Justice Jimmy Blacklock, known for his conservative views and as a close ally of Governor Greg Abbott, has been appointed as the new chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court. He succeeds Nathan Hecht, who has served as the court’s longest-serving justice and stepped down at the end of December due to the state’s mandatory retirement age for judicial officers.
In a strategic move, Abbott has appointed his general counsel, James P. Sullivan, to fill the vacancy left by Blacklock’s elevation. Abbott expressed confidence in both Blacklock and Sullivan, stating their roles will be pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the Texas Constitution as they serve on the state’s highest judicial bench.
As chief justice, Blacklock will have expanded responsibilities, particularly in court administration. Hecht’s tenure was marked by significant reforms to civil procedure rules and a strong commitment towards enhancing legal aid for low-income individuals navigating the justice system. Blacklock acknowledged Hecht’s influence but emphasized that judicial decisions arise from a collaborative process, as the chief justice remains just one out of nine voices.
The appointment of Sullivan is expected to reinforce the court’s conservative orientation. The political landscape of Texas courts has shifted dramatically from a previously more liberal stance to one dominated by conservative ideologies. Both Blacklock and Sullivan represent a new generation of legal thinkers aligned with the growing conservative legal movement.
Blacklock’s educational background includes a degree from Yale Law School and a clerkship with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, after which he worked in private practice and for the Texas Office of the Attorney General. He has been influential in Texas’s legal battles against the Obama administration, participating actively in litigation concerning restrictive laws on abortion, voter ID requirements, and challenges against health care reforms.
After being appointed by Abbott to the bench in December 2017 at just 38 years old, Blacklock’s contributions to the court are being closely watched. Since Abbott took office, he has appointed six of the nine justices currently serving, a move that has significantly affected the ideological balance of the court.
Sullivan, who graduated from Harvard Law School, also has a distinguished career marked by clerking for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and serving as Texas’s assistant solicitor general. He rose through the ranks to become Abbott’s general counsel, providing legal insight on pivotal issues within the state.
Abbott commended Sullivan’s capabilities, citing his strong legal acumen and moral integrity as essential qualities for a Texas Supreme Court Justice. With the court now recognized as one of the most conservative high courts in the nation, it has made impactful decisions regarding abortion rights, public health measures during the pandemic, and authority over local governance.
In competitive elections, despite the sometimes controversial nature of the court’s rulings, incumbents often secure reelection due to the lack of voter awareness in these judicial races. Blacklock’s victory over Harris County District Judge DaSean Jones by over 16 points stands testament to this trend.
Reflecting on his new role, Blacklock expressed gratitude towards Hecht for his remarkable service and reiterated that the Supreme Court should represent the interests of the citizens of Texas, emphasizing the commitment to uphold law and justice fairly and impartially.
