Democrat Tom Baker faces Republican incumbent Scott K. Field for Place 2 on Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals in the Nov. 3, 2026, election, according to the state’s certified ballot.
Background and approach
Baker’s joint campaign website describes Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps service and previous service on the 3rd Court of Appeals from 2019 to 2024.
The campaign emphasizes decisions based on law rather than party affiliation, judicial accountability and access to justice. Those statements do not commit Baker to an outcome in any particular case.
No separately costed administrative initiative or implementation timetable was verified in the reviewed material.
The court’s authority
The 15th Court of Appeals hears specified civil appeals involving state government and appeals from the Texas Business Court, subject to statutory limits and exceptions. Because its district is statewide, voters throughout Texas participate in the election.
The court reviews legal issues on appeal rather than conducting a new trial. Its decisions may affect businesses, residents and public agencies involved in litigation, but one justice cannot decide every case alone.
The position does not carry legislative authority to change tax rates, appropriate money or rewrite state statutes. A candidate’s criticism of the court’s creation or composition is distinct from its existing legal jurisdiction.
This profile uses the certified ballot, official court information and published campaign material. It excludes unverified endorsements, opinion-production rankings and detailed employment dates.
The Rockwall Herald did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
