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
David GunnDavid Gunn has practiced law in Texas for over 35 years and is board-certified in civil appellate law, a credential only a small slice of Texas lawyers hold.
About David
Gunn spent most of his career as a Houston appellate lawyer, most recently as a partner at Beck Redden LLP, arguing cases in courts across the state. Governor Greg Abbott appointed him to the First Court of Appeals, Place 4, in September 2024, and he is now running to keep the seat in the November 2026 election.
Julie CountissJulie Countiss was sworn into her first judgeship by her own father, a retired Texas appellate justice.
About Julie
Countiss served six years on the First Court of Appeals (2019-2024) after winning election to Place 7 in 2018, writing more than 300 opinions and being named Appellate Judge of the Year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. She lost her re-election bid for Place 7 in 2024 and is now running for the court's Place 4 seat in 2026.