Thomas SmithThomas Smith

As someone who has already spent years fighting on the front lines of the legal battles that shape our state, Thomas Smith understands what’s at stake.

His background isn’t theoretical or academic; he’s been in the arena, working inside the Attorney General’s Office for a decade and helping drive some of the most consequential legal efforts in Texas.

We look for judicial candidates who respect the Constitution and will apply the law faithfully, without bending to political pressure or activist trends. Smith has made that commitment central to his platform. He’s been clear about his belief in a restrained, conservative judicial philosophy, and his record shows he’s willing to defend it.

Smith’s experience isn’t limited to courtroom work — he’s been directly involved in shaping legislation that affects Texans’ safety and freedoms. He helped craft the law banning sanctuary cities, worked on bills targeting human trafficking, and supported protections for religious liberty. Those aren’t abstract talking points; they’re concrete contributions that reflect his priorities and his understanding of how the law impacts real people.

And when it comes to issues like election integrity, he hasn’t just talked about it — he’s taken part in the legal work surrounding it. That tells us he’s serious about upholding the rule of law in every context, including the processes that keep our representative republic functioning.

At a moment when the Court of Criminal Appeals plays a crucial role in safeguarding both public safety and constitutional rights, Texans need someone who has already demonstrated conviction, experience, and a willingness to take on tough fights. Thomas Smith’s platform makes it clear where he stands and what kind of judge he intends to be. Thomas Smith will be an asset to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Former prosecutor and judge who finished a close second at approximately 33% and emphasizes his prosecutorial record in criminal law. Smith has earned endorsements from law enforcement organizations across Texas and argues that experience from the prosecution side best prepares a judge for the state's highest criminal court.

Former prosecutorLaw enforcement backed

Assistant attorney general and the 2026 Republican nominee for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 after the May 26 runoff.