Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9

Statewide

Open seat, Newell did not seek re-election. John Messinger won the Republican primary decisively with 68.8% over Jennifer Balido. Holly Taylor ran unopposed for Democrats.

Incumbent: David Newell(R)

Primary, Mar 3, 2026

One of nine judges on Texas's highest criminal court, reviews wrongful conviction claims through habeas corpus petitions and sets precedent on constitutional criminal rights.

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9

Primary Results

Called · 100% reporting

Republican Primary

John Messinger wins

John Messinger

68.8%

1,243,429 votes

Jennifer Balido

31.2%

563,348 votes

Democratic Primary

Holly Taylor wins

Holly Taylor

100.0%

1,874,909 votes

Updated Mar 21, 9:56 PM CT·TX SOS·Called by AP

November General Election

Nov 3, 2026

Rated Safe RepublicanTexPolls, based on structural partisan lean

No major handicapper rates Texas judicial races. This open seat pits John Messinger (R) against Holly Taylor (D). Republicans have held every Court of Criminal Appeals seat since 1998. The rating reflects structural lean, not a forecast.

TexPolls, based on structural partisan lean