Supreme Court Justices
The Breakdown
All Texans will be voting on 4 Supreme Court Justice seats this November.
Justices do not represent a specific judicial district, so the ballot will be identical statewide.
Job Description
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The Texas Supreme Court has final say on civil appeals relating to Texas state law. It mainly focuses on cases that raise questions about the interpretation of a state law, and it hears criminal appeals.
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Supreme Court Justices also handle matters involving discipline in legal professions and have the sole authority to license attorneys in Texas.
overview
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Length of term: 6 years
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Number of Justices: 9
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Term limits: none
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7 out of 9 current justices were initially appointed by a governor to their current positions.
History
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The Supreme Court has been Republican-controlled for over 20 years.
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This year the Supreme Court:
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Ordered the release of Shelley Luther, the salon owner that kept her salon open despite Covid-19 policies
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Sided with state officials on limiting the number of incarcerated people that could be released from county jails, which had become covid hotspots.
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Republican Candidates
Chief Justice: Nathan Hecht
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Has served on the Texas Supreme Court since 1988
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Was appointed Chief Justice in 2013
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Has worked to secure legal aide for veterans, victims of abuse and those at risk of losing their home
Place 6: Jane Bland
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Has served at 3 levels of the Texas Judiciary
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Was appointed by Governor Abbott in 2019 and must be elected to serve the remainder of the term
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Receiving the William H. Rehnquist award,given to a state court judge that exemplifies integrity, fairness and professional ethics.
Place 7: Jef Boyd
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Served as Deputy Attorney General for 3 years
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Spent 15 years at Thompson & Knight LLP and left to join the Governor's office as General Council
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Believes a judge’s role is to interpret and apply the law, not make policy decisions that belong to the legislature
Place 8: Brett Busby
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Appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Abbott in 2019 and must be elected to serve the remainder of his term
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Served on the 14th Court of Appeals for 6 years
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Dedicated to improving the justice system and legal profession in Texas
Democratic Canidates
Chief Justice:
Amy Meachum
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Would be the first woman elected Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court
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Has served as judge of the 201st district court since 2011
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Has focused efforts on increasing access to basic legal service for Texans in need.
Place6: Kathy Cheng
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Has practiced law in the greater Houston Area for 17 years
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Is a female Asian American immigrant that promises to be open-minded with an unbiased commitment to justice.
Place 7: Staci Williams
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Currently serving her second term as the judge of the 101st Civil District Court in Dallas County
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Has been an administrative judge for Equal Employment Opportunity Commision and a criminal court judge
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Believes judges should transcend party lines and promises to be fair and diligent in her role
Place 8: Gisela D. Triana
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Has 24 years of experience on the Judicial Bench and has served at every level of Texas trial courts
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Served 14 years as the 200th district court judge
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Was elected to Texas’s 3rd court of appeals in 2018 .
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Emphasizes record of being deliberate, courteous and listening to all sides