Longest serving justice in Texas history seeks to extend the record

AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - For a quarter of a century now, Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht has enjoyed a seat at the Texas Supreme Court.

On Sunday, Hecht became the longest-serving high court justice in state history, eclipsing the record previously held by the late Chief Justice Joe R. Greenhill.

And with close to a half-million dollars in his war chest, Hecht will seek to extend the record by winning reelection this year.

"To have served the people of Texas as a member of the Supreme Court for a quarter century, as long as Chief Justice Greenhill did, is truly an honor," Hecht said. "Now as chief justice, I am privileged to lead a Court that is respected for its commitment to the rule of law and access to justice for all."

Greenhill, who served 25 years and 25 days on the Court until his retirement in October 1982, served as a justice for 9,156 days, according to a Texas Civil Justice League press release.

As of Jan. 28, Hecht has racked up 9,159 days on the Texas Supreme Court.

In the March primary, he will square off against former state Rep. Robert E. Talton, who raised $30,000 in a month's time, according to the Texas Ethics Commission.

Hecht has approximately $463,000 cash on hand, according to the TEC.

The TCJL press release states that Hecht, appointed to lead the court in October, was first elected justice in November 1988 and took his seat Jan. 1, 1989. Before his election, he served on the Dallas Court of Appeals for two years and, before that, on the 95th District Court in Dallas County for more than five.

From Legal Newsline: Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com.