About this office
It's very difficult for a case to reach the Supreme Court. So for most Texans who appeal — a custody ruling, a lawsuit, a conviction — the Court of Appeals is the last court that will ever hear it. Texas has 14 of these courts, each covering a share of the 254 counties, and Hays County's cases go to the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin. The Chief Justice runs that court — and this year the seat is on your ballot.
Candidates
Kevin JewellBefore he ever put on a judge's robe, Kevin Jewell spent 23 years as a lawyer arguing more than 100 appeals in courts across Texas and the federal system.
About Kevin
Jewell has served as a justice on the 14th Court of Appeals since he was first elected in 2016. He's board-certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential he's held since 1998, and he's now running for the court's top seat, Chief Justice.
Sarah Beth LandauSarah Beth Landau once worked as a federal public defender, representing people who couldn't afford a lawyer in their criminal appeals.
About Sarah
Landau served as a justice on the Texas First Court of Appeals from 2019 to 2024. Before that she clerked for a federal judge and worked as a commercial litigator at the law firm Vinson & Elkins. She's now running for Chief Justice of the 14th Court of Appeals after winning her Democratic primary.