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‹ Chief Justice, Fifteenth Court of Appeals

Scott Brister

Scott Brister
RepublicanIncumbent
Running for Chief Justice, Fifteenth Court of Appeals.

Background

First chief justice of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals. Previously a Texas Supreme Court justice, an appeals court justice and chief justice in Houston, a Harris County district judge, and a partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth. Describes himself as an "impartial judge who applies the law, not personal beliefs or political preferences." 

Current role
Chief Justice, Fifteenth Court of Appeals (since September 1, 2024)
Occupation
Judge
Education
J.D. with honors, Harvard Law School (1980); Duke University (1977)
Prior offices
Justice, Supreme Court of Texas (2003-2009); Justice and Chief Justice, First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals (2001-2003); Judge, 234th District Court (1989-2000)
Website

Qualifications

Current position

Chief Justice, Fifteenth Court of Appeals 

Years licensed

Not stated in available records.

Board certification

Civil Appellate Law; Civil Trial Law; Personal Injury Trial Law 

Law school

Harvard Law School (1980) 

Prior judicial service

Chief Justice, Fifteenth Court of Appeals (2024-present); Justice, Supreme Court of Texas (2003-2009); Justice and Chief Justice, First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals (2001-2003); Judge, 234th District Court (1989-2000) 

Practice areas

Appellate litigation; Civil trial 

Bar association poll

State Bar of Texas 2026 Judicial Poll (conducted before March 2026 primaries; vote counts among all candidates then running): 1,957 of 3,551 votes (55.1%) 

Money

Finance figures are being checked against official FEC and Texas Ethics Commission filings and will appear here once verified.

Endorsements

  • Gov. Greg Abbott
  • State Rep. Pat Curry
  • Texas Alliance for Life