Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Highest rated judge in latest evaluation by Houston Bar Assn; Named 2026 Appellate Judge of the Year; Law practice over 30 years, City council member 7 years; Board-certified civil appellate law
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
That’s why we take an oath to the Constitution, not to any person or political party. Every opinion I issue has to be signed and explain its reasons, so that readers can have confidence that we are not tilting the outcomes or legislating from the bench.
Equity
What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
The greatest need is for better small-claims courts, where no lawyer is required, but my court is an appellate court that hears the largest controversies. In my court, the step we need to take is to give more people a day in court. More people deserve a face-to-face hearing. Clients (and the public) will have greater confidence in the process if we all get into the courtroom together.
Precedent
: What factors should the Court of Appeals consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
The first question is whether the ruling appears clearly wrong, but that’s only the start. Other questions exist: Has experience shown the ruling to be problematic or hard to apply? How heavily have people relied on the ruling? How would changing course affect public confidence in the administration of justice? Have conditions changed since the ruling issued? All these questions deserve weight.
Philosophy
What is your judicial philosophy?
Law should be predictable, evenhanded, and transparent. Most policy questions are for the people to decide through their legislature and elected representatives, not through judges. We the people should resolve those hard questions. But judges have to step in to enforce the law that we the people pass, and to protect constitutional guarantees that keep us all free.
