Who Jerry is
Zimmerer worked twelve years at AT&T before he ever practiced law, spent six years as a Houston appeals judge — and now he's running to lead the brand-new court Republicans built to take the state's cases away from the judges voters elected in Austin.
About Jerry
A Pasadena High grad who went to South Texas College of Law and later earned a master's in health law, he was elected to Houston's 14th Court of Appeals in 2018. His opponent, Scott Brister, is a former Texas Supreme Court justice whom Abbott installed as the 15th Court's first Chief Justice in 2024 — no election. This November is the first time voters get any say over who leads that court.
Where they stand
- Reproductive RightsUnknown
- Immigration & BorderUnknown
- Housing & AffordabilityUnknown
- Public EducationUnknown
- Election IntegrityUnknown
- HealthcareUnknown
- Social Security & MedicareUnknown
- Gun PolicyUnknown
- Climate & EnergyUnknown
Also on the ballot for 15th Court of Appeals • Chief Justice
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Scott BristerHe went to Harvard Law, served on the Texas Supreme Court, and was appointed by Greg Abbott to be the first chief justice of a brand-new court created by the Texas legislature.
About Scott
Brister grew up in Waco and has served on a state district court, two courts of appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court. He also chaired the Texas Commission on Public School Finance. The 15th Court of Appeals — newly created in 2023 — hears challenges involving state officials and agencies. Brister was its first appointed chief.