As Texas voters finish counting ballots on Wednesday morning, Democratic candidates are holding clear leads in several statewide judicial contests. The Associated Press reports that more than 96% of votes have been tallied, though no official winners have been declared yet.

Supreme Court Seats

Four seats on the Texas Supreme Court were up for election. Democrats are poised to capture each one:

• Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock (Republican) is trailing Democrat Maggie Ellis, a justice from the Austin‑based 3rd Court of Appeals.
• In Place 7, Republican appointee Kyle Hawkins is behind Democrat Kristen Hawkins, a state district court judge from Harris County.
• Place 2 could go to Democrat Chari Kelly, also from the 3rd Court of Appeals, who leads Republican James Sullivan, appointed in 2025.
• Republican Justice Brett Busby has conceded to Democrat Gisela Triana, another 3rd Court of Appeals justice.

The nine‑member civil court elects its justices to staggered six‑year terms. If the Democratic leads hold, the court would shift from a Republican majority to a narrow Democratic edge.

Court of Criminal Appeals

Three of the nine seats on the state’s highest criminal court were contested, and Democrats are leading in each race:

• Criminal defense attorney Okey Anyiam leads Republican Thomas Smith, an assistant attorney general in Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, for Place 3.
• Dallas County criminal district court judge Audra Riley is ahead of incumbent Republican Kevin Yeary for Place 4.
• Appeals attorney Holly Taylor is ahead of Republican John Messinger for Place 9.

The Court of Criminal Appeals handles death‑penalty appeals and other serious criminal matters, also serving six‑year terms.

15th Court of Appeals

The newly created three‑judge panel, first filled by Governor Greg Abbott’s appointees in 2024, is also seeing a potential Democratic sweep:

• Former 14th Court of Appeals justice Jerry Zimmerer leads Republican Scott Brister for the chief justice seat.
• Republican Scott Field has conceded to Democrat Tom Baker for Place 2.
• Republican April Farris trails Democrat Marc Meyer, who runs a private law firm, for Place 3.

The 15th Court of Appeals hears civil cases involving the state, business courts, and constitutional challenges.

Historical Context and Implications

The last time a Democrat won a seat on the Texas Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeals was in 1994. While a full Democratic sweep would still leave a Republican advantage on both courts, the margins would narrow dramatically, reflecting a broader shift in Texas voter sentiment during this midterm cycle.

These judicial races are part of a larger pattern of Democratic gains across the ticket, including record‑breaking early voting turnout. Voters and observers will watch the remaining counts closely, as the outcomes will shape Texas’s legal landscape for years to come.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.