Seats on the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals and the 15th Court of Appeals are up for election in this year's midterm. All members of these courts are elected statewide in partisan races. Judges appointed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott hold seven of the 10 seats up for election across the three courts. Democrats are seeking to gain ground on courts that have been Republican strongholds for decades.
The Texas Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort in civil matters. 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 on the ballot.
Blacklock was appointed to the court in 2018 and named chief justice in 2025, according to the report. He previously served as Abbott's general counsel. The court has ruled on issues including delta-8 THC, abortion access, gay marriage and gender-affirming care.