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Jerry Zimmerer
15th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice
Democratic candidate for Chief Justice, Texas 15th Court of Appeals. Former justice, Texas 14th Court of Appeals (2019–2024). South Texas College of Law JD; dual LLMs from UH Law. Prior career includes 12 years at AT&T Mobility.
The court, in plain English
Created by the Legislature in 2023 and seated in 2024, the Fifteenth Court of Appeals is elected statewide and hears civil appeals involving the State of Texas and its agencies, plus appeals from the new Texas Business Court.
Why this seat matters
A brand-new statewide court, built to hear the cases where the State itself is a party. Who sits on it decides how much scrutiny state government gets.
On the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for 15th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice, Jerry Zimmerer faces Scott Brister (Republican), the sitting judge.
Where this seat sits on your ballot
15th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice appears in the Statewide Courts section of your ballot. Elected by all of Texas. The last word on civil law, criminal appeals, and cases against the State.