{"id":161775,"date":"2026-02-12T16:32:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T16:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/161775\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T16:32:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T16:32:11","slug":"candidates-in-the-2026-texas-court-of-criminal-appeals-primaries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/161775\/","title":{"rendered":"Candidates in the 2026 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals primaries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy<\/a>, and give us feedback<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note: To help readers learn more about primary candidates, The Texas Tribune is sharing background information on top candidates. In particularly crowded races, we focused on candidates with political experience or demonstrably competitive campaigns, using benchmarks such as fundraising, endorsements and online presence. For a full list of candidates, view our primary ballot page<\/a>. For more information on the primaries and the voting process, check out our guides and news coverage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About this seat: The Court of Criminal Appeals is the state\u2019s highest court for criminal cases. Besides appeals from lower courts, it also hears death penalty appeals directly from trial courts. In addition, it reviews habeas corpus petitions from anyone convicted of a state felony who wants to challenge the legality of their detention. The court includes one presiding judge and eight other judges, who are all elected statewide for six-year terms. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s at stake: The Court of Criminal Appeals gets most of its attention for decisions on high-profile death penalty cases, including most recently blocking<\/a> Robert Roberson\u2019s execution and moving his case back to trial court. The court also has been in the spotlight in recent years over its rulings<\/a> that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton\u2019s office can\u2019t unilaterally prosecute election cases, which prompted Paxton to wage a successful<\/a> campaign<\/a> in 2024 to oust three Republican judges who disagreed with him. The court then decided<\/a> early last year to rehear an election wrongdoing case that it had previously thrown out. Overall, the nine-person panel has long been dominated by Republicans and there are currently no Democratic judges. This year, three seats are up for grabs. Only the Republican primaries for Place 3 and Place 9 have more than one candidate.<\/p>\n

Place 3<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Patty Fox, retired \u2013 $61,557.76, including in-kind donations<\/p>\n

Susan Dahlberg, not employed \u2013 $10,000<\/p>\n

The Reelect David Newell for Judge Campaign, affiliated with CCA Place 9 Judge David Newell<\/a> but he is not running for reelection \u2013 $4,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Staff attorney at the Courts of Criminal Appeals, including previous role in the court\u2019s writs of habeas corpus division <\/p>\n

Former director of the conviction integrity unit in Bexar County District Attorney\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

Former prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney\u2019s office<\/p>\n

Former criminal appeals attorney in private practice<\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Fox is a Republican who says she\u2019s running to defend the Constitution and protect the rule of law. An active member of the Catholic Church, she also says that \u201cfaith and justice go hand in hand \u2014 that our legal system is strongest when it reflects the moral truths rooted in Scripture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

Mark Lee Dickson, anti-abortion activist<\/p>\n

Texas Right to Life PAC<\/p>\n

Dallas Morning News Editorial Board and Houston Chronicle Editorial Board\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

Lesli Fitzpatrick<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

James Fitzpatrick, engineer \u2013 $6,369.34, including in-kind donations<\/p>\n

Lavonne Frazier, retired \u2013 $1,860, including in-kind donation\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sue Devillez, retired \u2013 $1,750 in in-kind donations\u00a0<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Director of special litigation for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice\u2019s Office of General Counsel<\/p>\n

Former staff attorney for the Texas State Senate in the Office of Engrossing and Enrolling<\/p>\n

Former staff attorney of the Texas General Land Office<\/p>\n

Worked as both criminal prosecutor and defense attorney<\/p>\n

Ran for the Texas Third District Court of Appeals, Place 4 in 2022, but lost in the general election.<\/p>\n

Had an unsuccessful run in the Republican primary<\/a> for Williamson County Court-at-Law No. 2 judge in 2016. <\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Fitzpatrick is a Republican who says she has a conservative judicial philosophy and rejects judicial activism, adding that \u201ccourts should not expand or invent rights beyond those clearly established in the Constitution or statute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

David Gabbay, real estate \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Maya Gabbay, real estate \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Kenneth Clark, banking \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Assistant attorney general in the Texas Attorney General\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

Former counsel for Ken Paxton when he was a state senator<\/p>\n

Former counsel in private practice <\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Smith is a Republican who says he\u2019s running to keep \u201cwomen and children safe in an increasingly dangerous culture.\u201d He has also strongly touted his work with Attorney General Ken Paxton and the state Legislature, including on issues such as human trafficking and sanctuary city ban.<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Karan Clark, retired \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Kenda Coffee, retired \u2013 $2,000<\/p>\n

Sam Coffee, retired \u2013 $2,000<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Assistant attorney general in the Texas Attorney General\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

Former prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

Former criminal defense attorney in private practice<\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Coffee attended the Ave Maria School of Law, which embraces a conservative Catholic orientation. He also says his approach to the legal system is influenced by conservative jurists like former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Brandy Voss, attorney \u2013 $131<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Criminal defense attorney in private practice<\/p>\n

Political Ideology:<\/p>\n

Anyiam is a Democrat who says<\/a> he wants to \u201cuphold the law without legislating from the bench, and apply the legislative intent unless it\u2019s ambiguous.\u201d He is married to Judge Chika Anyiam, who currently presides<\/a> over Criminal District Court No. 7 in Dallas County and unsuccessfully ran<\/a> as a Democrat for a seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2024.<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

Liberal Austin Democrats<\/p>\n

Austin Young Democrats<\/p>\n

State Tejano Democrats<\/p>\n

Place 4<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

Kevin Yeary<\/p>\n

Republican, incumbent<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Scott Retzloff, real estate and tax \u2013 $2,500<\/p>\n

Butler Snow LLP, wide-ranging law firm \u2013 $1,000<\/p>\n

Ruth Chambers, retired \u2013 $1,000<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Serves on the Court of Criminal Appeals for more than a decade, after being first elected in 2014. <\/p>\n

Former appellate prosecutor for Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties<\/p>\n

Former defense attorney in private practice<\/p>\n

Former law clerk to a Texas Court of Criminal Appeal judge<\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Yeary is a Republican who says judges should avoid policy-making from the bench. He was the only judge<\/a> out of the nine-person panel to vote against the 2021 ruling that says the Texas attorney general\u2019s office can\u2019t unilaterally prosecute election cases. He was also one of three judges<\/a> to disagree with the court\u2019s decision to block Robert Roberson\u2019s execution based on the exoneration in another shaken baby case.<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Currently presides<\/a> over Criminal District Court No. 3 in Dallas County, after first being elected to the judge role in 2020. <\/p>\n

Former prosecutor in the Dallas County district attorney\u2019s office<\/p>\n

Former criminal defense attorney in private practice<\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Riley is running as a Democrat. When she ran for reelection<\/a> to the Criminal District Court No. 3\u2019s judge role in 2024, she said she wanted to continue bringing \u201cjustice, integrity, and a strong work ethic to the bench.\u201d<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

Liberal Austin Democrats<\/p>\n

Austin Young Democrats<\/p>\n

State Tejano Democrats<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

Place 9 <\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

John Messinger<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Steve Ledwell, equipment manufacturer \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Giselle Horton, retired \u2013 $1,041<\/p>\n

Elyn Savage, executive assistant \u2013 $1,000<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Assistant state prosecuting attorney, representing the state in front of the Court of Criminal Appeals and immediate appellate courts<\/p>\n

Worked in the McLennan County District Attorney\u2019s office, handling direct appeals, protective orders and other civil matters<\/p>\n

Ran for the Texas Third District Court of Appeals, Place 2 in 2024, but narrowly lost in the general election<\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Messinger is a Republican who says improvement to the justice system \u201cdoesn\u2019t come from judges doing whatever they think is right in their own eyes\u201d but from \u201cenforcing the laws as written to find out what works and what doesn\u2019t.\u201d He also criticizes the Court of Criminal Appeals for issuing rulings that \u201cignore or conflict\u201d with its own decisions and\/or applicable law, as well as the average length it takes for the panel to review a lower court\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

True Texas Project<\/p>\n

Young Conservatives of Texas<\/p>\n

Various members<\/a> of the State Republican Executive Committee<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

Jennifer Balido<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Mark Gilbert, attorney \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Brent Goudarzi, attorney \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Shelly Folks, court reporter service \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Currently presides over Criminal District Court No. 1 in Dallas County, after Gov. Greg Abbott appointed her to fill the vacant seat last year<\/p>\n

Former chief of the appellate division in the Dallas County District Attorney\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

Former public criminal defense attorney <\/p>\n

Former Gov. Rick Perry appointed Balido as judge in 203rd District Court<\/a> in Dallas County in 2009 to fill a vacant seat, but she narrowly lost the election for a full term the following year<\/p>\n

Perry also appointed her as judge in the 291st District Court<\/a> in Dallas County in 2013, but she lost the 2014 general election for a full term<\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Balido is a Republican who says she\u2019s running to \u201censure Texans have a judge with proven courtroom experience that can always ensure justice is fairly served\u201d and with \u201cunwavering respect for the Constitution.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements: <\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Texas Municipal Police Association and several other law enforcement groups<\/a><\/p>\n

Dallas Morning News Editorial Board and Houston Chronicle Editorial Board<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

\"\"Campaign photo<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Francis Adair, retired \u2013 $5,000<\/p>\n

Randall Sarosdy, attorney \u2013 $2,500<\/p>\n

Sharon Taylor, not employed \u2013 $2,500<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Criminal and civil appeals attorney in private practice<\/p>\n

Former director of the division of public integrity and complex crimes for the Travis County District Attorney\u2019s office<\/p>\n

Former rules attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals<\/p>\n

Ran for the Court of Criminal Appeals\u2019 presiding judge role in 2024, but lost in the general election <\/p>\n

Political Ideology: <\/p>\n

Taylor is a Democrat who says she will \u201cbring an independent voice\u201d to the Court of Criminal Appeals. She also says she\u2019s \u201cpassionate about upholding the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and treating everyone with dignity and humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

Endorsements:<\/p>\n

Texas AFL-CIO\u00a0<\/p>\n

State Tejano Democrats<\/p>\n

Liberal Austin Democrats and several<\/a> other local or young Democrat groups<\/p>\n

Disclosure: Texas General Land Office has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune\u2019s journalism. Find a complete\u00a0list of them here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":161776,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[2137,56510,27,29,28],"class_list":["post-161775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-2026-elections","tag-2026-primary-explainer","tag-texas","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161775"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161775\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}