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Tom Baker
15th Court of Appeals, Place 2
Democratic candidate for TX 15th Court of Appeals Place 2. Former justice, Texas 3rd Court of Appeals (2019–2024). U.S. Navy veteran. UH Law Center JD. Currently in private practice in Killeen.
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, Place 2, Tom Baker faces Scott K. Field (Republican), the sitting judge.
Where this seat sits on your ballot
15th Court of Appeals, Place 2 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.