Tough on crime.
Trusted by victims.
Respected in court.
Backed by the blue.

Kelley Crisp proudly announces her candidacy for Bowie County District Attorney in 2026.

Kelley Gossett Crisp is a veteran prosecutor with a proven track record of fighting for justice in Bowie County. As the first woman to serve as First Assistant Criminal District Attorney, she has handled some of the toughest cases in our region—from capital murder to human trafficking—while earning respect from victims, law enforcement, and the courtroom alike.

Law Enforcement Supports Kelley Crisp

Kelley Crisp is proudly endorsed by the Texarkana Police Officers Association and the Texarkana Municipal Police Association, and she has earned the support of many individual law enforcement professionals. They trust her judgment, respect her courtroom experience, and value her unwavering commitment to justice.

These endorsements reflect her proven ability to uphold the law fairly, compassionately, and effectively—for everyone in our community.

A Record That Speaks for Itself

Crisp started at the DA’s office in 2010 and was appointed as First Assistant in 2019. Since her appointment, Crisp has been assigned as chief felony prosecutor in the 202nd District Court, where she leads prosecution on some of the most serious and violent cases in Bowie County. 

With more than 135 jury trials brought to verdict, Crisp has earned a reputation for thorough case preparation, courtroom excellence and compassionate advocacy for victims. The majority of her trials have involved violent offenses such as capital murder, murder, aggravated sexual assault, human trafficking, engaging in organized criminal activity, and child sexual abuse. 

Following the trial in State of Texas vs. Taylor Parker, Crisp and her team were recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety for exemplary work in the investigation and prosecution of Parker’s cases. In 2022, a Bowie County jury convicted Parker of capital murder and sentenced her to death for committing fetal abduction and double homicide.

“Nearly every witness we prepare for trial has experienced unimaginable trauma. It’s our duty to fight for justice with integrity, compassion, and relentless preparation—because that’s what the people of Bowie County deserve.”

–Kelley Crisp, right

Committed to Victims, Families, and Law Enforcement

Her reputation as a prosecutor has earned the support of many local law enforcement officers, including endorsements from the Texarkana Police Officers Association and the Texarkana Municipal Police Association.

Crisp is actively involved in the community, including serving as president of the ArkLaTex 100 Club, which supports first responders and their families. This organization is particularly meaningful to Crisp because of her day-to-day relationship with law enforcement and first responders.

“When a police officer or firefighter dies in the line of duty, the Arklatex 100 Club responds to the family with financial assistance as quickly as possible," Crisp said. "We are fortunate to have funds left over that allow us to provide these grants for local police and fire agencies. We want officers to know, especially in today’s climate, that we appreciate what they do and there are people here that support them.”

In addition to her work with the ArkLaTex 100 Club, Crisp frequently collaborates with local schools and civic organizations to increase awareness and provide training on important issues including mandatory reporting laws, indicators of child abuse, child grooming behaviors and the dangers of online predators. She also volunteers with the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center in furthering their mission to prevent child abuse through community education. 

Crisp is a frequent instructor at the local police academy, helping young officers learn the landscape of criminal law that will lead to successful arrests and prosecutions of criminals. Crisp has been selected by the statewide network of criminal prosecutors, the Texas District and County Attorney's Association, to take part in "Train the Trainers," an exclusive program that prepares prosecutors to provide continuing legal education for their peers.

“The opportunity to represent our citizens and law enforcement has been the honor of my life. I’ll uphold that responsibility with everything I have as District Attorney.”

–Kelley Crisp

About Kelley

Originally from Booneville, Arkansas, Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She moved to Texarkana in 2007 after marrying her husband, John, and began her legal career in private civil practice before joining the DA’s office. Kelley, John, and their son are active members of First Methodist Church and proud to call Texarkana home.

Donate to the Kelley Crisp for Bowie County District Attorney Campaign

Mail checks to:

Kelley Crisp for Bowie County DA
2801 Richmond Rd. #123
Texarkana, TX 75503

  • I am writing to confirm my support for Mrs. Kelley for District Attorney. I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Kelley on several occasions and many more to come. Her zeal and integrity in helping those children who were forsaken by their closest adults is awe-inspiring. I have no doubt that her knowledge and drive would help bring about change in a community that is still struggling to pull itself into the present day.

    Anna Johnson
    Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center

  • Tenacious in the courtroom, dedicated, skilled, determined, ethical, a great sense of right and wrong, and a friend to victims are attributes you look for in a District Attorney, and what Kelley Crisp is all about. This is great news for Bowie County!

    Scott Bruner

  • Kelley is one of the best. She does not like to plea bargain, especially when it comes to getting justice for kids. She won the first case in history against predators grooming kids. She has put away major gang members and pedophiles. They will never hurt another. When she steps into a courtroom, she knows her stuff. She never disappoints. This will be a tough election because Bowie County has a great prosecuting team and leaders. She will win my vote.

    Judie Burley Townsend

  • Kelley Crisp is an outstanding candidate for this position. She’s highly qualified, but more importantly, she cares about the community, what is right, and what must be done to ensure justice is served.

    Jason Woolridge

  • Kelley is absolutely one of the BEST I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. She’s phenomenal, to say the least. You 100% can’t go wrong casting your vote for this young lady. She will be an amazing district attorney, no doubt.

    Joey Durr

  • I’ve seen Kelley in action. I’ve seen her walk out of the courtroom after a verdict with tears in her eyes, hugging the victims. I’ve seen her be relentless in that courtroom presenting her case. I don’t have to write a long post referencing all the cases she has won because a quick Google search will tell you all you need to know. It’s not about ‘winning,’ it’s the justice she gets for victims.

    Ashley Taylor Cooper

  • My wife, Kelley, is a warrior for victims of crime and a champion for the men and women serving Bowie County in law enforcement. I’m very proud of her and thankful for our community’s support!

    John Crisp