Texas Right to Life commends Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement of his intention to appoint Jimmy Blacklock to the seat that will be vacated by Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett. Justice Willett has been nominated by President Trump to serve on the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
“Texas Right to Life has worked closely with Jimmy Blacklock for a number of years on Pro-Life policies and litigation,” Elizabeth Graham said. “We are very pleased that Governor Abbott will appoint Jimmy to the Supreme Court of Texas. Jimmy is dedicated to applying the letter of the law as a judge, and he has a clear understanding of the proper role of the judiciary in our government. We know Jimmy to be a talented, hard-working, and well-rounded attorney with a strict constructionist view of the Constitution. Jimmy will make Governor Greg Abbott, the Pro-Life community, and all Texans proud.”
A graduate of the University of Texas and Yale Law School, Jimmy has been a life-long Republican and conservative. Appointed by then-Attorney General Abbott to serve as Deputy Attorney General, Jimmy oversaw the drafting of attorney general opinions and assisted with defending Pro-Life legislation challenged by the abortion industry. When Greg Abbott was elected Governor, he immediately tapped Jimmy to be his top lawyer in the Office of the Governor. Jimmy earned the trust and confidence of Governor Abbott because of his hard work as an attorney and his unwavering dedication to the constitutional principles that both he and Governor Abbott espouse.
Justice Willett’s confirmation hearing took place a few weeks ago, and the United States Senate is expected to vote on his confirmation to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in the next several months, after which Jimmy will formally be appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas. He will then run for election to hold this seat in the upcoming March 2018 Primary Election.
Jimmy lives in Austin with his wife and their three daughters. The Blacklocks are members of All Saints Presbyterian Church in Austin.