Okey Anyiam, a Democrat and criminal defense attorney, is running for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Place 3, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Thomas Smith and Libertarian Mark Ash.
This candidacy is listed in the Texas secretary of state’s official November 3, 2026 certification for Collin County.
The Place 3 seat is a statewide race, meaning Allen voters will see it on their ballots alongside local and county contests. Anyiam said on his campaign website that he is running to ensure Texans benefit from a fair and independent judiciary at what he called the state's top criminal court.
Judicial philosophy: Anyiam said his approach is to "uphold the law without legislating from the bench, and to apply the clear legislative intent unless that intent is ambiguous." He outlined this position on his campaign website.
Court operations: Anyiam said he wants the Court of Criminal Appeals to hear more cases and resolve them faster. He said he would work with the other judges on the court to increase the number of cases heard and to address what he described as delays in the current system, according to his campaign website.
Fair judiciary: Anyiam said he is campaigning to ensure Texans benefit from a fair and independent judiciary. He has not detailed specific policy proposals beyond the court's caseload on his campaign website.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
