Jessica Caird
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile
BIOGRAPHY
EDUCATION
American University, Washington D.C., B.A., 1991-1995
University of Houston Law Center, Houston, JD, 1995-1998
WORK & MILITARY
Harris County District Attorney's Office, Assistant District Attorney, 1998-2026
Harris County District Attorney's Office, Appellate Division Chief, 2021-2026
Harris County District Attorney's Office, Appellate Attorney, 2006-2021
Harris County District Attorney's Office, Juvenile Court Chief, 2003-2006
AFFILIATIONS
HBA HAY Center Committee, Co-Chair, 2022-2023
HBA HAY Center Committee, Co-Chair, 2026-2026
HBA HAY Center Committee, member, 2021-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
none
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
none
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Houston Police Officer Union
Supported by the Mexican American Sheriff's Organization
Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
The Menudo Club
The Log Cabin Republicans
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (5)
Jessica Caird (2026)
Local, County, District Republican Organizations (2026)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2025)
Republican Womens Organizations (2025)
Texas Truth Movement (2025)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Jessica Caird (2026)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. The First Court of Appeals handles civil and criminal appeals. My judicial philosophy and the oath I would take if elected require me to follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. The First Court of Appeals handles civil and criminal appeals. My judicial philosophy and the oath I would take if elected require me to follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Choose not to answer
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court.
How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. The First Court of Appeals handles civil and criminal appeals, and the Texas Legislature has both civil and criminal laws related to this subject. The job of any judge is to faithfully apply the law as written by the Texas Legislature unless that statute is in direct conflict with the text of the United States or Texas Constitutions.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. My judicial philosophy and the oath of office if elected require me to follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. My judicial philosophy and the oath of office if elected require me to follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. A judge must faithfully interpret the law as written by the Texas Legislature and apply it unless it conflicts with the text of the Texas or United States Constitutions.
Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. My judicial philosophy and the oath of office if elected require that I follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and apply the law as written by the Texas Legislature unless it conflicts with the Texas or United States Constitutions.
VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian who follows the values and the teachings of the Bible. My mother was both a Chaplain and a Pastoral Care Counselor who raised me to follow its teachings.
What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. My judicial philosophy and the oath of office I would take if elected require that I follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. I would apply the law as written by the Texas Legislature unless it conflicts with the Constitution.
Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
Choose not to answer
I have been a Harris County voter since 1996. I have supported the Republican Party in Harris County since that time, and my voting record so reflects.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
I hold the United States and Texas Constitutions supreme, recognizing that these sacred texts must be read as written because they reflect the will of the people. The law must apply equally to everyone for our community to thrive. A justice may not ignore the law or recreate it, but instead must faithfully apply it as written by the Legislature and enshrined in the Constitution.
Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
I believe the law must be read as written, not interpreted based on community standards. The text of the statute is what the Legislature voted to approve.
Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
Justice Antonin Scalia because he recognized the text of the Constitution controlled.
Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court. My judicial philosophy and the oath of office I would take if elected require that I follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. I would apply the law as written by the Texas Legislature unless it conflicts with the Constitution.
A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
Texas precedent requires statutory construction begin with the plain meaning of the statute or constitution as written. Only when the plain meaning of a statute leads to an absurd result or when that statute is ambiguous, may the judiciary rely on extra-textual sources such as legislative analysis and hearings.
What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
Judicial restraint requires the court to decide only the issue before it, as presented by the facts and the law applicable to the particular case, based on binding precedent and the plain meaning of the statute or provision. Judicial activism, however, suggests that a judge can decide issues or interpretations based on personal beliefs rather than the law before her. I firmly believe in judicial restraint.
What is the proper role of a judge?
To interpret and apply the law as written by the legislature and enshrined in the Constitution.
When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
Public opinion, no.
If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
Intermediate appellate courts, which the First Court is, must follow binding precedent from the appellate courts above them. They can issue opinions that raise issues for the higher court to consider, but ultimately cannot depart from decisions made by the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
The Texas ethics rules for judicial candidates do not allow me to comment on matters that may come before the Court, and Second Amendment litigation is very much before the Court now. My judicial philosophy and oath of office require that I follow the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. I would apply the law as written by the Texas Legislature unless it conflicts with the Constitution.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
The three branches were designed to wield authority equally as checks and balances on each other.
If you are not already receiving our updates, stay current with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.
Invest in America’s Future
Join the movement to restore biblical values and constitutional principles in our nation by informing and mobilizing more faith-based voters with the truth.
