Become part of the movement for unbiased, accessible election information. Donate today.
Gina Parker
Gina Parker (Republican Party) is a judge for Place 7 of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She assumed office on January 1, 2025. Her current term ends on December 31, 2030.
Parker (Republican Party) ran for election for the Place 7 judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Parker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Gina Parker was born in Waco, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University School of Business in 1983 and a law degree from Baylor School of Law in 1986. Her career experience includes working as an attorney and founder and manager of Dental Creations.[1]
Parker has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- NRA
- The Federalist Society
- Republican Party of Texas
- McLennan County Republican Women's Club
- Texas Federation of Republican Women
- Christians Engaged
- Christian Women in Media Association
- Hands of Hope International Ministry Church
- State Bar of Texas and local McLennan County Bar
- TCDLA
Elections
2024
See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2024
General election
General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7
Gina Parker defeated Nancy Mulder in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Gina Parker (R)  | 58.3 | 6,340,949 |
 | Nancy Mulder (D) | 41.7 | 4,526,924 | |
| Total votes: 10,867,873 | |||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Mark Ash (L)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7
Nancy Mulder advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nancy Mulder | 100.0 | 819,154 |
| Total votes: 819,154 | |||
| = 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 7
Gina Parker defeated incumbent Barbara Hervey in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Gina Parker | 66.1 | 1,210,956 |
 | Barbara Hervey | 33.9 | 621,660 | |
| Total votes: 1,832,616 | |||
| = 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 7
Mark Ash advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on April 14, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ |  | Mark Ash (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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Parker received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Parker's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.
- Former President Donald Trump (R)
2020
See also: Texas intermediate appellate court elections, 2020
General election
General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3
Incumbent Bert Richardson defeated Elizabeth Davis Frizell in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Bert Richardson (R) | 54.5 | 5,953,924 |
 | Elizabeth Davis Frizell (D) | 45.5 | 4,964,460 | |
| Total votes: 10,918,384 | |||
| = 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 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3
Elizabeth Davis Frizell defeated Dan Wood and William Demond in the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Elizabeth Davis Frizell | 68.7 | 1,184,280 |
 | Dan Wood | 19.2 | 331,715 | |
 | William Demond | 12.0 | 207,651 | |
| Total votes: 1,723,646 | |||
| = 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 3
Incumbent Bert Richardson defeated Gina Parker in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Bert Richardson | 51.8 | 897,496 |
| Gina Parker | 48.2 | 833,893 | |
| Total votes: 1,731,389 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
To see a list of endorsements for Gina Parker, click here.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Gina Parker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Parker's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
Most importantly, I’m a true constitutional conservative with a strong belief that judges should preserve the rule of law and interpret the law as written. My legal career and political involvement demonstrate that this is more than a politically correct conservative statement. Over the years, I have been a speaker about constitutional issues. Moreover, I received the Outstanding Texas Eagle Award for Dedicated Work to the United States Constitution and served as the Eagle Forum National Judicial Reform Chairwoman. I helped write the study guide for Phyllis Schlafly's book The Supremacists, The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It.
- I'm an accomplished attorney with more than 30 years of experience. I’ve practiced as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, so I would bring a balanced perspective to the court. I have a wide-ranging legal career, including criminal law, business law, church law, and appellate work. As a public servant, I’ve represented Texas citizens as a City Attorney, Assistant County Attorney, and Assistant District Attorney. I've served on and chaired the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation overseeing and ruling on over a thousand administrative law appeals.
- Most importantly, I’m a true constitutional conservative with a strong belief that judges should preserve the rule of law and interpret the law as written. My legal career and political involvement demonstrate that this is more than a politically correct conservative statement. Over the years, I have been a speaker about constitutional issues. Moreover, I received the Outstanding Texas Eagle Award for Dedicated Work to the United States Constitution and served as the Eagle Forum National Judicial Reform Chairwoman. I helped write the study guide for Phyllis Schlafly's book the Supremacists, The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It.
- Committed to improvement of the workflow of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In 2023, the total number of signed opinions on the merits and Per Curiam opinions was 170. Perhaps the number of cases heard as well as the number of opinions issued should be increased. This could be accomplished with a rule change that would require the lower intermediate appeals court judges to note the cases with meritorious arguments and/or reoccurring issues rather than depend on briefing attorneys to make these recommendations. Also, it takes over a year to issue and opinion. Perhaps this time could be decreased. In summary, the internal procedures of the court have failed to produce the workflow consistent with the responsibilities of the court.
The Republican Party Platform reflects my political philosophy as well.
- Integrity - I'm committed to making the right decisions even under pressure.
- A strong work ethic that will help me render well-written decisions promptly.
- Respect for others. The lawyers, the clients they represent, and the judicial system deserve respect.
- Excellent communication skills and outstanding research and writing ability.
- My conservative values.
This is quoted from my book, The 828 Journey.
Also, it is important to note that they hear Constitutional challenges to the law.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATIVE: Most importantly, I’m a true constitutional conservative with a strong belief that judges should preserve the rule of law and interpret the law as written. My legal career and political involvement demonstrate that this is more than a politically correct conservative statement. Over the years, I have been a speaker about constitutional issues. Moreover, I received the Outstanding Texas Eagle Award for Dedicated Work to the United States Constitution and served as the Eagle Forum National Judicial Reform Chairwoman. I helped write the study guide for Phyllis Schlafly's book The Supremacists, The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It.
Political experience may help a judicial candidate campaign more effectively.
Secondly, it is important to maintain judicial impartiality, therefore, campaign contributions from members of the bar should be severely limited because this prevents potential bias and conflicts of interest. A 2001 study, Pay to Play, found that large donors enjoyed greater access to the Texas Supreme Court. The report found that big contributors are up to 10 times more likely to get a hearing than non-contributors! A key finding in the study found, “The 10 justices who faced an election during the period studied raised $12.8 million. More than half of this money ($6.7 million) came from lawyers, law firms, and litigants who filed appeals with the court during the same period.” Another 2016 study confirmed a correlation between large contributions and outcomes.
Suggested Changes:
1. Forbid Ex Parte Communication: Pass a rule that forbids judges from directly contacting parties or lawyers for parties with pending cases to request campaign donations.
2. Recusal Due to Conflicts of Interest: A recusal from hearing any case where judges or any colleague they may have coordinated with regarding campaign activity, have accepted excessive donations in the four years preceding the filing.
3. ***Contribution Limits: Prohibit law firms and their employees from donating amounts collectively above what an individual is allowed to give in an election cycle.
4. Transparency: Require lawyers and parties represented by them to disclose to the other side any amounts given to a judge on the court within the last four years and immediately when the contribution is made during a pending case.
Second, there is a need for the implementation of an improved workflow for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In 2023, the total number of signed opinions on the merits and Per Curiam opinions was minimal (among 9 Judges). Perhaps the number of cases heard as well as the number of opinions issued should be increased. This could be accomplished with a rule change that would require the lower intermediate appeals court judges to note the cases with meritorious arguments and/or reoccurring issues instead of depending on briefing attorneys to make these recommendations. Also, it takes over a year to issue an opinion. Perhaps this time should be decreased. In summary, the internal procedures of the court have failed to produce a workflow consistent with the responsibilities of the court.
Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller
McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara
McLennan County DA Josh Tetens
State Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson, District 56
Texas Eagle Forum PAC
Montgomery County Tea Party
Texans for Responsible Judges PAC
Ronald Reagan Conservative Club of Texas
True Texas Project
Andy Schlafly, Founder of Conservapedia
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
Parker’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATIVE NEVER LEGISLATE FROM THE BENCH UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION[2] |
” |
| —Gina Parker’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Gina Parker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Parker's responses.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
I think first and foremost, the question should be asked, "Did that official uphold the rule of law, especially the Texas and the United States Constitution. The key to the integrity of the appellate court is that the appellate decision is based entirely upon the evidence contained in the record and the law which applies to the facts of the case. It is not the role of the judges to make new laws, make policy, usurp the power of other branches of government, or impose their political or social views upon the people which they serve. It is not the role of judges to avoid the verdict of the ballot box. Did they treat all parties with respect? Sound judicial temperament is respect for the rule of law and for those who appear before you as a judge. It is unfortunate that too often a black robe on a lawyer can turn them into arrogant, condescending "kings." The lawyers, the clients they represent, and the judicial system deserve respect and honorable treatment in and out of the courtroom.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have core conservative values that reflect a commitment to the United States Constitution and upholding the rule of law! Strong character to always do the right thing and withstand political pressures. Because of my vast legal experience, conservative values, integrity, work ethic, and leadership ability, I am the best candidate for this position.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
Practically speaking, I have always worked to provide quality and timely legal services to each client and their families. My legal philosophy as a judge would be one of upholding the rule of law and never legislating from the bench.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Justice Antonin Scalia was a strong conservative judge that advocated for textualism in statutory interpretation and originalism in constitutional interpretation. He peppered his colleagues to persuade them to agree with his point of view. He was a strong defender of the powers of the executive branch. These positions earned him a reputation as one of the most conservative justices on the Court. Scalia's most significant opinions include his majority opinion on the District of Columbia v. Heller (holding that the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees a right to individual handgun ownership). His view that clear lines of separation among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches arise directly from the Constitution, with no branch allowed to exercise powers granted to another branch. His example is most like what I would follow and would guide my judicial work.
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
Yes it is, but the as an appellate judge the rule of law is what governs decisions.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
Not that I am aware of.
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Because I have the experience and qualifications along with the leadership skills, integrity, work ethic, and temperament to serve Texas well. I am the best person for the job.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
It is not necessary. 5 of the current sitting Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges had no prior judicial experience. I believe integrity is the main ingredient for being an outstanding judge. This along with hard work and a standard of excellence make for an outstanding judge.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
The legal system being used to prosecute those that don't share the same ideology which is an assault on our republican form of government and our freedom of speech.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
Forfeiture of assets without due process of law should be reviewed by the legislature to ensure a citizen's property is not illegally seized by the government.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
I am seeking now to sit on the highest criminal court in Texas, The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. This is a statewide race for this position.
Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?
Not necessarily.
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.
Note: Johnson submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on December 9, 2019.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Gina Parker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Parker's responses.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
The division reflected in the struggle between our legislative and judicial branches of government is one for concern. Decisions made in our courtrooms impact all of our lives. A strong supporter and defender of our Constitution, the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia expressed his concern as far back as 1996 in stating: "What secret knowledge, one must wonder, is breathed into lawyers when they become Justices of this Court, that enables them to discern that a practice which the text of the Constitution does not clearly proscribe, and which our people have regarded as constitutional for 200 years, is in fact unconstitutional? [...] The Court must be living in another world. Day by day, case by case, it is busy designing a Constitution for a country I do not recognize." Daily we are seeing more signs that there are groups in our state and country that no longer believe in the rule of law or our constitutional system of government. I am committed to upholding the rule of law while providing Justice for victims. To learn more about our campaign visit us on social media and on our website: GinaParkerCampaign.com Thank you for considering supporting my campaign. I look forward to seeing you out on the campaign trail as we work as a team to win in 2020.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Winston Churchill for his tenacious and no-nonsense attitude. We share the same birthdate and he personified courage as he had a backbone of steel when under tremendous pressure. Without his leadership, the Nazis would have taken over Europe.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Strong character to always do the right thing and withstand the political pressures. I have core conservative values that reflect a commitment to the United States Constitution and upholding the rule of law! I have integrity in their dealings with others. With my vast legal experience, conservative values, integrity, work ethic, and leadership ability, will make the best candidate for this position. ,
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Bible guides my daily life. It gives me wisdom and understanding.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is based in the Supreme Court Building in Downtown Austin, TX and is composed of a Presiding Judge, as well as eight additional judges. It is the court of last resort for all criminal matters in the state of Texas. The Court of Criminal Appeal judges are elected and can determine whether or not to review a case. ​ In the 2016 fiscal year, the Court of Criminal Appeals received 4 appeals in death-penalty cases. The Courts of Appeals received 4,454 appeals in other criminal cases, and in 1325 of those appeals the Court of Criminal Appeals was asked to grant further review. The Court granted review in 96 of them. After deciding each appeal, the Court delivers a written opinion that explains the reason for its decision. The Court also has sole authority to grant the writ of habeas corpus to a person who has been convicted of a felony (which is a crime that is punishable by death or by imprisonment in the Department of Criminal Justice). In the 2016 fiscal year, the Court received 4,632 habeas-corpus petitions and 30 death penalty habeas corpus petitions. The Court of Criminal Appeals typically disposes of more matters each year than any other appellate court in the country. ​Because the court is made up of leaders chosen by voters state-wide, making the right decision at the polls could be the deciding factor between whether a criminal gets the sentence they deserve. Voters must carefully elect judges who will consider the safety of our communities, ensure justice for victims, work efficiently and uphold the rule of law at all times.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
I have always believed that I provide quality timely legal services to every client and their families in crisis.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Justice Antonin Scalia was a strong conservative jurisprudence and ideology that advocated for textualism in statutory interpretation and originalism in constitutional interpretation. He peppered his colleagues with "Ninograms" which sought to persuade them to agree with his point of view. He was a strong defender of the powers of the executive branch. These positions earned him a reputation as one of the most conservative justices on the Court. Scalia's most significant opinions include his lone dissent in his opinion on the District of Columbia v. Heller (holding that the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees a right to individual handgun ownership). His view that clear lines of separation among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches follow directly from the Constitution, with no branch allowed to exercise powers granted to another branch. His example is most like the example I would follow and would guide my judicial work.
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.
Note: Johnson submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on December 4, 2019.
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.
State supreme court judicial selection in Texas
- See also: Judicial selection in Texas
The nine justices of the Texas Supreme Court are selected in statewide partisan elections. The elected justices serve six-year terms, after which they must run for re-election if they wish to remain on the court.[4]
Qualifications
To serve on the Supreme Court, a justice must be:
- a U.S. citizen;
- a resident of Texas;
- licensed to practice law in the state;
- between the ages of 35 and 75;[5][6] and
- a practicing lawyer and/or justice for at least 10 years.[4]
Chief justice
The chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court is selected by voters at large. He or she serves in that capacity for a full six-year term.[4]
Vacancies
In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement who must be confirmed by the Texas Senate. The appointee serves until the next general election, in which he or she may compete to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.[4]
The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.
See also
External links
|
Candidate Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 |
Officeholder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on January 5, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Gina Parker For Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7, “Home,” accessed October 17, 2024
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Texas," archived October 3, 2014
- ↑ While no justice older than 74 may run for office, sitting justices who turn 75 are permitted to remain on the court until their terms expire.
- ↑ Texas State Historical Association, "Judiciary," accessed September 12, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Barbara Hervey (R) |
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 2025-Present |
Succeeded by - |
Federal courts:
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas
State courts:
Texas Supreme Court • Texas Court of Appeals • Texas Court of Criminal Appeals • Texas District Courts • Texas County Courts • Texas County Courts at Law • Texas Statutory Probate Courts • Texas Justice of the Peace Courts
State resources:
Courts in Texas • Texas judicial elections • Judicial selection in Texas
| ||||||||||
 |
State of Texas Austin (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
