Holly Taylor

Holly Taylor was born in Houston, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from Rice University in 1989, a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1995, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, LBJ School Of Public Affairs in 1995. Her career experience includes working as an assistant district attorney and adjunct professor.[1]

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Campaign website

Taylor’s campaign website stated the following:

Values

I believe we must safeguard the independence, impartiality, and integrity of our Texas courts, ensuring that all who come before them are treated with respect and humanity.

While I can't speak to specific policies due to ethical constraints, my Democratic affiliation is deeply rooted in my values.

With over two decades of experience in criminal law practice, including holding leadership roles at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and serving as the Rules Attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, my journey reflects my dedication to justice.

As a future Judge, my goal is to respect constitutional rights, create a supportive environment, and enhance court procedures for fair and efficient case resolution. My judicial philosophy revolves around principles of impartiality, equitable treatment, and deference to our State and Federal Constitutions and the rule of law, underscoring my commitment to justice for all.

[2]

—Holly Taylor's campaign website (2026)[3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Holly Taylor currently serves as Assistant Director in the Civil Rights Division of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office working with the Appeals Team, Civil Rights Unit, and Conviction Integrity Unit, which seeks to remedy wrongful convictions. Holly has also served in the Public Integrity Unit, working to prosecute fraud and corruption impacting government agencies.

Previously, Holly served as a Staff Attorney and as the Rules Attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and was a member of the Court’s Rules Advisory Committee.

From 2018-2020, Holly taught an advanced legal writing class at the University of Texas School of Law. She received her B.A. from Rice University and earned her two graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin: a J.D. and a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Holly is Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of the Society of Legal Scholars. She is admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court. She has co-chaired the Austin Bar Association’s CLE Committee.

Holly has authored articles on diverse criminal justice topics including domestic violence and the juvenile justice system, and recent legislation. She has presented at numerous conferences and training events.

Holly and her husband have raised four children and hosted three foreign exchange students. Holly served on the PTA and band booster club and coached her kids' soccer teams.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is a court that many people know little to nothing about. Yet as the highest appellate court in Texas for criminal cases—and the court that decides the appeal of every Texas death penalty case—this court has a significant impact on the criminal justice system. With thousands of post-conviction writs filed each year, the Court typically disposes of more matters each year than any other appellate court in the nation. It is critical that we have someone leading this important Court who understands the realities of practicing criminal law as an advocate in the trial and appellate courts of Texas today. I bring a unique combination of experience and values to fill this critical position.Throughout my career, I’ve worked to ensure that our laws are enforced fairly and justly, without regard to the status of the accused. I’ve prosecuted public officials who have abused their authority in my roles with the Travis County District Attorney’s Public Integrity and Civil Rights Units. And I am proud of my work with the Conviction Integrity Unit, which investigates claims of wrongful conviction and seeks to exonerate the innocent.I have the scholarly expertise needed to lead the Court. I am board certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I taught advanced legal writing at the University of Texas School of Law. I’ve published legal papers and made many presentations over the years—I teach law to other lawyers.

Further, I am ready to take on the big administrative and policy issues that the Presiding Judge encounters in her organizational role serving on entities like the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. I have a public policy background with a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. And I gained a unique perspective serving as the Court’s Rules Attorney and as a member of the Court’s Rules Advisory Committee.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Respectfully, I will refrain from answering this question to ensure that I comply with the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct's prohibition against public comment about a pending or impending matter which could come before the court which would suggest the candidate's position on the matter. I believe that my record shows my commitment to fairness and justice.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am an experienced criminal appellate attorney willing to do the hard work and careful research necessary for this position. My career illustrates this quality as I have, over the last two decades, worked on hundreds of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies like sexual assault, child abuse, murder, and capital murder. I’ve litigated cases in the district courts, courts of appeals, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and even the United States Supreme Court. Further, I am Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Additionally, I have a strong sense of compassion and I am deeply motivated to seek just results that recognize the dignity and humanity of all persons, and I am tenacious in pursuing those results despite the challenges that stand in the way. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to ensure that our laws are enforced fairly and justly and that powerful actors are held accountable. For example, I’ve prosecuted public officials who abused their authority in my position with the Travis County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit and Civil Rights Unit. I am especially proud of my recent work with TCDA’s Conviction Integrity Unit seeking to remedy wrongful convictions and exonerate innocent people convicted of crimes.

Finally, I have a sense of humor—a necessary quality to handle the stress of this office.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals has an especially influential role. She leads the Court as its administrative head and has a key role on other important boards, like the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and the Texas Judicial Council.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Austin Black Lawyers Association

Hispanic Bar Association

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Campaign website

Taylor’s campaign website stated the following:

As a lifelong Democrat, my values align with the values of the Texas Democratic Party and I share the party's ideals.

While I can't delve into specific planks due to ethical constraints, my Democratic affiliation is deeply rooted in my values.

With over two decades of experience in criminal law practice, including holding leadership roles at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and serving as the Rules Attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals', my journey reflects my dedication to justice.

As a future Presiding Judge, my goal is to respect constitutional rights, create a supportive environment, and enhance court procedures for fair and efficient case resolution. My judicial philosophy revolves around principles of impartiality, equitable treatment, and the rule of law, underscoring my commitment to ensuring justice for all.[2]

—Holly Taylor’s campaign website (2024)[4]