Chika Anyiam

Democrat | Texas

Candidate Profile*

Activist (Conditional)

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Chika Anyiam


Party

Democrat


Election Year

2024


Election

General


Race

Judge, Court of Crim. Appeals, Place 8


Incumbent

No


Links

Chika Anyiam websites Facebook

EDUCATION

Candidate did not provide

WORK & MILITARY

Candidate did not provide

AFFILIATIONS

Candidate did not provide

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Candidate did not provide

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

Candidate did not provide

ENDORSEMENTS*

*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
LIBERAL (11)

El Paso County Democratic Party

McKinney Area Democratic Club (MADC)

Pflugerville Area Democrats

Richardson Area Democrats

Tarrant County Democratic Party

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS


LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (17)

Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2024)

State Democratic Party Organizations (2024)

Texas Justice Democrats (2024)

ActBlue (2022)

Tejano Democrats (2022)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (10)

Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2024)

State Democratic Party Organizations (2024)

Texas Justice Democrats (2024)

Elizabeth Ginsberg (2021)

Jasmine Crockett (2019)

OTHER INFORMATION

"I ran a campaign based on my credentials, experience, work ethic, and commitment to fairness. I go to work each day honored that I am able to serve my community and be a part of the justice system that is so fundamental to our society in this country. In 2024, I am running for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals because we need change in our statewide courts to add diversity of perspective and legal experience." —Judge Chika Anyiam

Posted to Facebook:

"From the Dallas AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast to the DCDP Labor Day Picnic! Let’s get out the vote! #JudgeChikaAnyiamForTexasCourtofCriminalAppealsPlace8"

When asked, "What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?" Judge Anyiam responded: "The election of President Barack Obama as the first Black president of the United States of America in 2008. I was 41 years of age." (see “Chika Anyiam: 2024 Ballotpedia Survey Responses.” Ballotpedia, 2024.)

Judge Chika Anyiam's Campaign Website highlights:

Criminal Justice Innovation

Judge Anyiam is committed to advancing criminal justice reforms, including identifying individuals who may benefit from rehabilitative assistance, utilizing alternative sentencing, and implementing bail reform to prevent low-risk offenders from overcrowding jails.

Fairness and Efficiency

Judge Anyiam believes that a fair process and the opportunity to be heard are paramount in court. She is dedicated to ensuring fairness and equal treatment for everyone who appears in her court while maintaining an efficient administration of justice.

"I believe that our laws should be interpreted strictly according to the legislative intent, not colored by the judges individual biases or prejudices. I believe that everyone has a right to equal access to justice, fair and impartial treatment under the law, and a process that ensures true and timey justice.  In the trial courts where the judge has the discretion, I believe in rehabilitation and mental heath treatment where such is appropriate for low risk offenders to prevent recidivism and keep families together, and punishment/prison sentences to deter career violent criminals and keep our communities safe." —Judge Chika Anyiam

(see “Chika Anyiam: 2024 Ballotpedia Survey Responses.” Ballotpedia, 2024.)

Judge Anyiam "is committed to the concepts of fairness and equal access to justice, and a true passion for public service." 

"My core responsibilities if elected as a judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals are to:

  • Be independent, fair, and impartial.
  • Be well-versed and abreast of current laws and procedures.
  • Thoroughly research legal issues before the court.
  • Interpret the relevant laws as they were intended by the legislature.
  • Determine whether a lower court has committed error in interpreting or applying the law.
  • Determine whether an appellant's constitutional rights were infringed in the lower court.
  • Interpret vague or contested constitutional law.
  • Render opinions in a timely manner.

All this having been discussed, briefed, and fleshed out in good faith with the other judges."
—Judge Chika Anyiam

(See “Chika Anyiam: 2024 Ballotpedia Survey Responses.” Ballotpedia, 2024.)

From “Chika Anyiam: 2024 Ballotpedia Survey Responses.Ballotpedia, 2024"

  • "I am passionate about equal access to justice, fairness and the correct interpretation of our Texas laws and constitution in our criminal justice system.  However, due to ethical constraints by the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, I am prohibited from commenting on public policy issues that are currently before or which may in future through the appellate process end up before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that may be interpreted to allude rightfully or mistakenly to my position on said matters."
  • "An elected official should be respectful, humble, and empathetic towards constituents while upholding the rules of the elected position, the laws and constitution of Texas and the United States of America."
  • "I am independent of any adverse influences and interpret and rule on the law without fear or favor, the way the legislature intended."

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain.

Did not answer

I support a right to accelerate ending a human life.

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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.

Did not answer


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Religious liberty is at risk in the United States.

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VALUES

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

Did not answer

What is your view of parental rights regarding the upbringing of children, specifically education and sexual "identity"?

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I support "gender identity" as a specially protected class. Please explain.

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What do you believe to be true about the human condition?

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EQUALITY

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT).

Did not answer


ABOUT YOU

What, if any, church or organizations do you belong to?

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I voted in these primaries and general elections:

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Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

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Would you describe your judicial philosophy as originalist, living constitutionalist, or something else? Please explain.

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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?

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Is there a separation of church and state in the Constitution? Please explain.

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Should courts address threats to religious liberty in the United States? If so, how?

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Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain.

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Was Bostock v. Clayton County rightly decided under the law? Please explain.

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I agree that “the custody, care and nurture of the child reside first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder.” (Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65-66 (2000); quoting Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158, 166 (1944).

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What should a judge do when legislative texts and court precedents dictate different results?

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When should a judge overturn past court decisions?

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When, if ever, should a judge take popular opinion or the social views of the majority into consideration?

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Do you believe the meaning of the Constitution changes over time, absent changes through the amendment process of Article V?

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What do you believe is the single most important quality a judge should possess?

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If you are an incumbent judge, describe a recent instance in which you acted to preserve your judicial independence. If you are an aspiring judge, how do you plan to remain independent if elected to the bench?

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2ND AMENDMENT

The right to bear arms is fundamental and must be protected.

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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?

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How should the court address public health and individual freedoms in the time of a public health emergency?

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