Supreme Court, Place 2
StatewideJames Sullivan (R) faces Chari Kelly (D) for Supreme Court, Place 2 on November 3, 2026.
Sullivan was unopposed in the Republican primary. Chari Kelly is the Democratic nominee. Unexpired term: Abbott appointed Sullivan in January 2025 to the seat Blacklock vacated when he was elevated to Chief Justice, so this is Sullivan's first election to the court. Republicans have held every Texas Supreme Court seat since 1999.
Incumbent: James Sullivan(R)
One of nine justices on the Texas Supreme Court, the state's highest court for civil cases, including insurance disputes, property rights, and government power.
November General Election
Nov 3, 2026No major handicapper rates Texas judicial races. James Sullivan (R), appointed in January 2025 and running for the unexpired term, faces Chari Kelly (D). Republicans have held every Texas Supreme Court seat since 1999. The rating reflects structural lean, not a forecast.
The November ballot, explained
Texas race coverage by email, only when something changes before Nov 3.
Primary Results
Winner.James Sullivan(i)
Winner.Chari KellyRepublican nominee
Democratic nominee
Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals
Frequently Asked
Who is running for Texas Supreme Court Place 2 in 2026?
James Sullivan (R, incumbent) faces Chari Kelly (D) in the November 3, 2026 general election.
When is the 2026 Texas Supreme Court Place 2 election?
The general election is November 3, 2026. The voter registration deadline is October 5, early voting runs October 19 to 30, and mail-ballot applications are due October 23.
Is the 2026 Texas Supreme Court Place 2 race competitive?
No major handicapper rates this race. TexPolls lists it as Safe Republican based on Texas's structural partisan lean and recent statewide results, not a forecast. Republicans have held every seat on both Texas high courts since 1999.
What does the Texas Supreme Court do?
One of nine justices on the Texas Supreme Court, the state's highest court for civil cases, including insurance disputes, property rights, and government power.
How were the 2026 Supreme Court Place 2 nominees decided?
Sullivan was unopposed in the Republican primary. Chari Kelly is the Democratic nominee. Unexpired term: Abbott appointed Sullivan in January 2025 to the seat Blacklock vacated when he was elevated to Chief Justice, so this is Sullivan's first election to the court. Republicans have held every Texas Supreme Court seat since 1999.
Key Dates
Other judicial races
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