Race 16 of 18
Leads the statewide appeals court that hears cases involving the state, its agencies and officials.
Created and edited by Omar Afra
2026 election results · unofficial
Jerry Zimmerer leads the reported totals with 51.81% of 9,621,993 votes reported.
| Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry ZimmererDemocratMost votes reported | 4,985,001 | 51.81% |
| Scott BristerRepublican | 4,636,992 | 48.19% |
| Total votes reported | 9,621,993 | 2 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
Scott Brister is the Republican candidate for Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals. Chief justice of the 15th Court of Appeals.
Democrat
Jerry Zimmerer is the Democratic candidate for Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals. Attorney and former justice on the 14th Court of Appeals.
Candidates as printed on the 2026 General Election statewide sample ballot (Texas Secretary of State): Scott Brister (Republican), Jerry Zimmerer (Democrat).
0 of 18 statewide races selected
