When Nathan Hecht first campaigned for a position on the Texas Supreme Court in 1988, he made history as the first Republican to be elected to the state’s highest civil court. This pivotal moment set the stage for a significant change in the judicial landscape of Texas, along with the broader civil legal processes within the state. Hecht’s tenure as a justice has become a remarkable journey, becoming the longest-serving Supreme Court justice in Texas history, successfully winning re-elections six times and leading the court as chief justice for over ten years. As he prepares for retirement, he leaves behind an extensive record of over 2,700 oral arguments and approximately 7,000 pages of written opinions, choosing to step away due to state law rather than personal choice.
Just two weeks prior to his retirement, Hecht was still deeply engaged in his work, reflecting on the busy nature of the time as opinions were piling up for discussion. “This is always a really busy time for us, because the opinions are mounting up to be talked about,” he shared. Starting as a dissenter in a court split along political lines, Hecht’s conservative beliefs on issues such as abortion, school financing, and property rights initially positioned him against a Democratic majority. However, as the Republican Party grew stronger across the state, his previously minority views became mainstream on one of the most conservative high courts in the nation.
Throughout his time leading the court, Hecht prioritized advocating for the underserved, pushing for improvements in Legal Aid funding, reforms in bail practices, and initiatives that alleviate barriers to the justice system. In a statement to lawmakers in 2017, he expressed the dire state of justice accessibility in Texas, likening it to the scarcity of food, housing, and medical care for the needy. With Hecht’s impending departure, Governor Greg Abbott will be responsible for selecting his successor, potentially promoting an existing justice or choosing a new appointment for the chief justice role, who will then face an election in 2026.
In a humble reflection, Hecht shared with Texas Tribune that his service on the court has been the greatest honor of his life. He remarked on the immense impact he experienced, both in shaping legal precedents and improving court administration to bolster public trust. “So I feel good about the past,” he stated, “And I feel good about the future.”
A significant force in Texas legal history, Hecht grew up in Clovis, New Mexico, and studied philosophy at Yale before obtaining his law degree from Southern Methodist University. His legal career began with a clerkship at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, after which he returned to Texas where his talents quickly made their mark. Tom Phillips, a former supreme court chief justice, once had a hard time securing a position at a Dallas law firm due to Hecht’s hiring that took precedence.
In 1981, Hecht received an appointment to the district court where he implemented modernization efforts, promoting updated stenography practices and began the norm of writing opinions as a trial judge. His election to the court of appeals followed in 1986, leading to his historic election to the Texas Supreme Court just two years later. Hecht’s campaign came during a tumultuous time marked by scandals and questionable ethical conduct within the judicial system, and he positioned himself as a candidate for change, challenging an incumbent Democrat highlighted in a critical “60 Minutes” segment.
By partnering with Phillips and Eugene Cook, two fellow Republicans newly appointed to the court, Hecht called for voters to support “Clean the Slate in ’88,” promising to accept only small campaign donations. This period marked a significant transformation in Texas politics, as the Supreme Court quickly shifted to Republican dominance, seeing no Democrats elected after 1994.
Hecht gained a reputation for his staunchly conservative views, which sometimes diverged from his Republican colleagues. His dissenting opinions garnered attention, particularly in contentious cases involving minors’ rights concerning abortion and local funding of education. Opposition groups even dubbed him as the “godfather” of the conservative judicial movement within the state.
Over the years, Hecht faced scrutiny for some of his political engagements, particularly surrounding efforts to confirm Harriet Miers to the U.S Supreme Court. His advocacy resulted in ethical challenges, leading to reprimands and fines related to legal fee reporting. Nonetheless, he maintained a lower profile in the intervening years, allowing his legal opinions to reflect his views while navigating through limited political controversy.
As he steps down, Hecht is hopeful for bipartisan efforts in bridging gaps in legal services and emphasizing the importance of equitable access to justice. His reforms have focused on modernizing the court’s operational procedures, including the implementation of e-filing and access to Legal Aid for low-income residents. He is committed to sparking continued conversation around these issues, stressing a need for attention even after his departure from the bench.
Looking ahead, the Texas Supreme Court will not only continue its proceedings but also investigate various cases pertaining to family services, immigration, and education within the upcoming year. Although Hecht’s absence will be felt, the court is expected to carry on effectively under well-qualified justices. For Hecht, thoughts of retirement are still being processed alongside upcoming tasks, conscious of the legacy he hopes to leave behind while remaining engaged in efforts to support improved court administration in the future.
