Kevin Jewell, a Republican, is running for chief justice of the Texas 14th Court of Appeals in the Nov. 3 general election. The Houston-based court hears civil and criminal appeals from Fort Bend County, including cases originating in Missouri City and Stafford.
Jewell has served as a justice on the 14th Court of Appeals, Place 2, since Jan. 1, 2017. He said in a candidate questionnaire that the current chief justice is retiring.
"I'm seeking this seat because I possess the experience, impartiality, and administrative skill to lead this court into the AI generation," Jewell said in his questionnaire response.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Texas 14th Court of Appeals, chief justice
- Current role: Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 2 (since Jan. 1, 2017)
- Education: JD, University of Houston Law Center (1993); BBA, University of Texas at Austin (1990, high honors)
- Family: Married to Dr. Denise Metry, a dermatologist at Texas Children's Hospital. Two college-age sons.
- Residence: Houston
- Endorsements: Texas Civil Justice League PAC, Houston Realty Business Coalition, Houston Police Officers' Union, Conservative Coalition of Harris County
Experience and public service
Before joining the bench, Jewell spent 23 years in private practice. He worked as an associate at Hirsch, Robinson, Sheiness & Glover from 1993 to 1996, then at Magenheim, Bateman & Helfand from 1996 to 2003. He served as a litigation and appellate shareholder at Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry from 2003 to 2016.
Jewell has been board certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1998. He said in his questionnaire that he has authored approximately 600 opinions on the 14th Court. He also serves on the board of directors of the State Bar of Texas Judicial Section.
On the issues
Judicial impartiality: Jewell said he reaches decisions based on the law and facts of each case "without concern for outside political influences."
Court leadership: Jewell said the chief justice role carries extra administrative duties. He pointed to his nearly 10 years on the court and his experience on his former law firm's management committee as preparation.
Differences from opponent: Jewell said his opponent has never served on the 14th Court. He also said he scored higher ratings in Houston Bar Association judicial evaluation polls.
Missouri City and Stafford voters can find registration and polling details through the Fort Bend County Elections Office.
