Landau Endorsed for Chief Justice of 14th Court of Appeals

Editorial board urges Democratic primary voters to nominate experienced appellate judge over opponent with troubled legal history

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Houston Chronicle editorial board is endorsing Sarah Beth Landau in the Democratic primary for chief justice of the 14th Court of Appeals, warning that her opponent Connie Gonzales has a "sprawling disaster" of a legal history that could "weaken the integrity of the judicial system" if elected. Landau is praised for her six years of experience on the sister 1st Court of Appeals, strong legal acumen, and community engagement, while Gonzales is criticized for her troubled divorce proceedings and lack of appellate experience.

Why it matters

The 14th Court of Appeals is a key judicial body that serves millions of Texans, and the editorial board believes it is crucial that its chief justice be someone with a strong record of legal expertise and judicial temperament. They view Landau as the qualified candidate who can uphold the integrity of the court, while Gonzales' troubled legal history raises concerns about her ability to effectively lead the court.

The details

Landau, 53, previously served six years as a justice on the 1st Court of Appeals and has received high praise from her peers for her legal acumen and community engagement. In contrast, Gonzales' experience before the 14th Court of Appeals has been through her own divorce proceedings, including being found in contempt of court and ordered jailed for 120 days, as well as a pattern of delay tactics that concerned the court. Gonzales also has limited appellate experience, acknowledging she has not formally appeared as counsel in appeals.

  • Landau served six years on the 1st Court of Appeals until 2024.
  • Gonzales was found in contempt of court and ordered jailed for 120 days in 2015.
  • Gonzales received a negative ruling against her on appeal in 2018.

The players

Sarah Beth Landau

A candidate in the Democratic primary for chief justice of the 14th Court of Appeals who previously served six years as a justice on the 1st Court of Appeals, where she received high marks for her legal expertise and judicial temperament.

Connie Gonzales

Landau's opponent in the Democratic primary for chief justice of the 14th Court of Appeals, who has a troubled legal history stemming from her own divorce proceedings, including being found in contempt of court and having limited appellate experience.

Kevin Jewell

A justice on the 14th Court of Appeals who authored a 2018 ruling against Gonzales.

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What’s next

If Gonzales were to defeat Jewell for the chief justice position, she would still be on the same bench as him because he would retain his Place 2 position.

The takeaway

The editorial board believes it is crucial that the chief justice of the 14th Court of Appeals have a strong record of legal expertise and judicial temperament to uphold the integrity of this important court, which is why they are urging Democratic primary voters to nominate Sarah Beth Landau over Connie Gonzales.