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Texas Supreme Court

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Texas Supreme Court
State-Supreme-Courts-Ballotpedia-template.png
Court Information
Justices: 9
Founded: 1876
Location: Austin
Salary
Associates: $210,000[1]
Judicial Selection
Method: Partisan election
Term: 6 years
Active justices
Jimmy Blacklock, Jane Bland, Brett Busby, John Devine, Rebeca Huddle, Debra Lehrmann, James Sullivan, Evan Young


Founded in 1836, the Texas Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort for civil matters and has nine judgeships. The current chief of the court is Jimmy Blacklock.

As of January 2025, all nine judges on the court identified with the Republican Party.

The Texas Supreme Court meets in Austin, Texas.[2]

In Texas, state supreme court justices are elected in partisan elections. There are eight states that use this selection method. To read more about the partisan election of judges, click here.

Courthouse of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin

Jurisdiction

The Texas supreme court is the court of last resort for civil and juvenile cases. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has final jurisdiction in criminal cases. The court has mandatory jurisdiction over writs of mandamus and habeas corpus.[3]

The Supreme Court also has jurisdiction to answer questions of state law certified from a federal appellate court; has original jurisdiction to issue writs and to conduct proceedings for the involuntary retirement or removal of judges; and reviews cases involving attorney discipline upon appeal from the Board of Disciplinary Appeals of the State Bar of Texas."[4]

The supreme court creates rules for civil trial procedures and appellate procedures. It creates rules for the administration of justice in the state. It monitors the caseload of the state's 14 courts of appeals and transfers cases as needed.[5]

The following text from Article V, Section 3 of the Texas Constitution covers the organization and jurisdiction of the court:

Jurisdiction of Supreme Court; Writs; Clerk

(a) The Supreme Court shall exercise the judicial power of the state except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Its jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the limits of the State and its determinations shall be final except in criminal law matters. Its appellate jurisdiction shall be final and shall extend to all cases except in criminal law matters and as otherwise provided in this Constitution or by law. The Supreme Court and the Justices thereof shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus, as may be prescribed by law, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by law, the said courts and the Justices thereof may issue the writs of mandamus, procedendo, certiorari and such other writs, as may be necessary to enforce its jurisdiction. The Legislature may confer original jurisdiction on the Supreme Court to issue writs of quo warranto and mandamus in such cases as may be specified, except as against the Governor of the State.

(b) The Supreme Court shall also have power, upon affidavit or otherwise as by the court may be determined, to ascertain such matters of fact as may be necessary to the proper exercise of its jurisdiction.[6][7]

Texas Constitution, Article V, Section 3

Justices

The table below lists the current justices of the Texas Supreme Court, their political party, when they assumed office, and the appointing governor.


Office Name Party Date assumed office Appointed by
Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Republican January 6, 2025 Greg Abbott (R)
Texas Supreme Court Place 2 James Sullivan Republican January 6, 2025 Greg Abbott (R)
Texas Supreme Court Place 3 Debra Lehrmann Republican June 21, 2010 Rick Perry (R)
Texas Supreme Court Place 4 John Devine Republican January 1, 2013
Texas Supreme Court Place 5 Rebeca Huddle Republican October 30, 2020 Greg Abbott (R)
Texas Supreme Court Place 6 Jane Bland Republican August 26, 2019 Greg Abbott (R)
Texas Supreme Court Place 8 Brett Busby Republican March 20, 2019 Greg Abbott (R)
Texas Supreme Court Place 9 Evan Young Republican November 9, 2021 Greg Abbott (R)


Chief justice

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas is Jimmy Blacklock (R).

Vacancies

There is one current vacancy on the Texas Supreme Court, out of the court's nine judicial positions. Jeffrey S. Boyd resigned from the Texas Supreme Court on September 1, 2025.[8]

Salary

See also: Texas court salaries and budgets

In 2025, the justices of the court received a base salary of $210,000, according to the Office of Court Administration.[9]

Judicial selection

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.[10]

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;[11][12] and
  • a practicing lawyer and/or justice for at least 10 years.[10]

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.[10]

Vacancies

See also: How vacancies are filled in state supreme courts

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.[10]

The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.


Elections

See also: Texas Supreme Court elections

2024

See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2024

Texas is one of two states with two courts of last resort. The Texas Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort for civil matters. The terms of three Texas Supreme Court justices expired on December 31, 2024. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the state's court of last resort for criminal matters. The terms of three court of criminal appeals justices expired on December 31, 2024. All six seats were up for partisan election on November 5, 2024. The primary was March 5, 2024, and a primary runoff was May 28, 2024. The filing deadline was December 11, 2023.

Candidates and results

Texas Supreme Court

Place 2

General election
General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 2

Incumbent Jimmy Blacklock defeated DaSean Jones in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jimmy Blacklock
Jimmy Blacklock (R)
 
58.2
 
6,372,584
Image of DaSean Jones
DaSean Jones (D)
 
41.8
 
4,571,171

Total votes: 10,943,755
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2

DaSean Jones defeated Randy Sarosdy in the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of DaSean Jones
DaSean Jones
 
59.6
 
529,623
Image of Randy Sarosdy
Randy Sarosdy Candidate Connection
 
40.4
 
359,402

Total votes: 889,025
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2

Incumbent Jimmy Blacklock advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jimmy Blacklock
Jimmy Blacklock
 
100.0
 
1,749,450

Total votes: 1,749,450
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 4

General election
General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

Incumbent John Devine defeated Christine Weems in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John Devine
John Devine (R)
 
57.3
 
6,256,496
Image of Christine Weems
Christine Weems (D)
 
42.7
 
4,656,560

Total votes: 10,913,056
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

Christine Weems advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Christine Weems
Christine Weems
 
100.0
 
825,485

Total votes: 825,485
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

Incumbent John Devine defeated Brian Walker in the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John Devine
John Devine
 
50.4
 
921,556
Image of Brian Walker
Brian Walker Candidate Connection
 
49.6
 
905,418

Total votes: 1,826,974
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

Matthew Sercely advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on April 14, 2024.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 6

General election
General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Incumbent Jane Bland defeated Bonnie Lee Goldstein and David Roberson in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jane Bland
Jane Bland (R)
 
56.2
 
6,145,167
Image of Bonnie Lee Goldstein
Bonnie Lee Goldstein (D)
 
40.5
 
4,425,189
Image of David Roberson
David Roberson (L)
 
3.3
 
355,485

Total votes: 10,925,841
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Bonnie Lee Goldstein defeated Joe Pool Jr. in the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Bonnie Lee Goldstein
Bonnie Lee Goldstein
 
73.1
 
646,690
Image of Joe Pool Jr.
Joe Pool Jr. Candidate Connection
 
26.9
 
237,465

Total votes: 884,155
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Incumbent Jane Bland advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jane Bland
Jane Bland
 
100.0
 
1,690,507

Total votes: 1,690,507
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

David Roberson advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on April 14, 2024.

Candidate
Image of David Roberson
David Roberson (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Presiding judge

General election
General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge

David Schenck defeated Holly Taylor in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of David Schenck
David Schenck (R) Candidate Connection
 
58.1
 
6,330,389
Image of Holly Taylor
Holly Taylor (D) Candidate Connection
 
41.9
 
4,558,856

Total votes: 10,889,245
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge

Holly Taylor advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Holly Taylor
Holly Taylor Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
829,500

Total votes: 829,500
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge

David Schenck defeated incumbent Sharon Keller in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of David Schenck
David Schenck Candidate Connection
 
62.6
 
1,174,795
Image of Sharon Keller
Sharon Keller
 
37.4
 
702,464

Total votes: 1,877,259
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 7

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
Image of Gina Parker
Gina Parker (R) Candidate Connection
 
58.3
 
6,340,949
Image of Nancy Mulder
Nancy Mulder (D)
 
41.7
 
4,526,924

Total votes: 10,867,873
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
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
Image of Nancy Mulder
Nancy Mulder
 
100.0
 
819,154

Total votes: 819,154
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Gina Parker
Gina Parker Candidate Connection
 
66.1
 
1,210,956
Image of Barbara Hervey
Barbara Hervey
 
33.9
 
621,660

Total votes: 1,832,616
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Mark Ash
Mark Ash (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 8

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
Image of Lee Finley
Lee Finley (R) Candidate Connection
 
58.9
 
6,385,238
Image of Chika Anyiam
Chika Anyiam (D) Candidate Connection
 
41.1
 
4,461,229

Total votes: 10,846,467
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
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
Image of Chika Anyiam
Chika Anyiam Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
804,891

Total votes: 804,891
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Lee Finley
Lee Finley Candidate Connection
 
53.9
 
988,824
Image of Michelle Slaughter
Michelle Slaughter
 
46.1
 
846,549

Total votes: 1,835,373
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Stephan Kinsella
Stephan Kinsella (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2022

See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2022

Candidates and election results

Texas Supreme Court

Place 3

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 3

Incumbent Debra Lehrmann defeated Erin Nowell and Tom Oxford in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 3 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Debra Lehrmann
Debra Lehrmann (R)
 
56.2
 
4,475,136
Image of Erin Nowell
Erin Nowell (D)
 
41.8
 
3,330,529
Image of Tom Oxford
Tom Oxford (L)
 
2.0
 
162,036

Total votes: 7,967,701
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 3

Erin Nowell advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 3 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Erin Nowell
Erin Nowell
 
100.0
 
914,184

Total votes: 914,184
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 3

Incumbent Debra Lehrmann advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 3 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Debra Lehrmann
Debra Lehrmann
 
100.0
 
1,535,581

Total votes: 1,535,581
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 3

Tom Oxford advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 3 on April 10, 2022.

Candidate
Image of Tom Oxford
Tom Oxford (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 5

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 5

Incumbent Rebeca Huddle defeated Amanda Reichek in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 5 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rebeca Huddle
Rebeca Huddle (R)
 
57.1
 
4,530,668
Image of Amanda Reichek
Amanda Reichek (D)
 
42.9
 
3,406,054

Total votes: 7,936,722
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 5

Amanda Reichek advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 5 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Amanda Reichek
Amanda Reichek
 
100.0
 
913,836

Total votes: 913,836
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 5

Incumbent Rebeca Huddle advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 5 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rebeca Huddle
Rebeca Huddle
 
100.0
 
1,519,069

Total votes: 1,519,069
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 9

General election

Special general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 9

Incumbent Evan Young defeated Julia Maldonado in the special general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 9 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Evan Young
Evan Young (R)
 
56.4
 
4,474,900
Image of Julia Maldonado
Julia Maldonado (D)
 
43.6
 
3,458,103

Total votes: 7,933,003
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 9

Julia Maldonado advanced from the special Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 9 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Maldonado
Julia Maldonado
 
100.0
 
922,595

Total votes: 922,595
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 9

Incumbent Evan Young defeated David Schenck in the special Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 9 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Evan Young
Evan Young
 
54.9
 
860,852
Image of David Schenck
David Schenck Candidate Connection
 
45.1
 
708,359

Total votes: 1,569,211
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Place 2

General election

The general election was canceled. Incumbent Mary Lou Keel won election in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2

Incumbent Mary Lou Keel advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mary Lou Keel
Mary Lou Keel
 
100.0
 
1,485,583

Total votes: 1,485,583
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 5

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5

Incumbent Scott Walker defeated Dana Huffman in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Scott Walker
Scott Walker (R)
 
56.9
 
4,513,500
Image of Dana Huffman
Dana Huffman (D)
 
43.1
 
3,413,071

Total votes: 7,926,571
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5

Dana Huffman advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Dana Huffman
Dana Huffman
 
100.0
 
911,472

Total votes: 911,472
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5

Incumbent Scott Walker defeated Clint Morgan in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Scott Walker
Scott Walker
 
56.6
 
884,160
Image of Clint Morgan
Clint Morgan
 
43.4
 
677,504

Total votes: 1,561,664
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 6

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6

Incumbent Jesse McClure defeated Robert Johnson in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jesse McClure
Jesse McClure (R)
 
57.2
 
4,526,307
Image of Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson (D)
 
42.8
 
3,383,705

Total votes: 7,910,012
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6

Robert Johnson advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson
 
100.0
 
906,119

Total votes: 906,119
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6

Incumbent Jesse McClure advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6 on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jesse McClure
Jesse McClure
 
100.0
 
1,474,886

Total votes: 1,474,886
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2020

Candidates and election results

Texas Supreme Court

Chief justice

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice

Incumbent Nathan Hecht defeated Amy Clark Meachum and Mark Ash in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Nathan Hecht
Nathan Hecht (R)
 
53.0
 
5,827,085
Image of Amy Clark Meachum
Amy Clark Meachum (D)
 
44.5
 
4,893,402
Image of Mark Ash
Mark Ash (L)
 
2.5
 
277,491

Total votes: 10,997,978
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice

Amy Clark Meachum defeated Jerry Zimmerer in the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Amy Clark Meachum
Amy Clark Meachum
 
80.5
 
1,434,175
Image of Jerry Zimmerer
Jerry Zimmerer
 
19.5
 
347,186

Total votes: 1,781,361
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice

Incumbent Nathan Hecht advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Nathan Hecht
Nathan Hecht
 
100.0
 
1,718,096

Total votes: 1,718,096
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Green convention

Green convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice

Charles E. Waterbury advanced from the Green convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice on April 18, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Charles E. Waterbury
Charles E. Waterbury (G)

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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice

Mark Ash advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 1 Chief Justice on August 3, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Mark Ash
Mark Ash (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 6

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Incumbent Jane Bland defeated Kathy Cheng in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jane Bland
Jane Bland (R)
 
55.2
 
6,050,534
Image of Kathy Cheng
Kathy Cheng (D)
 
44.8
 
4,903,527

Total votes: 10,954,061
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Kathy Cheng defeated Larry Praeger in the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Kathy Cheng
Kathy Cheng
 
74.5
 
1,310,598
Larry Praeger
 
25.5
 
448,114

Total votes: 1,758,712
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Incumbent Jane Bland advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jane Bland
Jane Bland
 
100.0
 
1,699,236

Total votes: 1,699,236
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 7

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 7

Incumbent Jeffrey S. Boyd defeated Staci Williams and William Bryan Strange in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 7 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jeffrey S. Boyd
Jeffrey S. Boyd (R)
 
53.3
 
5,843,420
Image of Staci Williams
Staci Williams (D)
 
44.4
 
4,861,649
William Bryan Strange (L)
 
2.3
 
256,742

Total votes: 10,961,811
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 7

Staci Williams defeated Brandy Voss in the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 7 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Staci Williams
Staci Williams
 
65.1
 
1,134,105
Image of Brandy Voss
Brandy Voss Candidate Connection
 
34.9
 
608,288

Total votes: 1,742,393
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 7

Incumbent Jeffrey S. Boyd advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 7 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jeffrey S. Boyd
Jeffrey S. Boyd
 
100.0
 
1,702,071

Total votes: 1,702,071
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 7

William Bryan Strange advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 7 on August 3, 2020.


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Place 8

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 8

Incumbent Brett Busby defeated Gisela Triana and Tom Oxford in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 8 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brett Busby
Brett Busby (R)
 
53.4
 
5,847,135
Image of Gisela Triana
Gisela Triana (D)
 
44.1
 
4,826,674
Image of Tom Oxford
Tom Oxford (L)
 
2.5
 
274,959

Total votes: 10,948,768
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 8

Gisela Triana defeated Peter M. Kelly in the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 8 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Gisela Triana
Gisela Triana
 
72.0
 
1,251,611
Image of Peter M. Kelly
Peter M. Kelly Candidate Connection
 
28.0
 
485,697

Total votes: 1,737,308
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 8

Incumbent Brett Busby advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 8 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brett Busby
Brett Busby
 
100.0
 
1,692,583

Total votes: 1,692,583
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 8

Tom Oxford advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Supreme Court Place 8 on August 3, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Tom Oxford
Tom Oxford (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Place 3

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
Image of Bert Richardson
Bert Richardson (R)
 
54.5
 
5,953,924
Image of Elizabeth Davis Frizell
Elizabeth Davis Frizell (D)
 
45.5
 
4,964,460

Total votes: 10,918,384
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Elizabeth Davis Frizell
Elizabeth Davis Frizell
 
68.7
 
1,184,280
Image of Dan Wood
Dan Wood
 
19.2
 
331,715
Image of William Demond
William Demond
 
12.0
 
207,651

Total votes: 1,723,646
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Bert Richardson
Bert Richardson
 
51.8
 
897,496
Image of Gina Parker
Gina Parker Candidate Connection
 
48.2
 
833,893

Total votes: 1,731,389
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 4

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4

Incumbent Kevin Patrick Yeary defeated Tina Yoo Clinton in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Kevin Patrick Yeary
Kevin Patrick Yeary (R)
 
54.8
 
5,974,016
Image of Tina Yoo Clinton
Tina Yoo Clinton (D) Candidate Connection
 
45.2
 
4,924,207

Total votes: 10,898,223
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4

Tina Yoo Clinton defeated Steven Miears in the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tina Yoo Clinton
Tina Yoo Clinton Candidate Connection
 
80.5
 
1,380,356
Image of Steven Miears
Steven Miears Candidate Connection
 
19.5
 
334,474

Total votes: 1,714,830
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4

Incumbent Kevin Patrick Yeary advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Kevin Patrick Yeary
Kevin Patrick Yeary
 
100.0
 
1,679,193

Total votes: 1,679,193
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 6
See also: Texas Supreme Court justice vacancy (December 2020)

Justice Michael Keasler's term expired on December 31, 2020. Keasler was required to leave office by a mandatory-retirement provision in the Texas Constitution.

Mike Snipes (D) had declared his candidacy for the seat prior to Texas' statewide filing deadline. However, Keasler's seat was ultimately not up for election in 2020. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) chose Keasler's replacement.[13]

Place 9

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9

Incumbent David Newell defeated Brandon Birmingham in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of David Newell
David Newell (R)
 
55.3
 
6,015,909
Image of Brandon Birmingham
Brandon Birmingham (D)
 
44.7
 
4,863,142

Total votes: 10,879,051
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9

Brandon Birmingham advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brandon Birmingham
Brandon Birmingham
 
100.0
 
1,570,444

Total votes: 1,570,444
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9

Incumbent David Newell advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of David Newell
David Newell
 
100.0
 
1,676,841

Total votes: 1,676,841
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2018

Candidates and results

Texas Supreme Court

Place 2

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 2

Incumbent Jimmy Blacklock defeated Steven Kirkland in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jimmy Blacklock
Jimmy Blacklock (R)
 
53.2
 
4,358,756
Image of Steven Kirkland
Steven Kirkland (D)
 
46.8
 
3,838,411

Total votes: 8,197,167
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2

Steven Kirkland advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
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Steven Kirkland

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2

Incumbent Jimmy Blacklock advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
Image of Jimmy Blacklock
Jimmy Blacklock

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Place 4

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

Incumbent John Devine defeated R.K. Sandill in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John Devine
John Devine (R)
 
53.7
 
4,399,890
Image of R.K. Sandill
R.K. Sandill (D)
 
46.3
 
3,792,144

Total votes: 8,192,034
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

R.K. Sandill advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
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R.K. Sandill

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4

Incumbent John Devine advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 4 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
Image of John Devine
John Devine

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Place 6

General election

General election for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Incumbent Jeff Brown defeated Kathy Cheng in the general election for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jeff Brown
Jeff Brown (R)
 
53.7
 
4,404,602
Image of Kathy Cheng
Kathy Cheng (D)
 
46.3
 
3,796,001

Total votes: 8,200,603
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Kathy Cheng advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
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Kathy Cheng

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6

Incumbent Jeff Brown advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Supreme Court Place 6 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
Image of Jeff Brown
Jeff Brown

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Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Presiding judge

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge

Incumbent Sharon Keller defeated Maria T. Jackson and William Bryan Strange in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sharon Keller
Sharon Keller (R)
 
52.2
 
4,288,913
Image of Maria T. Jackson
Maria T. Jackson (D)
 
45.5
 
3,734,179
William Bryan Strange (L)
 
2.3
 
187,384

Total votes: 8,210,476
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge

Maria T. Jackson advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
Image of Maria T. Jackson
Maria T. Jackson

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge

Incumbent Sharon Keller defeated David Bridges in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sharon Keller
Sharon Keller
 
52.1
 
671,361
Image of David Bridges
David Bridges
 
47.9
 
616,096

Total votes: 1,287,457
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Place 7

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7

Incumbent Barbara Hervey defeated Ramona Franklin in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Barbara Hervey
Barbara Hervey (R)
 
54.2
 
4,429,113
Image of Ramona Franklin
Ramona Franklin (D)
 
45.8
 
3,750,114

Total votes: 8,179,227
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7

Ramona Franklin advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
Image of Ramona Franklin
Ramona Franklin

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7

Incumbent Barbara Hervey advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
Image of Barbara Hervey
Barbara Hervey

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Place 8

General election

General election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8

Michelle Slaughter defeated Mark Ash in the general election for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michelle Slaughter
Michelle Slaughter (R)
 
74.7
 
4,760,576
Image of Mark Ash
Mark Ash (L)
 
25.3
 
1,614,119

Total votes: 6,374,695
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8

Michelle Slaughter defeated Jay Brandon and Dib Waldrip in the Republican primary for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michelle Slaughter
Michelle Slaughter
 
52.8
 
666,763
Jay Brandon
 
30.7
 
387,751
Image of Dib Waldrip
Dib Waldrip
 
16.4
 
207,209

Total votes: 1,261,723
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2016

Main article: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2016

Three seats on the Texas Supreme Court were on the general election ballot on November 8, 2016, with a primary held on March 1.

These seats were held by Justice Debra Lehrmann (R), Justice Paul Green (R), and Justice Eva Guzman (R) heading into the election. Each justice elected to the court serves a six-year term. The court had a 9-0 Republican majority prior to the 2016 election and hold it following the election.

General election candidates

Place 3

Mike Westergren (D)
Debra Lehrmann (R) Green check mark transparent.png (Incumbent)
Kathie Glass (Lib.)
Rodolfo Rivera Munoz (Green)

Place 5

Dori Garza (D)
Paul Green (R) Green check mark transparent.png (Incumbent)
Tom Oxford (Lib.)
Charles E. Waterbury (Green)

Place 9

Savannah Robinson (D)
Eva Guzman (R) Green check mark transparent.png (Incumbent)
Don Fulton (Lib.)
Jim Chisholm (Green)

Election results

November 8 general election
Incumbent Debra Lehrmann defeated Mike Westergren, Kathie Glass and Rodolfo Rivera Munoz in the general election for the Texas Supreme Court, Place 3.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 3, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Debra Lehrmann Incumbent 54.84% 4,807,986
     Democratic Mike Westergren 38.53% 3,378,163
     Libertarian Kathie Glass 3.97% 348,376
     Green Rodolfo Rivera Munoz 2.65% 232,646
Total Votes (100% reporting) 8,767,171
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Incumbent Paul Green defeated Dori Garza, Tom Oxford and Charles E. Waterbury in the general election for the Texas Supreme Court, Place 5.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 5, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Paul Green Incumbent 54.30% 4,758,334
     Democratic Dori Garza 41.18% 3,608,634
     Libertarian Tom Oxford 3.29% 288,504
     Green Charles E. Waterbury 1.23% 107,731
Total Votes (100% reporting) 8,763,203
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Incumbent Eva Guzman defeated Savannah Robinson, Don Fulton and Jim Chisholm in the general election for the Texas Supreme Court, Place 9.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 9, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Eva Guzman Incumbent 55.80% 4,884,441
     Democratic Savannah Robinson 39.36% 3,445,959
     Libertarian Don Fulton 3.48% 304,587
     Green Jim Chisholm 1.36% 119,022
Total Votes (100% reporting) 8,754,009
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
March 1 primary election
Place 3
Texas Supreme Court, Place 3, Democratic Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Mike Westergren  (unopposed) 100.00% 986,878
Total Votes (100% Reporting) 986,878
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Texas Supreme Court, Place 3, Republican Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Debra Lehrmann Incumbent 52.22% 1,131,998
     Republican Michael Massengale 47.78% 1,035,840
Total Votes (100% Reporting) 2,167,838
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Place 5
Texas Supreme Court, Place 5, Democratic Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Dori Garza  (unopposed) 100.00% 1,022,469
Total Votes (100% Reporting) 1,022,469
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Texas Supreme Court, Place 5, Republican Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Paul Green Incumbent 52.06% 1,078,689
     Republican Rick Green 47.94% 993,441
Total Votes (100% Reporting) 2,072,130
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Place 9
Texas Supreme Court, Place 9, Democratic Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Savannah Robinson  (unopposed) 100.00% 991,329
Total Votes (100% Reporting) 991,329
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results
Texas Supreme Court, Place 9, Republican Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Eva Guzman Incumbent 59.17% 1,268,415
     Republican Joe Pool, Jr. 40.83% 875,224
Total Votes (100% Reporting) 2,143,639
Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results


2014

See also: Texas Supreme Court elections, 2014

Chief Justice

CandidateIncumbencyPartyPrimary VoteElection Vote
HechtNathan HechtApprovedAYesRepublican60.5%ApprovedA59.7%   ApprovedA
MoodyWilliam Moody NoDemocratic100%ApprovedA37.2%   Red x.svgD
OxfordTom Oxford NoLibertarian3.1%   Red x.svgD
TaltonRobert Talton NoRepublican39.5% 

Place 6

CandidateIncumbencyPartyPrimary VoteElection Vote
MeyersLawrence Meyers NoDemocratic100%ApprovedA36.5%   Red x.svgD
AshMark Ash NoLibertarian3.2%   Red x.svgD
Joe Pool, Jr. No28.1% 
BrownJeff Brown (Texas)ApprovedAYesRepublican71.9%ApprovedA60.3%   ApprovedA

Place 7

CandidateIncumbencyPartyPrimary VoteElection Vote
BoydJeffrey S. BoydApprovedAYesRepublican100%ApprovedA58.9%   ApprovedA
FultonDon Fulton NoLibertarian2.8%   Red x.svgD
WaterburyCharles E. Waterbury NoGreen0.7%   Red x.svgD
BenavidesGina Benavides NoDemocratic100%ApprovedA37.6%   Red x.svgD

Place 8

CandidateIncumbencyPartyPrimary VoteElection Vote
McCallySharon McCally No36.0% 
ChisholmJim Chisholm NoGreen9.2%   Red x.svgD
KoelschRS Roberto Koelsch NoLibertarian12.0%   Red x.svgD
JohnsonPhil JohnsonApprovedAYesRepublican64.0%ApprovedA78.8%   ApprovedA

Appointments

2025

Justice Boyd vacancy

See also: Texas Supreme Court Justice Boyd vacancy (2025)

Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd retired on September 1, 2025. Boyd's replacement will be Governor Abbott's (R) eighth nominee to the nine-member supreme court.

In Texas, state supreme court justices are elected in partisan elections. There are eight states that use this selection method. To read more about the partisan election of judges, click here.

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.[10]

Justice Blacklock vacancy

See also: Texas Supreme Court Justice Blacklock vacancy (January 2025)

Governor Greg Abbott (R) appointed James Sullivan to replace outgoing Texas Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Blacklock, who ascended to the Chief Justice position on January 6, 2025. Sulivan was Governor Abbott's (R) seventh nominee to the nine-member supreme court.[15]

In Texas, state supreme court justices are elected in partisan elections. There are eight states that use this selection method. To read more about the partisan election of judges, click here.

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.[10]

2024

See also: Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice vacancy (December 2024)

Governor Greg Abbott (R) appointed Jimmy Blacklock on January 6, 2025.[15] Blacklock, an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court since 2018, replaces outgoing Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, who retired on December 31, 2024, due to reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. Blacklock was Governor Abbott's sixth appointee to the nine-member supreme court.

In Texas, state supreme court justices are elected in partisan elections. There are eight states that use this selection method. To read more about the partisan election of judges, click here.

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.[10]

2021

See also: Texas Supreme Court justice vacancy (June 2021)

Texas Governor Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Evan Young to the Texas Supreme Court on November 1, 2021.[15] Young succeeded Justice Eva Guzman, who resigned on June 11, 2021.[16][17] Young was Gov. Abbott's fifth nominee to the nine-member supreme court.

At the time of the vacancy, Texas law directed the governor to appoint a replacement to the Texas Supreme Court in the event of a midterm vacancy. The Texas State Senate must then confirm the nominee. Appointees serve until the next general election, in which he or she must participate in a partisan election to remain on the bench for the remainder of the unexpired term.[18]

2020

Justice Keasler vacancy

See also: Texas Supreme Court justice vacancy (December 2020)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) appointed Jesse McClure to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on December 21, 2020. McClure succeeded Judge Michael Keasler, who retired on December 31, 2020. Keasler reached the mandatory retirement age of 78.[19]

McClure was Gov. Abbott's first nominee to the nine-member Court of Criminal Appeals and fourth nominee to a Texas court of last resort.

At the time of the appointment, the governor would appoint a replacement in the event of a midterm vacancy. The nominee had to be confirmed by the Texas State Senate.

Texas was one of two states with two courts of last resort. The Texas Supreme Court had jurisdiction over all civil cases, while the Court of Criminal Appeals exerciseddiscretionary review over criminal cases.

Justice Green vacancy

See also: Texas Supreme Court justice vacancy (August 2020)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Rebeca Huddle to the Texas Supreme Court on October 15, 2020. Huddle succeeded Justice Paul Green, who retired on August 31, 2020, to spend more time with his family.[20][21] Huddle was Abbott's fourth nominee to the nine-member supreme court.

At the time of the appointment, the governor would appoint a replacement in the event of a midterm vacancy. The nominee had to be confirmed by the Texas State Senate. Appointees would serve until the next general election, in which they had to participate in a partisan election to remain on the bench for the remainder of the unexpired term.[18]

2019

See also: Texas Supreme Court justice vacancy (July 2019)

Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Brown vacated his seat on the state supreme court after he was elevated to be a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The U.S. Senate confirmed Brown to the federal district court on July 31, 2019.[22]

On August 26, 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) nominated Jane Bland to fill the vacancy. Because the legislature was out of session at the time of the appointment, it did not require confirmation by the Texas State Senate. As a result, however, Bland needed to stand for election in 2020 to remain on the bench.

Under Texas law, the governor appointed a replacement in the event of a midterm vacancy on the supreme court. Bland was Greg Abbott's (R) third nominee to the nine-member supreme court.

2018

See also: Texas Supreme Court justice vacancy (December 2018)

Texas Supreme Court Justice Phil Johnson retired on December 31, 2018.

Under Texas law, the governor appoints and the state Senate must approve a replacement when a supreme court justice retires in the middle of his term. Brett Busby, Johnson's replacement, was Gov. Greg Abbott's (R) second nominee to the nine-member supreme court. The Texas State Senate confirmed Busby on March 20, 2019.[23]

Caseloads

The table below details the number of cases filed with the court and the number of dispositions (decisions) the court reached in each year.[24]

Texas Supreme Court caseload data
Year Filings Dispositions
2022 1,347 1,320
2021 1,314 1,264
2020 1,328 1,379
2019 1,416 1,459
2018 1,420 1,451
2017 1,319 1,285
2016 1,199 1,190
2015 1,273 1,225
2014 1,211 1,217
2013 1,226 1,264
2012 1,224 1,209
2011 1,235 1,247
2010 1,337 1,339
2009 1,245 1,196
2008 1,229 1,321
2007 1,244 1,337

Analysis

Ballotpedia Courts: Determiners and Dissenters (2021)

See also: Ballotpedia Courts: Determiners and Dissenters

Ballotpedia Courts Determiners and Dissenters navigation ad.png In 2020, Ballotpedia published Ballotpedia Courts: Determiners and Dissenters, a study on how state supreme court justices decided the cases that came before them. Our goal was to determine which justices ruled together most often, which frequently dissented, and which courts featured the most unanimous or contentious decisions.

The study tracked the position taken by each state supreme court justice in every case they decided in 2020, then tallied the number of times the justices on the court ruled together. We identified the following types of justices:

  • We considered two justices opinion partners if they frequently concurred or dissented together throughout the year.
  • We considered justices a dissenting minority if they frequently opposed decisions together as a -1 minority.
  • We considered a group of justices a determining majority if they frequently determined cases by a +1 majority throughout the year.
  • We considered a justice a lone dissenter if he or she frequently dissented alone in cases throughout the year.

Summary of cases decided in 2020

  • Number of justices: 9
  • Number of cases: 90
  • Percentage of cases with a unanimous ruling: 82.2% (74)
  • Justice most often writing the majority opinion: Justices Bland and Busby (10 each)
  • Per curiam decisions: 28
  • Concurring opinions: 11
  • Justice with most concurring opinions: Justices Guzman and Blacklock (3 each)
  • Dissenting opinions: 17
  • Justice with most dissenting opinions: Justice Boyd (6)

For the study's full set of findings in Texas, click here.

Ballotpedia Courts: State Partisanship (2020)

See also: Ballotpedia Courts: State Partisanship

Ballotpedia Courts State Partisanship navigation ad.png Last updated: June 15, 2020

In 2020, Ballotpedia published Ballotpedia Courts: State Partisanship, a study examining the partisan affiliation of all state supreme court justices in the country as of June 15, 2020.

The study presented Confidence Scores that represented our confidence in each justice's degree of partisan affiliation, based on a variety of factors. This was not a measure of where a justice fell on the political or ideological spectrum, but rather a measure of how much confidence we had that a justice was or had been affiliated with a political party. To arrive at confidence scores we analyzed each justice's past partisan activity by collecting data on campaign finance, past political positions, party registration history, as well as other factors. The five categories of Confidence Scores were:

  • Strong Democrat
  • Mild Democrat
  • Indeterminate[25]
  • Mild Republican
  • Strong Republican

We used the Confidence Scores of each justice to develop a Court Balance Score, which attempted to show the balance among justices with Democratic, Republican, and Indeterminate Confidence Scores on a court. Courts with higher positive Court Balance Scores included justices with higher Republican Confidence Scores, while courts with lower negative Court Balance Scores included justices with higher Democratic Confidence Scores. Courts closest to zero either had justices with conflicting partisanship or justices with Indeterminate Confidence Scores.[26]

Texas had a Court Balance Score of 10.4, indicating Republican control of the court. In total, the study found that there were 15 states with Democrat-controlled courts, 27 states with Republican-controlled courts, and eight states with Split courts. The map below shows the court balance score of each state.

SSC by state.png


Bonica and Woodruff campaign finance scores (2012)

See also: Bonica and Woodruff campaign finance scores of state supreme court justices, 2012

In October 2012, political science professors Adam Bonica and Michael Woodruff of Stanford University attempted to determine the partisan outlook of state supreme court justices in their paper, "State Supreme Court Ideology and 'New Style' Judicial Campaigns." A score above 0 indicated a more conservative-leaning ideology while scores below 0 were more liberal. The state Supreme Court of Texas was given a campaign finance score (CFscore), which was calculated for judges in October 2012. At that time, Texas received a score of 0.91. Based on the justices selected, Texas was the 3rd most conservative court. The study was based on data from campaign contributions by judges themselves, the partisan leaning of contributors to the judges, or—in the absence of elections—the ideology of the appointing body (governor or legislature). This study was not a definitive label of a justice but rather an academic gauge of various factors.[27]

Noteworthy cases

The following are noteworthy cases heard before the Texas Supreme Court. For a full list of opinions published by the court, click here. Know of a case we should cover here? Let us know by emailing us.

Ethics

The Texas Code of Judicial Conduct sets forth ethical guidelines and principles for the conduct of judges and judicial candidates in Texas. It consists of eight overarching canons:

  • Canon 1: Upholding the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary
  • Canon 2: Avoiding Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All of the Judge’s Activities
  • Canon 3: Performing the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially and Diligently
  • Canon 4: Conducting the Judge's Extra-Judicial Activities to Minimize the Risk of Conflict with Judicial Obligations
  • Canon 5: Refraining from Inappropriate Political Activity
  • Canon 6: Compliance with the Code of Judicial Conduct
  • Canon 7: Effective Date of Compliance
  • Canon 8: Construction and Terminology of the Code[30]

The full text of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct can be found here.

Removal of judges

Court of Appeals judges in Texas may be removed in one of three ways:

  • Removal or retirement by a review tribunal upon a Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct recommendation to the Supreme Court. The Commission investigates and, if warranted, prosecutes allegations of judicial misconduct. After a Commission recommendation, the Supreme Court selects a review tribunal made up of Court of Appeals judges to verify the Commission's findings and enter a judgment. Decisions are subject to appeal to the Supreme Court.
  • By the governor on the address of two thirds of the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives.
  • By a two-thirds vote of the Senate, upon impeachment by a majority vote of the House.


History of the court

Texas entered the federal union after a decade as an independent nation. The supreme court of Texas was established in 1836 (nine years before statehood) in the Republic of Texas constitution. The constitution made the supreme court the court of last resort, giving it unlimited appellate jurisdiction. It provided that judges would be elected by a joint ballot of the Texas House of Congress, for four-year terms. The constitution called for the Republic to be divided into three to eight judicial districts and required associate supreme court judges to be appointed from a district, where they would also ride a circuit as district court judges. The court would be presided over by a chief justice. The size of the court varied from five to eight justices.[31]

When Texas achieved statehood in 1845, the new constitution modified the structure of the court by providing for a three-judge supreme court. The court was to meet yearly in three locations in the state and it eliminated the role of supreme court judges as district court judges. The judges were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The constitution also limited the court's appellate jurisdiction, providing that "the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be co-extensive with the limits of the state; but in criminal cases, and in appeals from interlocutory judgements, with such exceptions and under such regulations as the legislature shall make."[32] An 1850 amendment modified the judicial selection process, requiring the supreme court judges be elected in partisan elections, and they have remained so since, with the exception of the reconstruction period.[33]

The Texas Constitution of 1876, the state's current constitution, provided for the court of appeals to relieve the supreme court of its growing backlog. The court was given jurisdiction for all criminal appeals in the state, making it the court of last resort in those cases. The supreme court is the court of last resort in civil cases. In 1891, the court of appeals was renamed the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Only Texas and Oklahoma have separate courts of last resort in civil and criminal matters.[34] Texans passed Texas Proposition 3, Appellate Court Reorganization Amendment (August 1891) in 1891 creating an intermediate level court of civil appeals to relieve the supreme court of its continuing appellate burden. Review by the supreme court of civil appeals from lower courts became discretionary. The supreme court has final appellate jurisdiction on civil and juvenile cases.[35]

In 1945, the Texas Proposition 2, Nine-Member Supreme Court Amendment (August 1945) constitutional amendment passed, providing for nine justices on the supreme court. This is the present number of justices. They remain elected by partisan elections.[36]

Former justices

Courts in Texas

See also: Courts in Texas

In Texas, there are four federal district courts, a state supreme court, a state court of appeals, and trial courts with both general and limited jurisdiction. These courts serve different purposes, which are outlined in the sections below.

Click a link for information about that court type.

The image below depicts the flow of cases through Texas' state court system. Cases typically originate in the trial courts and can be appealed to courts higher up in the system.

The structure of Texas' state court system.

Partisan control of Texas state government

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. A state supreme court plays a role in the checks and balances system of a state government.

Texas has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

See also

Texas Judicial Selection More Courts
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Courts in Texas
Texas Courts of Appeals
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Texas Supreme Court
Elections: 202520242023202220212020201920182017
Gubernatorial appointments
Judicial selection in Texas
Federal courts
State courts
Local courts

External links

Footnotes

  1. This is the base salary, which may increase with years of service or if you hold the position of chief judge.
  2. Texas Judicial Branch, "Supreme Court," accessed August 31, 2021
  3. Texas Courts,"Texas Courts: A Descriptive Summary," accessed June 27, 2024
  4. Texas Office of Court Administration, "FY 2010 Annual Report for the Texas Judiciary,"archived August 24, 2011
  5. Texas Courts,"Texas Courts: A Descriptive Summary," accessed June 27, 2024
  6. Texas Constitution and Statutes, "Texas Constitution," accessed March 30, 2014
  7. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  8. KXAN NBC (Austin, Texas), "Texas Supreme Court Justice announces plans to retire, Abbott to appoint replacement," April 9, 2025
  9. Texas Courts, "Judicial salaries," accessed October 8, 2025
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Texas," archived October 3, 2014
  11. 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.
  12. Texas State Historical Association, "Judiciary," accessed September 12, 2014
  13. Off the Kuff, "You really have to plan for every election," November 10, 2019
  14. Supreme Court of Texas Blog, "Other thoughts on Justice Brister’s departure," August 17, 2009
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 The Texas Tribune, "Jimmy Blacklock named new chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court," January 6, 2025 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "appt" defined multiple times with different content
  16. Texas Tribune, "Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman resigns," June 7, 2021
  17. Texas Tribune, "Eva Guzman, former Texas Supreme Court justice, officially starts campaign for attorney general," June 21, 2021
  18. 18.0 18.1 National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Texas," accessed June 14, 2021 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "general" defined multiple times with different content
  19. Texas Tribune, "Houston judge Jesse McClure appointed to Texas Court of Criminal Appeals by Gov. Greg Abbott," December 21, 2020
  20. Texas Tribune, "Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul Green says he will retire at the end of August after 15 years on the bench," July 21, 2020
  21. Office of the Texas Governor, "Governor Abbott Appoints Rebeca Huddle To The Texas Supreme Court," October 15, 2020
  22. Congress.gov, "PN510 — Jeffrey Vincent Brown — The Judiciary," accessed April 10, 2019
  23. The Texas Tribune, "Texas Senate confirms Brett Busby for Supreme Court post," March 20, 2019
  24. Texas Judicial Branch, “Statistics & Other Data,” accessed September 23, 2019
  25. An Indeterminate score indicates that there is either not enough information about the justice’s partisan affiliations or that our research found conflicting partisan affiliations.
  26. The Court Balance Score is calculated by finding the average partisan Confidence Score of all justices on a state supreme court. For example, if a state has justices on the state supreme court with Confidence Scores of 4, -2, 2, 14, -2, 3, and 4, the Court Balance is the average of those scores: 3.3. Therefore, the Confidence Score on the court is Mild Republican. The use of positive and negative numbers in presenting both Confidence Scores and Court Balance Scores should not be understood to that either a Republican or Democratic score is positive or negative. The numerical values represent their distance from zero, not whether one score is better or worse than another.
  27. Stanford University, "State Supreme Court Ideology and 'New Style' Judicial Campaigns," October 31, 2012
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 28.6 28.7 28.8 Governing, "Court makes it easier for companies to keep government contracts secret in Texas," September 25, 2015
  29. The Houston Chronicle, "Texas Court hits open beaches law," January 25, 2013
  30. Texas Judicial Branch, "Texas Code of Judicial Conduct," amended September 1, 2024
  31. Texas Law: Tarlton Law Library,"Constitution of Texas, 1824-1876," accessed June 27, 2024
  32. Texas Law Review,"Short History of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas," accessed June 27, 2024
  33. Texas Judicial Branch,"Supreme Court Judicial Election History," accessed June 27, 2024
  34. Texas State Historical Association,"Judiciary," accessed June 27, 2024
  35. Texas State Historical Association,"Judiciary," accessed June 27, 2024
  36. Texas Courts,"Texas Courts: A Descriptive Summary," accessed June 27, 2024
  37. The Supreme Court of Texas, "Court History," accessed August 31, 2021