Jimmy Blacklock, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas

Jimmy Blacklock

RepublicanIncumbent

Running for Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas.

Background

Appointed to the Supreme Court by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2018 and became chief justice in January 2025. Previously general counsel to the governor and held senior roles in the Texas Attorney General's Office; clerked for Judge Jerry Smith of the Fifth Circuit.

Current role: Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas
Occupation: Judge
Education: J.D., Yale Law School; University of Texas
Prior offices: Justice, Supreme Court of Texas (appointed 2018)
Hometown: Born in Houston, grew up in Missouri City; lives in Austin

Website

Qualifications

Current position

Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas

Years licensed

Not stated in available records.

Board certification

Not stated in available records.

Law school

Yale Law School

Prior judicial service

Justice, Supreme Court of Texas (2018-2025)

Practice areas

Government/appellate litigation (Texas Attorney General's Office); Private practice in Houston and Austin

Bar association poll

State Bar of Texas 2026 Judicial Poll (conducted before March 2026 primaries; vote counts among all candidates then running): 1,678 of 3,831 votes (43.8%), most votes in a three-candidate field

Money

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

Endorsements

Gov. Greg Abbott
Texas Alliance for Life
Texas Right to Life
Texas Civil Justice League