Kristen Hawkins

In the candidate's own words

Answered. Submitted by the candidate on October 8, 2026, in answer to the same questions every candidate is offered. Published as written. This site does not check what it says.

Background

I have served on the bench as a district court judge since January 1, 2017, and I have presided over more than 200 trials—both bench and jury trials. I have presided over cases in which the parties cannot afford counsel, cases with multiple parties, and cases involving enormous damages. I make rulings every day applying Supreme Court decisions. Before taking the bench, I practiced law for 18 years and served as a special master for five years. As a trial-court judge, In this role, I see how the opinions affect everyday Texans and their ability to access the courts. I have also been appointed by a statewide panel to preside over complex multi-district litigation cases.

I regularly present at continuing legal education seminars for attorneys and other judges. I have held leadership positions in the local bar and within the judiciary in Houston.

Why I am running

The governor has appointed seven of the nine current Supreme Court justices, and I am running give the voters an opportunity to elect a qualified, competent candidate with almost a decade of judicial experience.

As a trial judge, I have interacted with lawyers, litigants, and juries. That experience has given me a perspective regarding the importance of our jury system. I would bring an independent voice to the Supreme Court.

How I would approach this job

The Constitution requires that every party who appears before the Court be treated equally under the law. It also guarantees a right to a trial by jury. If elected to the Supreme Court, I would continue to apply the law equally to all parties and to ensure that juries and their verdicts are respected. This would provide consistency and predictability in our judicial system.