Texas 15th Court of Appeals Primaries: Candidates and Key Races

Voters will choose justices for the new state appeals court in the March primaries

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Texas 15th Court of Appeals, created in 2023, will hear appeals involving the state, challenges to state laws, and cases from business courts. All three current justices, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, are facing election for the first time this year. The primaries feature uncontested races in both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Why it matters

The 15th Court of Appeals will play a pivotal role in deciding major policy issues in Texas, as it hears civil cases involving the state or challenging state laws before they can be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court. The court's rulings on topics like marijuana, abortion, and campaign finance could have significant statewide impact.

The details

The three current justices on the 15th Court of Appeals were appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2024 and are now facing election for the first time. All of the primary races for the court's seats are uncontested, with only one candidate running in each Republican and Democratic primary. The candidates include longtime Republican judges like David Brister, as well as Democratic challengers like Marc Meyer, a former chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Party.

  • The 15th Court of Appeals was created by the Texas Legislature in 2023.
  • The three current justices were appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2024.
  • The primary elections for the court's seats will be held in March 2026.

The players

David Brister

A longtime Republican judge who was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court in 2003 and previously served on the 1st and 14th Court of Appeals, as well as Harris County's 234th District Court. Brister describes himself as an "impartial judge who applies the law, not personal beliefs or political preferences."

Zimmerer

A Democratic judge who was elected to the Houston-area Texas 14th Court of Appeals in 2018 and previously managed his own private law practice focused on cybersecurity, health, and commercial arbitration.

Field

A conservative lawyer and judge who was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to Williamson County's 480th District Court in 2022 and previously served on the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals.

Baker

A Republican who was elected to the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals in 2018 and says party affiliation and political philosophy should not impact rulings.

Farris

A Republican who served on the 1st Court of Appeals from 2021 to 2024 and previously worked in appellate litigation and as an assistant solicitor general.

Marc Meyer

A Democratic candidate and former chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Party who previously ran for a district court seat in 2020 and has a background as a nurse and firefighter.

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What they’re saying

“I will impartially follow the law as written, apply the law faithfully and efficiently, not rule based on personal beliefs or political preferences”

— David Brister

“Use his office as a vehicle to promote democratic values”

— Zimmerer

“Promises impartiality, discipline and a firm commitment to the rule of law”

— Field

“Says she intends to apply the law as written, not based on personal views or political preferences”

— Farris

“Promises impartiality on the bench while also advocating for other Democratic candidates”

— Meyer

What’s next

The primary elections for the 15th Court of Appeals seats will be held in March 2026. The winners will then face off in the November 2026 general election, where they will seek to secure six-year terms on the newly created court.

The takeaway

The 15th Court of Appeals will play a crucial role in shaping major policy debates in Texas, as it hears appeals involving the state government and challenges to state laws. The primary races feature a mix of experienced Republican and Democratic judges, highlighting the partisan divide that will likely shape the court's future rulings.