Race 13 of 18
Decides criminal appeals, including every death-penalty case, on the state's highest criminal court.
Created and edited by Omar Afra
2026 election results · unofficial
Okey Anyiam leads the reported totals with 50.03% of 9,672,156 votes reported.
| Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Okey AnyiamDemocratMost votes reported | 4,839,230 | 50.03% |
| Thomas SmithRepublican | 4,601,878 | 47.58% |
| Mark AshLibertarian | 231,048 | 2.39% |
| Total votes reported | 9,672,156 | 3 entries |
Unofficial returns: Texas Secretary of State, “2026 NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION (Updated 11/04/2026 04:59 PM)”; time zone not shown on the source. Checked November 8, 2026. 100% of polling locations reporting, which does not mean every ballot has been counted. Not certified; the state canvass falls between November 21, 2026 and December 7, 2026. Shares are of all votes reported in the race, write-ins included, rounded to two decimals; they may not total 100%.
Campaign research · compiled before the election
We are reviewing opinions, briefs and professional records for this judicial race. We do not infer a judge's position from party affiliation.
Sources under review
Republican
Thomas Smith is the Republican candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Special assistant attorney general working in criminal justice.
Democrat
Okey Anyiam is the Democratic candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Criminal-defense attorney licensed in Texas since 1997.
Libertarian
Mark Ash is the Libertarian candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Criminal-defense lawyer licensed in Texas since 1992.
Candidates as printed on the 2026 General Election statewide sample ballot (Texas Secretary of State): Thomas Smith (Republican), Okey Anyiam (Democrat), Mark Ash (Libertarian).
0 of 18 statewide races selected
