Texas Supreme Court Elections Set for November 5

Three seats on the Texas Supreme Court are up for election, with incumbents Republican Jane Bland, John Devine, and Jimmy Blacklock facing challenges from Democrats Bonnie Goldstein, Christine Weems, and Dasean Jones, respectively. In Harris County, Democrat Kim Ogg, the district attorney since 2017, is facing scrutiny for her handling of cases and high turnover in her office, with her office pursuing fewer death penalty cases compared to her predecessors. Additionally, Democrat Chika Anyiam and Republican Lee Finley are competing for Place 8 on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, another critical judicial position that handles death penalty cases. Both Anyiam and Finley did not respond to candidate surveys, reflecting a trend among candidates in the judicial elections. The elections highlight ongoing partisan battles within Texas judiciary, impacting both civil and criminal justice. Voter engagement is crucial as these elections could reshape the state's judicial landscape.