Chief Justice, Supreme Court
Six-year term. This Court includes a Chief Justice and eight justices, each of which is elected by voters of the entire state. Responsibilities of the Chief Justice include hearing appeals, assigning opinions, voting and deliberation. In addition, the Chief Justice has an administrative role by appointing judges to committees, presiding over meetings to evaluate court dockets, managing the assignments of justices and overseeing the rollout of statewide judicial technology. Current annual salary: $266,700
CANDIDATES:
- Jimmy Blacklock(Republican)
- Maggie Ellis(Democrat)
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS
Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
Equity
What role should the Supreme Court play in expanding access to justice for persons or groups who may be underserved?
Issues
What do you see as the most pressing challenge facing the courts today, and how would you propose addressing it?
Precedent
What factors should the Supreme Court of Texas consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
