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Independent · Houston, Texas · Founded 2026

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2026 Texas Muslim Voter Guide

Race 15 of 18

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9

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

  • John Messinger
    Photo: Candidate or public-record portrait via TexasJudges.org

    Republican

    John Messinger

    John Messinger is the Republican candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9. Attorney with the Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney since 2011.

    Criminal-law experience
    State appellate prosecutor
    Prosecution / defense background
    Prosecution / state appellate
    Judicial philosophy
    Enforce laws as written
    Campaign finance
    $6,472 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Notable justice record
    Represents state before CCA
    View record →
  • Holly Taylor
    Photo: Candidate or public-record portrait via TexasJudges.org

    Democrat

    Holly Taylor

    Holly Taylor is the Democratic candidate for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9. Director of the Travis County district attorney's Public Integrity and Complex Crimes Division.

    Criminal-law experience
    Criminal + civil appeals
    Prosecution / defense background
    Public integrity + appellate practice
    Judicial philosophy
    Independent · dignity · rule of law
    Campaign finance
    $11,584 cash on hand
    Hometown / home base
    Austin
    Notable justice record
    Led public-integrity prosecutions
    View record →

What we examine for this office

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

Candidates as printed on the 2026 General Election statewide sample ballot (Texas Secretary of State): John Messinger (Republican), Holly Taylor (Democrat).

0 of 18 statewide races selected