Race 13 of 18

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3

Decides criminal appeals, including every death-penalty case, on the state's highest criminal court.

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

TexasJudges.org race index · REFERENCE

Photo: Candidate or public-record portrait via TexasJudges.org
Republican
Thomas Smith
Thomas Smith is the Republican candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Special assistant attorney general working in criminal justice.
Criminal-law experience
Assistant Texas attorney general
Prosecution / defense background
Government / AG-side background
Judicial philosophy
Campaign: public-safety emphasis
Campaign finance
$5,896.81 cash on hand
Hometown / home base
Dallas
Notable justice record
Conduct complaint · disputed
View record →
Photo: Candidate or public-record portrait via TexasJudges.org
Democrat
Okey Anyiam
Okey Anyiam is the Democratic candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Criminal-defense attorney licensed in Texas since 1997.
Criminal-law experience
Criminal-defense attorney
Prosecution / defense background
Defense
Judicial philosophy
Law without legislating
Campaign finance
No cash on hand reported
Hometown / home base
Dallas
Notable justice record
Criminal-defense practice
View record →
Photo: Photo supplied by the publisher
Libertarian
Mark Ash
Mark Ash is the Libertarian candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3. Criminal-defense lawyer licensed in Texas since 1992.
Criminal-law experience
Defense attorney since 1994
Prosecution / defense background
Defense
Judicial philosophy
Privacy · due-process emphasis
Campaign finance
TEC filings available
Hometown / home base
Houston
Notable justice record
Repeated statewide judicial candidacies
View record →

What we examine for this office

1. Written Opinions
2. Legal & Judicial History
3. Constitutional & Religious-Liberty Cases
4. Criminal Justice & Due Process
5. Professional History
6. Political Money & Israel-Policy Organizations
7. Documented Public Statements

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