The 15th Court of Appeals didn't exist two years ago. For decades, when Texans sued the State — over an abortion ban, a COVID order, an agency that overstepped — the appeal went to the Austin court, filled mostly with Democratic judges elected by the voters. Those judges frequently ruled against the State, so in 2023 the Republican Legislature created a brand-new statewide court specifically for lawsuits against the State — then used a rule that lets the Governor appoint all judges to any new court. Not one of Abbott's three judges has ever faced the voters for the seat. This November all three are on your ballot: the first and only chance to decide who hears the cases where Texans take on Texas.
The Democratic candidate
Marc Meyer
DemocratAbout Marc
Meyer spent 25 years as a Houston firefighter and a registered nurse before he ever went to law school — and he's running against one of the three unelected judges Abbott installed on the new court.
He has practiced since 2009 and is board certified in administrative law, mostly defending doctors and nurses before their licensing boards. He chaired the Montgomery County Democratic Party from 2015 to 2020 and lives in Montgomery, north of Houston.
Also on the ballot
Every candidate who filed for this office appears here. Tap a name to read more.
April FarrisAbout April
Farris spent her career arguing the State of Texas's side — as an Assistant Solicitor General defending state laws in court, then clerking for one of the most conservative federal judges in the country — before Abbott installed her on the new 15th Court in 2024.
She's backed by Texas Alliance for Life and the business lobby that fights to limit lawsuits against companies. A Big Spring native, she went to Abilene Christian and Harvard Law, then was a partner at a major firm handling appeals for energy, tech and government clients. Abbott appointed her to the Houston appeals court in 2021, she kept it at the polls in 2022 — but she has never faced voters for the 15th Court. She's been married 18 years and has two children.
Where to vote
Hays County uses vote centers — any registered Hays County voter can vote at any open location in the county. Locations and hours by city: