Gov. Abbott Appoints Jimmy Blacklock as Chief Justice of Texas Supreme Court

Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday that Justice Jimmy Blacklock has been appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas.

Blacklock will fulfill this position until December 31, 2026.Blacklock, originally from Houston, has served on the Supreme Court of Texas since January 2018. He possesses a wealth of legal experience, having clerked for Judge Jerry Smith on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and engaged in civil litigation and appeals in both Houston and Austin.

He served in the Texas Attorney General’s Office, where he was involved in important cases related to the Affordable Care Act, religious liberty, and pro-life matters.Justice Blacklock takes over from Nathan L. Hecht, who retired on December 31 after an unprecedented 36 years on the court, including almost ten years as chief justice. Hecht is renowned for his commitment to enhancing the judiciary and upholding the rule of law in Texas.

In his statement, Blacklock conveyed appreciation for the appointment and honored Chief Justice Hecht’s lasting legacy. “Chief Justice Hecht has created an exceptional legacy of dedication to the Court and the People of Texas,” Blacklock stated. “Our responsibility at the Court is to ensure that the law is applied with fairness and impartiality to each case presented to us.”Governor Abbott is set to officially swear in Blacklock at a private ceremony on Tuesday.

Alongside the appointment of Blacklock, Abbott has also designated James P. Sullivan to take on the role of justice on the state’s highest court, thereby influencing the future of Texas’ judicial leadership.