent in their rematch for Collin County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3.

Barrett, a Democrat, is preparing to take office with plans to make the court easier to navigate, improve communication with residents and keep his religious beliefs separate from his judicial decisions.

“I was grateful, humbled and yet mindful of the responsibility the voters placed in me,” Barrett said of his November 3 victory.

He credited his campaign’s success to listening to residents and discussing what they expect from their local court.

“People responded to a message of service and accessible leadership. Now, I have to earn their confidence through the work.”

A Different Result Four Years Later

Barrett received 79,150 votes, or 54.10%, compared with Missildine’s 67,143 votes, or 45.90%, according to unofficial election results.

In 2022, Missildine defeated Barrett with 67,380 votes to Barrett’s 58,824. Four years later, Barrett received 20,326 more votes, while Missildine’s total decreased by 237.

The margin between the candidates shifted by 20,563 votes, turning Missildine’s 8,556-vote victory in 2022 into a 12,007-vote win for Barrett in 2026.

The total number of votes cast in the race also increased from 126,204 to 146,293, although those figures alone do not establish whether individual voters changed their preferences.

Barrett described the outcome as a collaborative effort and said he recognizes the responsibility that comes with being elected.

Making the Court Easier to Navigate

During his campaign, Barrett said residents raised concerns about the costs and consequences of legal disputes, particularly eviction cases and small claims. Others questioned whether they would receive fair treatment or understand the court process.

Justice of the peace courts handle those civil matters, along with certain misdemeanor offenses and other proceedings.

“What stood out was how often people described confusion, not necessarily about the outcome of a case, but about what would happen next and what was expected of them,” Barrett said.

He wants to make information about court procedures, deadlines and hearings easier to understand. One of his proposals involves producing instructional videos to help residents navigate the process.

“I want the court to be easier to understand and navigate, faster and more efficient,” he said.

During his first year, Barrett plans to learn the court’s operations, listen to staff and review how cases move through the system before identifying improvements.

“From there, we can identify practical ways to improve communication, access and efficiency while following the law and protecting due process,” he said.

Barrett also wants residents to understand available options for resolving disputes, including mediation when appropriate and legally permitted.

He has not announced a timetable for introducing the videos or other improvements.

“The court must still apply the law independently in every case, but people should leave understanding that they were heard and that the process was fair,” Barrett said.

Keeping Faith Separate From Judicial Decisions

As a pastor preparing to become a judge, Barrett says his religious beliefs will not influence how he decides cases.

He said his faith has shaped his commitment to service, integrity and treating people with dignity. However, he emphasized that his responsibility in the courtroom is to apply the law impartially.

“My personal faith can guide my character, but it cannot replace the law, influence a ruling or give one person an advantage over another,” Barrett said.

He also addressed how he intends to serve residents with different religious beliefs and backgrounds.

“The courtroom is a place to administer justice with compassion and respect not to impose my personal faith beliefs.”

Serving Those Who Voted Against Him

More than 67,000 voters supported Missildine in the November election. Barrett says those residents can expect the same treatment in his courtroom as anyone who supported his campaign.

“I will serve every resident of Precinct 3, whether they voted for me, supported another candidate or did not vote at all,” he said.

“When someone comes before the court, their treatment will not depend on their politics, faith, income or background.”

Barrett said his first year will focus on learning the court’s work, collaborating with staff and identifying opportunities to improve public access and communication.

“My goal is a court that is fair, understandable and worthy of the community’s trust.”