Election Spotlight: Texas Supreme Court Place 2
In the heart of the Texan judicial system, the Supreme Court holds a pivotal role in making decisions that affect the lives of millions across the state. As the State’s court of last resort for civil matters, it is a pivotal conduit between the People of Texas and the Courts, making extensive decisions that interpret the state constitution, laws, and appeals.
Like many other names on the ballot, voters are unaware of who is running for the Texas Supreme Court. This article aims to provide a clear, concise, and informative summary of the job of a Texas Supreme Court Justice, who each candidate is, and what their campaigns focus on.
The Supreme Court Place 4 race hosts three candidates: DaSean Jones and Randy Sarosdy from the Democratic Party and incumbent Judge Jimmy Blacklock from the Republican Party.
What is the Texas Supreme Court?
The Texas Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in Texas’s legal system. The court has a Chief Justice and eight associate justices. All nine positions are elected, with a term of office lasting six years with no term limit.
The Court serves numerous vital functions, most notably:
Issuing writs of habeas corpus, certiorari, mandamus, procedendo, and other writs.
Overseeing the efficient operation of the state’s judicial system.
Making and enforcing the rules of administration for all the state agencies in the judicial branch of the Texas government.
DaSean Jones
DaSean Jones brings a unique military and legal background to the election race. After earning his B.A. in English from Tuskegee University and an M.A. in Management & Leadership from Webster University, Jones served as a U.S. Army and Army Reserve field artillery officer, leading troops in combat during his deployments to Iraq before transferring to the Judge Advocate Corps (JAG). He holds a J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Jones believes that “The rule of law should not be confused for the preservation of conformist values, nationalism, or ethnocentrism. More importantly, they should not be clouded by anti-immigrant, anti-semitic, anti-black, or other caustic beliefs.”
To learn more about DeSean Jones, click here: https://www.daseanfortexas.com/#/
Randy Sarosdy
Born in Dallas and a graduate of Killeen High School, Randy Sarosdy's educational path took him from the College of William and Mary in Virginia to earning a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Randy practiced law for 30 years with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld law firm in Washington, D.C. and Austin. He dedicated the rest of his career to judicial education, serving as general counsel of the Texas Justice Court Training Center and executive director of the Texas Center for the Judiciary.
Sarosdy believes that “...in the rule of law, that the law applies equally to all regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin, and that no one is above the law regardless of status or prior office. His primary objectives are to safeguard Democratic institutions, protect fundamental rights, and enhance public confidence in the Court.
To learn more about Randy Sarosdy, click here: https://randyforjudge.org/
Jimmy Blacklock (Incumbent)
Jimmy Blacklock currently holds Place 2 on the Texas Supreme Court. He has a rich background in both state and federal legal roles. Before his appointment to the court, Blacklock served as general counsel to Governor Greg Abbott and spent six years in the Texas Attorney General's office. On the Federal level, he was appointed to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice by President George W. Bush.
Blacklock believes in the principles of popular sovereignty, consent of the governed, and that laws are used for the people to rule over the government. “Jimmy’s approach to being a judge—his judicial philosophy—is firmly grounded in the text of the Texas Constitution. Our Constitution’s very first words are the best place to start…” A commitment to conservative principles in judicial decision-making has marked Blacklock's tenure on the court.
To learn more about Jimmy Blacklock, click here: https://www.jimmyblacklock.com/