The Second Court of Appeals, Fort Worth, has jurisdiction over criminal and civil appeals in 12 counties in north-central Texas, including Archer, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Hood, Jack, Montague, Parker, Tarrant, Wichita, Wise and Young.
Four of the Second Court of Appeals’ seven spots are set to appear on the ballot in the coming year, with all Republican incumbents running unopposed in both the primary and general elections.
It should be noted that 2024 will also see Texas add business courts and its Fifteenth Court of Appeals, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this year. The new courts will focus on certain types of complex commercial disputes and their appeals, among other matters that may impact what’s currently presented before North Texas’ Fifth and Second Court of Appeals. The initial vacancies for the business and appeals courts will be filled by appointment. Voters will see the available appeals posts appear on their ballots in 2026.
The following four justices have been approved by the Texas Secretary of State to appear on the ballot for the Republican candidacy for the primary election on March 5. Early voting is set to kick off on February 20.
Chief Justice, 2nd Court of Appeals District
Republican primary candidate:
Bonnie Sudderth, judge from Fort Worth (Incumbent)
Campaign website: https://www.judgebonnie.com/
Place 4, 2nd Court of Appeals District
Republican primary candidate:
Wade Birdwell, judge from Arlington (Incumbent)
Campaign website: https://judgewadebirdwell.com/
Place 5, 2nd Court of Appeals District
Republican primary candidate:
Dabney Bassel, justice, 2nd COA (Incumbent)
Campaign website: https://www.justicedabneybassel.com/
Place 6, 2nd Court of Appeals District
Republican primary candidate:
Mike Wallach, justice, 2nd COA from Colleyville (Incumbent)
Campaign website: https://www.wallachforjudge.com/
