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 midterms. 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, according to the report. Democrats are seeking to gain ground on courts that have been Republican strongholds for decades.
The Texas Supreme Court 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. The incumbents on the ballot this year are James "Jimmy" Blacklock, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins. Blacklock was appointed in 2018 and named chief justice in 2025. He previously served as Abbott's general counsel. Sullivan was appointed in 2025 and also previously served as Abbott's general counsel. Hawkins was appointed in 2025 and previously served as Texas solicitor general.
The report also profiles Democratic candidate Maria Ellis, who serves on Austin's Third Court of Appeals, and Kelly, who serves on the same court. Ellis is board certified in juvenile law and is the first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to a Texas appellate court, the story said.