Attorney General Ken Paxton has expressed approval of recent appointments to the Texas Supreme Court. Justice Jimmy Blacklock has been named Chief Justice, while James Sullivan takes on the role of Justice, Place 2.
Chief Justice Blacklock joined the Texas Supreme Court in 2018. Before his appointment, he worked for six years in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), focusing on healthcare, religious liberty, and right-to-life issues as Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel. Similarly, Justice Sullivan previously served with the OAG as an Assistant Solicitor General.
Attorney General Paxton commented on their appointments: “Congratulations to Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock and to Justice James Sullivan, both brilliant and dedicated public servants. Our State will be well-served by your knowledge, wisdom, and respect for the rule of law.”
Paxton further noted that "throughout the years, the Office of the Attorney General has produced strong legal minds who have dedicated their talents to serving the people of Texas." He expressed confidence that Chief Justice Blacklock and Justice Sullivan will continue to enhance "the Court’s legacy as the finest state Supreme Court in the country."