Supreme Court
January 6, 2025
Contact: Amy Starnes
Director of Public Affairs
512.463.1441 or email
The Supreme Court of Texas commends Governor Abbott’s
choice of Justice Jimmy Blacklock as Chief Justice
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Justice Jimmy Blacklock to serve as the 28th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas.
“I am grateful to Governor Abbott for this appointment and for his leadership of our great state,” Justice Blacklock said. “Chief Justice Hecht leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service to the Court and to the People of Texas. I join all my colleagues in thanking him and honoring him for his wisdom and his leadership over the years. The Supreme Court of Texas belongs to the People of Texas, not to the judges or the lawyers. Our job at the Court is to apply the law fairly and impartially to every case that comes before us. My colleagues and I are committed to defending the rule of law and to preserving our Texas and United States Constitutions. I look forward to helping the Court continue to pursue equal justice under the law for all Texans.”
Governor Abbott first appointed Justice Blacklock to the Court in 2018. Justice Blacklock was born in Houston and grew up in Missouri City, Texas, where he attended public school, graduating from Elkins High School. He then graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and from Yale Law School. Before joining the Court, Justice Blacklock served as Governor Abbott’s general counsel and in the Attorney General’s office, where he practiced appellate litigation among other duties. Justice Blacklock was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. He clerked for Judge Jerry Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and worked in private practice in Houston and Austin. He lives in Austin with his wife and their three daughters.
“Governor Abbott’s decision reflects his commitment to upholding the integrity and excellence of Texas’ judicial system,” Senior Justice Debra Lehrmann said on behalf of the Court.
Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, the longest-serving member of the Court in Texas history, retired on December 31, 2024. Hecht leaves a legacy of judicial excellence, steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and the delivery of fair, impartial, and efficient justice for all Texans. Chief Justice Hecht served 36 years on the Court, as Chief Justice since 2013. Under Chief Justice Hecht’s leadership, the Court advanced access to justice initiatives and enhanced judicial efficiency.
Justice Blacklock won re-election to the Court in the 2024 general election. He previously won election in 2018 following his appointment to the Court. By appointing a current member of the Court to the Chief Justice’s position, Governor Abbott now has the opportunity to fill that vacancy. Governor Abbott will administer the oath of office to Justice Blacklock in a private ceremony on January 7.