The three Republican incumbent justices on the Texas Supreme Court easily won re-election Tuesday, but the district courts of appeals seem to have provided mixed results for the two political parties.
In Houston, four Republican candidates for the 1st and 14th courts of appeals – including two incumbent justices – appear to be cruising to victory. In Dallas, the two Democratic candidates are narrowly defeating their Republican opponents. The Democrat is winning the sole seat available on the Austin Court of Appeals.
But on the 4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio, two incumbent justices – one Republican and one Democrat – are each winning by one percent.
Incumbent Republican Justice Rebeca Huddle received more votes than any other candidate statewide with 4,515,004, which was slightly more than Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller received with 4,464,249.
There are news reports that ballots are still being tabulated in Harris County, which may impact the final vote counts, especially for the 1st and 14th courts of appeals races.
Now, the details, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
1st Court of Appeals in Houston
Republican appellate lawyer Terry Adams is beating Democrat incumbent Justice Julie Countiss 50.9 percent to 46.7 percent in the race for chief justice. Independent Ted Wood garnered 2.4 percent.
Justice April Farris, a Republican incumbent, is defeating Democratic challenger Judge Mike Engelhart, who sits on the Harris County District Court, 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent.
14th Court of Appeals in Houston
Incumbent Republican Justice Kevin Jewell is winning re-election with 52 percent of the vote, while Democratic challenger Cheri Thomas received 48 percent.
Justice Randy Wilson, also a Republican incumbent, is winning his election with 53 percent of the votes cast, defeating Democrat William Demond, a constitutional rights lawyer, who received 47 percent.
3rd Court of Appeals in Austin
Democrat Rosa Lopez Theofanis, an Austin trial lawyer, has 52.6 percent of the reported vote, while Republican opponent Lesli Fitzpatrick has 47.4 percent.
4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio
The voters in San Antonio appear ready to elect one Republican and one Democrat.
Incumbent Republican Justice Lori Valenzuela is narrowly leading Democratic challenger Judge Rebecca Palomo of Webb County 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent.
Similarly, Democratic incumbent Justice Irene Rios is leading her Republican opponent Todd McCray, a former prosecutor and trial lawyer, 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent.
5th Court of Appeals in Dallas
Dallas County District Judge Maricela Moore, a Democrat, has received 50.8 percent of the vote and is leading Collin County Republican District Judge Emily Miskel, who had 49.2 percent of vote. Miskel is reportedly being considered by Gov. Abbott for an appointment to an open seat on the Dallas Court of Appeals.
Democratic Judge Nancy Kennedy, who sits on the Dallas County Criminal Court bench, is beating Republican District Judge Kristina Williams 51 percent to 49 percent.
Texas Supreme Court
Incumbent Republican Justice Rebeca Huddle easily won re-election with 57.1 percent of the vote, compared to Democrat Justice Amanda Reichek, who sits on the Dallas Court of Appeals, with 42.8 percent.
Texas Supreme Court Justice Evan Young, a Republican appointed by Gov. Abbott, received 56.5 percent compared to 42.9 percent received by Democratic Judge Julia Maldonado, who sits on the Family Law Court in Harris County.
Incumbent Republican Justice Debra Lehrmann won re-election with 56.2 percent of the vote, while her opponent Democrat Justice Erin Nowell, who sits on the Dallas Court of Appeals, garnered 41.8 percent.