Chari Kelly, a Democrat and justice on the Third Court of Appeals, is running for Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2, in the Nov. 3 general election. The race is for an unexpired term. The Texas Supreme Court is the state's highest civil court. Republican James P. Sullivan is also on the ballot.

This candidacy is listed in the Texas secretary of state’s official November 3, 2026 certification for Collin County.

Asked why she is running, Kelly said in our questionnaire: "I am running for the Texas Supreme Court because Texans deserve an independent judiciary that applies the law consistently and fairly. After nearly eight years on the Third Court of Appeals, I believe my appellate experience, courtroom background, and record of independence would bring a valuable perspective to our state's highest civil court."

Party: Democratic

Residence: Austin, Texas

Education: Kelly said in our questionnaire: "Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Florida, 1999, with high honors. Juris Doctor, University of Texas School of Law, 2002." She also holds certificates in criminal law and judicial administration from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, according to Texas Judges.

Occupation and work history: Kelly said in our questionnaire: "I am a justice on the Texas Third Court of Appeals. Before joining the bench, I served as a U.S. Army JAG Captain and defense attorney, was a paratrooper, served as a Texas Assistant Attorney General, and served as a prosecutor in Comal and Travis counties. I also teach trial procedures at the University of Texas School of Law and have for nearly 20 years."

Previous elected office: Kelly said in our questionnaire: "Justice, Texas Third Court of Appeals, Place 3. I was elected in 2018 and reelected in 2024. I have served on the court since January 2019."

Kelly served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2007, reaching the rank of captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps at Fort Hood, according to Ballotpedia. She also worked as a defense attorney at Fort Hood and Joint Base San Antonio.

She served as president of the Austin Bar Association from 2023 to 2024 and as chair of the Austin Bar Foundation from 2024 to 2025, according to Texas Judges. She received the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and was named Outstanding DWI Prosecutor of the Year in Travis County by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2018.

Critical differences from opponent: Kelly said in our questionnaire: "I have been a lawyer longer and an appellate judge much longer than my opponent. I am in my eighth year on the Third Court of Appeals and have authored more than 800 opinions. My opponent is in his second year on the Texas Supreme Court after being appointed by Governor Abbott in January 2025."

Accomplishments: Kelly said in our questionnaire: "I have authored more than 800 appellate opinions and built a record of independence, including rulings that the Attorney General was not above the law and that the Governor did not have unlimited authority under the Disaster Act. As an Assistant Attorney General, I helped secure a $19.9 million Medicaid fraud settlement for Texas taxpayers."

Judicial philosophy: Kelly said on the Texas Judges website: "My judicial philosophy is grounded in fairness, independence, respect for the Constitution, fidelity to the law, careful attention to the record, and clear writing."

Allen residents will see this statewide race on their Nov. 3 ballot.

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.