I've been a Texas Supreme Court Justice since January 2025. I previously served as Assistant Solicitor General and as the Governor's General Counsel, and attended Harvard Law School.
I take my judicial oath seriously and will always remain committed to saying what the law is, not what I might like it to be. Every litigant who comes before our Court is entitled to fair and impartial consideration of their arguments, without respect to who's making them.
The Texas Supreme Court has been a leader in narrowing the justice gap, as seen in the fundraising and volunteerism efforts of our Access to Justice Commission. And by making judicial proceedings more efficient through our rulemaking function, the Court can reduce the costs of accessing the court system.
Judges at every level face security threats that are corrosive to the rule of law. To address that risk, adequate funding must be given to the law-enforcement officers at DPS who keep us safe.
A good judge must have the courage to make an unpopular decision when that's what the law requires; the humility to understand that the judiciary plays an important but limited role in our system of government; and the work ethic to ensure that careful consideration is given to every party in every case.
Justice of 3rd Court of Appeals since 2019; authored 800+ opinions. One of 19 Texas judges board-certified in Judicial Administration. Former US Army JAG Captain, Texas Assistant AG, Assistant DA.
Independence is part of my record. On the 3rd Court, I ruled that the Texas Attorney General was not above the law in a whistleblower case, and that the governor does not possess absolute authority under the Texas Disaster Act. On the Supreme Court, I would decide cases the same way: based on the law, the record, and the arguments presented, not politics, donors, pressure, or personal preference.
Texans face barriers including cost, transportation, language, disability, lack of counsel, and legal complexity. As an appellate judge, UT Law adjunct professor, past Austin Bar president, and published writer on the need for pro bono legal services, I know courts must be accessible to everyone. Courts can expand plain-language resources, remote access, interpreters, and legal-aid partnerships.
The public lacks confidence that courts are independent and accountable. My record includes rulings on state power and public accountability. As a Texas Assistant Attorney General, I helped secure a $19.9 million Medicaid fraud settlement for taxpayers. As a Supreme Court justice, I would continue to write clear and timely opinions, be transparent, and enforce the rule of law.
A judge needs integrity, independence, courage, patience, humility, command of the law, and freedom from bias. My lifelong public service as an Army paratrooper, prosecutor, appellate judge, Austin Bar president, and mentor to young attorneys has taught me that fair judging requires discipline, careful listening, respect for people, and decisions rooted in the law and the record.
