Texas Justice Democrats Introduce Seven Candidates for Statewide Courts in 2026

In a significant announcement made on October 22, 2025, the Texas Justice Democrats revealed that seven candidates will run for various statewide judicial offices in the upcoming electoral race of 2026. The campaign aims to secure positions on the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, reinforcing Democrats' commitment to providing a more diverse and representative judiciary.

Candidates for the Texas Supreme Court

The candidates vying for the Texas Supreme Court include a mix of experienced judges and legal professionals. Among the key figures is Cory Carlyle, a former Justice on the 5th Court of Appeals based in Dallas, who is running for the position of Chief Justice. Another notable candidate is Justice Chari Kelly, who currently serves on the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin and is contesting for Place 2. Gordon Goodman, a former Justice from the 1st Court of Appeals in Houston, will be campaigning for Place 7, while Justice Gisela Triana, also from the 3rd Court of Appeals, aims for Place 8.

Candidates for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which is the highest criminal court in the state, will see several Democratic candidates as well. Judge Audra Riley, a felony district court judge in Dallas, has announced her candidacy for Place 4 on this court. Holly Taylor, who currently directs the Public Integrity and Complex Crimes Division for the Travis County District Attorney's Office, is running for Place 9. Additionally, Dallas criminal defense attorney Okey Anyiam is seeking the position for Place 3.

The Campaign Message

The Texas Justice Democrats are framing this election as crucial for the future integrity of the state's judiciary. According to North Texas Congressman Marc Veasey, the current administration, led by Governor Abbott, is concentrating power in a way that undermines the judicial system. He expressed his concerns regarding the appointment of judges who disproportionately favor large corporations and billionaire donors, jeopardizing fair access to justice for all Texans.

Veasey articulated the need for a judiciary that reflects a broader range of perspectives and maintains a commitment to judicial impartiality rather than partisanship. "This centralization of all power by Abbott and Paxton is hurting Texans. Access to fair justice is diminished, and the courts' ability to hold bad actors accountable is compromised," he cautioned.

The Road Ahead

With the elections set for 2026, the Texas Justice Democrats are enthusiastic about mobilizing their supporters to ensure that voters recognize the significance of these judicial positions. The candidates aim to highlight their qualifications and commitment to justice reform, aiming to win over Texan voters with their dedication to fairness and equity in the legal system.

This move marks an important chapter in Texas politics, as it not only presents an opportunity for candidates to reshape the judicial landscape but also encourages an active conversation among voters regarding the impacts of judicial decisions in their lives. As the campaigns gain momentum, the Justice Democrats are focused on emphasizing the role of effective and impartial judges in safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

In conclusion, the announcement of seven Democratic candidates for the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals intersects with broader themes of judicial integrity and the fight against partisanship. The upcoming elections in 2026 are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Texas, and these candidates are preparing to lead that charge for justice.