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Chika Anyiam
Chika Anyiam is a judge of the Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7 in Texas. She assumed office in 2018. Her current term ends on December 31, 2026.
Anyiam (Democratic Party) ran for election for the Place 8 judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Anyiam completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Chika Anyiam earned a high school diploma from the Federal Government Girls College of Nigeria. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Calabar in 1987 and a graduate degree from The Nigerian Law School in 1988. Her career experience includes working as a judge and criminal lawyer.[1]
Anyiam has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- The State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
- JL Turner Legal Association
- Preston Hollows Democratic Club
- Igbo Community Association of Nigeria
- Metrocrest Democrats
- Old Orlu progressive Association
- Nkwerre Aborigine's Union
- Garland Area Democratic Club
- Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
Elections
2024
See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2024
General election
General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8
Lee Finley defeated Chika Anyiam in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Lee Finley (R)  | 58.9 | 6,385,238 |
 | Chika Anyiam (D) | 41.1 | 4,461,229 | |
| Total votes: 10,846,467 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Stephan Kinsella (L)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8
Chika Anyiam advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chika Anyiam | 100.0 | 804,891 |
| Total votes: 804,891 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8
Lee Finley defeated incumbent Michelle Slaughter in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lee Finley | 53.9 | 988,824 |
 | Michelle Slaughter | 46.1 | 846,549 | |
| Total votes: 1,835,373 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8
Stephan Kinsella advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 on April 14, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ |  | Stephan Kinsella (L) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Anyiam in this election.
2022
See also: Municipal elections in Dallas County, Texas (2022)
General election
The general election was canceled. Incumbent Chika Anyiam won election in the general election for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7
Incumbent Chika Anyiam advanced from the Democratic primary for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chika Anyiam | 100.0 | 112,907 |
| Total votes: 112,907 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2018
General election
General election for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7
Chika Anyiam defeated incumbent Stephanie Fargo in the general election for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chika Anyiam (D) | 62.3 | 431,314 |
 | Stephanie Fargo (R) | 37.7 | 261,319 | |
| Total votes: 692,633 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7
Chika Anyiam defeated Mark Watson and Heath Harris in the Democratic primary for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chika Anyiam | 52.5 | 57,123 |
 | Mark Watson | 28.9 | 31,413 | |
| Heath Harris | 18.7 | 20,315 | ||
| Total votes: 108,851 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7
Incumbent Stephanie Fargo advanced from the Republican primary for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Stephanie Fargo | 100.0 | 53,663 |
| Total votes: 53,663 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Selection method
- See also: Partisan election of judges
Judges of the county courts are elected in partisan elections by the county they serve and serve four-year terms, with vacancies filled by a vote of the county commissioners.[2]
Qualifications
To serve on a county court, a judge must:[2]
- be at least 25 years old;
- be a resident of his or her respective county for at least two years; and
- have practiced law or served as a judge for at least four years preceding the election.
2016
Nancy Kennedy defeated Chika Anyiam in the Dallas County Court at Law Democratic primary runoff for Seat 2.
| Dallas County Criminal Court (Seat 2), Democratic Primary Runoff, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Nancy Kennedy |
51.70% | 7,817 |
| Chika Anyiam | 48.30% | 7,304 |
| Total Votes | 15,121 | |
| Source: Dallas County Elections, "Unofficial Cumulative Results," accessed May 24, 2016 | ||
| Dallas County Criminal Court (Seat 2), Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Nancy Kennedy |
46.60% | 57,340 |
| Chika Anyiam |
32.60% | 40,120 |
| Marilynn Mayse | 20.80% | 25,593 |
| Total Votes | 123,053 | |
| Source: Dallas County Elections, "Democratic Party Primary Election," accessed March 2, 2016 | ||
Selection method
- See also: Partisan election of judges
Judges of the county courts are elected in partisan elections by the county they serve and serve four-year terms, with vacancies filled by a vote of the county commissioners.[2]
Qualifications
To serve on a county court, a judge must:[2]
- be at least 25 years old;
- be a resident of his or her respective county for at least two years; and
- have practiced law or served as a judge for at least four years preceding the election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Chika Anyiam completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Anyiam's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
I attended elementary school in England, obtained my Law Degree in 1987 and was first licensed to practice law in 1988 by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. I practiced law in Nigeria for 7 years before migrating to the U.S. in 1995 with my husband of 32 years, also an attorney, and 2 young sons, both engineers, graduates of the Texas A&M University.
I worked at nursing homes caring for the elderly, and day care centers teaching young children during which I studied for and passed the Texas Bar Exams in 1997.
We started our private practice in 1998 and for 20 years, I represented thousands of clients, both retained and indigent in cases ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies, trying about a 100 cases to the jury as lead counsel, bench trials, plea bargains, pretrial diversion rehabilitation for drug abusers and mentally ill clients.
We had a third son, a computer science graduate of TAMU and daughter, a college Junior.
I was elected as a State Criminal District Court judge in 2018 and preside over all manner of felony cases including capital murder cases, death penalty writs, aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault, family violence, etc.
I am Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of legal Specialization and use my expertise and experience to run a fair and efficient court where all parties are respected and heard.- The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest criminal appellate court in Texas hearing numerous appeals every year, including death penalty and post-conviction writs and cases that impact our Texas criminal law jurisprudence. Only qualified judges should sit on that court.
Prior to becoming a judge of a Criminal District Court, I practiced criminal law for 20 years in the trenches as a trial attorney handling thousands of cases, both misdemeanors and felonies, researched and fleshed out the law so that judges would interpret and apply the law correctly.
I have the requisite legal experience to recognize important foundational and key legal issues routinely heard and resolved by this court and will use it if elected to this court. - I am the presiding judge of a State Criminal District Court handling felony cases. As a trial court judge, I have heard thousands of criminal cases, prepare for and preside over jury trials and bench trials, ruling on significant legal issues in serious felony cases including capital murder cases, post-conviction death penalty writs, wrongful convictions/exonerations as well as agreed and open pleas. I am Board Certified in Criminal law and have never been reversed by an appellate court. My judicial experience is particularly relevant and crucial for this position that I seek as judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8, charged with interpreting and applying the law as intended by the legislature and Texas constitution.
- I practiced criminal law as lead trial attorney for twenty years, handling thousands of cases, trying serious felony cases to the jury. I handled each case and client with seriousness, dignity and empathy regardless of their socioeconomic status or beliefs. I have never been found to be ineffective. During my first term as judge, I improved my knowledge of the law by becoming Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to better serve the community while maintaining decorum, fairness and a conducive atmosphere in my court. Specialization in criminal law is essential to this position that I seek wherein I will be charged with interpreting Texas laws and constitution as intended by the legislature.
However, due to ethical constraints by the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, I am prohibited from commenting on public policy issues that are currently before or which may in future through the appellate process end up before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that may be interpreted to allude rightfully or mistakenly to my position on said matters.
She was a passionate career school teacher who cared very much about her students and did everything she could to make sure no child in her class, me or my 6 siblings was left behind the curve. With my dad supporting her, she rose to the position of principal and worked with the same passion, encouraging her teachers to further their education to better serve the students.
My mother kept our family together as best as she could, singlehandedly taking on the financial responsibilities when my dad could no longer work. She taught me that hard work, honesty and integrity would take me far in life, open doors and make life easier.
She taught me to be empathetic, humble and grateful for life. She touched everyone she came in contact with and was celebrated as a leader amongst her peers.
Cancer struck my mother when we least expected it. She remained optimistic and fought valiantly till she could no more.
An elected official should have integrity, honesty and transparency in dealing not only with the constituents, but also in the official's personal affairs.
I currently preside over a State Criminal District Court, hearing serious felony cases for six years, making rulings according to the law and the evidence, running an efficient court.
I am Board certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization due to my expertise in criminal law. Less than 1% of Texas attorneys practicing criminal law have this specialization.
I am independent of any adverse influences and interpret and rule on the law without fear or favor, the way the legislature intended.
I worked hard as a trial attorney representing thousands of individuals, and work hard as a trial court judge.
I have never been reversed by an appellate court or found to be ineffective.
Be independent, fair, impartial.
Be well versed and abreast of current laws and procedures in the law.
Thoroughly research legal issues before the court
Interpret the relevant laws as they were intended by the legislature.
Determine whether a lower court has committed error in interpreting or applying the law.
Determine whether an appellant's constitutional rights were infringed in the lower court.
Interpret vague or contested constitutional law.
Render opinions timely.
Upon migrating to the United States, I worked in day care centers and nursing homes with two young sons in tow while studying for the Texas Bar Exams. The experience I gained in all of these workplaces are immeasurable and precious to me.
I believe that everyone has a right to equal access to justice, fair and impartial treatment under the law, and a process that ensures true and timey justice.
Some individuals have never been to court before, may be timid, stressed out or panicked about being in court. As the presiding judge of a State Criminal District Court, It is my duty to, and I continue to provide an environment in my courtroom that fosters fairness and confidence in the criminal justice system and the ability to be heard by all, while delivering rulings and judgments according to the law and evidence.
I am running for judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 because I have the necessary qualifications to be an effective judge on this court. I will continue to maintain my independence as a member of the judiciary and deliver rulings according to the law notwithstanding any threats of retaliation or pressure from outside influences.
I have broad experience in all aspects of criminal law, both from my current role as a the Presiding Judge of a State Criminal District Court, and through my long legal career as a trial attorney before becoming a judge. For six years, I have maintained a courtroom in which the pursuit of equal justice, fairness and impartiality are paramount. As a steward of the law, I provide a conducive forum in which all parties are respected and heard without fear or favor. I will lend my administrative skills to ensure that the court runs more efficiently.
I am Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an accomplishment and privilege accorded to less than 1% of Texas attorneys. This affords parties greater confidence in my rulings and understanding of the law.
I was a hardworking trial attorney never found to be ineffective by an appellate court before I became an even harder working judge. I believe in justice not only being done, but also appearing to have been done. I understand the nuances in the law and I interpret and apply the law correctly and justly, as intended by the legislature. To this end, I have never been reversed by an appellate court. These are qualities I will bring to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
I am the presiding judge of a State Criminal District Court, hearing cases tried to the bench and jury, delivering rulings daily, interpreting and applying the law as intended by the legislature and running an efficient court. I am Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and have the experience necessary for a judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Ignorance of the political process by which a judge is elected can subject a candidate to severe penalties and costly mistakes. I have navigated this process and understand the requirements and pitfalls. I was re-elected unopposed by the voters for my second term in office.
First, justice delayed is justice denied. The lengthy process it takes from trial to final resolution of appeals has in some cases taken almost decades, thereby delaying justice. There needs to be a less cumbersome process to ensure that there is an end to litigation. Competent counsel well versed in the appellate process should be appointed to avoid unnecessary delays clogging up the appellate process and mounting tax payer money.
Secondly, The judiciary MUST remain independent, not fearing interference or retaliation from other government branches. There is a current threat to the independence of the judiciary wherein a separate branch of government seeks to hand-pick candidates to run against incumbent judges, and actually unseat incumbent judges for making adverse rulings against said branch of government.
There is also an opportunity to vet inexperienced individuals running for judicial positions which can have a huge negative impact on the justice system.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Anyiam’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
JUDGE CHIKA ANYIAM'S BACKGROUND AND PHILOSOPHY OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE Judge Anyiam presides over Texas Criminal District Court #7, a criminal court with jurisdiction in Dallas County. Prior to her service on the bench, Judge Anyiam had 20 years of legal experience in criminal law and handled thousands of cases. CRIMINAL JUSTICE INNOVATION Judge Anyiam is dedicated to modern criminal justice reforms to identify those who may respond to rehabilitative assistance, to use alternative sentencing, and to enact bail reform to keep low-risk offenders out of our jail population. FAIRNESS AND EFFICIENCY The most important thing when you go to court is a fair process and the opportunity to be heard. Judge Anyiam is dedicated to fairness and equal treatment for all who appear in her court. She is committed to efficient administration of justice.[4] |
” |
| —Chika Anyiam’s campaign website (2024)[5] | ||
2022
Chika Anyiam did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2016
Anyiam's campaign website listed the following themes for 2016:
| “ |
I believe that the citizens of Dallas County should not wait endlessly for justice, whether they are the accused or the accuser. This causes untold hardship to families, and leads to needless waste of county resources. Justice must feel fair, to be true. As judge of the Criminal District Court No. 2, I will be tough on crime where deserving, but also utilize the many resources available through our justice system to rehabilitate individuals where appropriate. I intend to establish a true felony mental health diversion court as part of my court’s docket, to make sure that where appropriate, the mentally ill will not have to sit in jail, will not be given a criminal history, but will get the treatment they need quickly. I have been twice voted by the Dallas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association as one of Dallas Best Criminal Defense Attorneys, in 2014 and 2015. I have the respect of my colleagues, and as they will tell you, I have the temperament and demeanor necessary to be a judge. As judge of the Criminal District court No. 2, I will show up on time, and run my docket efficiently and effectively. I will maintain a culture of professionalism and decorum both in my courtroom, and off the bench. I commit to serve the citizens of Dallas County to deliver true and timely justice to all, and ask for your support and vote to make this happen. [4] |
” |
| —Chika Anyiam (2016), [1] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Ballotpedia currently provides campaign finance data for all federal- and state-level candidates from 2020 and later. We are continuously working to expand our data to include prior elections. That information will be published here as we acquire it. If you would like to help us provide this data, please consider donating to Ballotpedia.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 27, 2024
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Texas Secretary of State, "Qualifications for Office," accessed January 14, 2016
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Official candidate list," accessed December 18, 2015
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Judge Chika Anyiam, “Home,” accessed October 17, 2024
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