Seats on three of Texas's highest courts are on the ballot in this year's midterm election: the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals and the 15th Court of Appeals. All members of these courts are elected statewide in partisan races. Judges appointed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott currently hold seven of the 10 seats up for election. Democrats are seeking to gain ground on courts that have been Republican strongholds for decades.
The Texas Supreme Court hears civil cases as the state's court of last resort, including child custody, divorce, constitutional challenges to state laws and wrongful death lawsuits. It has nine justices who serve staggered six-year terms, with no term limit. Justices appointed by the governor must run for election in the following election cycle. This year, incumbents James "Jimmy" Blacklock, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins are seeking election. The court has ruled on delta-8 THC, abortion access, gay marriage and gender-affirming care.
Blacklock, appointed in 2018 and named chief justice in 2025, previously served as Abbott's general counsel. He said he interprets statutes and the state constitution according to their text and original meaning. Sullivan was appointed in 2025 and previously served as Abbott's general counsel.