Republican Justice David Gunn is running for Place 4 on the Houston-based First Court of Appeals in Texas’ Nov. 3, 2026, election. He faces Democrat Julie Countiss for an unexpired term, according to the state’s certified candidate list.
This is a regional judicial election outside Collin and Rockwall counties. Those counties are served by the Fifth Court of Appeals; Gunn’s First Court race is not on their local ballots.
Background
Gunn joined the First Court in October 2024 after more than two decades practicing appellate law as a partner at Beck Redden, according to his official court biography.
It lists engineering degrees from the University of Texas and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a law degree from Baylor and a master of laws from the University of Houston. He is board-certified in civil appellate law.
The office
The First Court of Appeals reviews civil and criminal cases from courts in its ten-county district, except cases involving an imposed death sentence. An appellate justice reviews cases under the law rather than passing legislation.
The official biography reviewed describes Gunn’s professional experience but does not provide a detailed 2026 administrative platform, implementation budget or projected savings. No additional policy proposals are attributed to him here.
The Rockwall Herald did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
