Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jimmy Blacklock to serve on the Texas Supreme Court.
Following the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett to serve on the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, Abbott appointed Blacklock to serve the remainder of Willett's term. Blacklock previously served as general counsel to Governor Abbott.
Blacklock was sworn-in on Tuesday morning in a ceremony that also included a ceremony for Justice Willett.
Following the ceremony, Abbott explained why he chose to appoint Blacklock to the Texas Supreme Court.
"I wasn't guessing, I wasn't hoping, I wasn't praying," Governor Abbott said. "I knew what kind of justice he would be."
Blacklock's term on the Texas Supreme Court will end in 2019. Blacklock is currently running unopposed in the Republican primary for a full term in the seat and will face Democrat Steven Kirkland in the November general election.
