John MessingerJohn Messinger

Emphasis on Enforcing Laws as Written: John Messinger strongly believes justice improves when judges apply the law strictly rather than substituting personal judgment.

He believes this is essential to restoring consistency and predictability in criminal appeals.

Current Court Delays & Commitment to Faster Case Resolution: The Court of Criminal Appeals has taken over 500 days on average to review lower‑court decisions—delays he calls unacceptable for both victims and defendants. He will push for more timely decisions.

Extensive Prosecutorial & State-Level Legal Experience: Messinger has served as General Counsel in the Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney since 2010, giving him deep experience with statewide criminal appeals. He also previously worked as a prosecutor and holds a law degree from Baylor Law School. Messinger’s long-term experience in criminal law—especially appellate-level work—makes him the right choice to continue to reform this Court.

Focus on Public Integrity & Consistency in Court Decisions: Messinger makes a compelling case that CCA opinions have “ignored or conflicted with applicable law” and that the court needs to return to consistent, predictable rulings.

Clear Law‑Enforcement Orientation: Messinger frames justice as inseparable from high quality law enforcement and believes courts need to return to law‑and‑order principles to stop the unraveling of our nation.

The 2026 Republican nominee for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9.