David Christopher Newell (born June 9, 1971) is an American judge, who serves on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. A resident of Houston, Newell was elected to the court in 2014 to succeed the retiring Place 9 Judge Cathy Cochran. John has presented oral argument in over 40 cases, split almost evenly between the Court of Criminal Appeals and intermediate courts of appeals. Texas Place 9 — Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Race 2026. 2 candidates filed for the next election. Non-partisan profiles with verified records. Elected Officials Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9 Office Holder Name: David Newell Party: Republican Term Length: 6 years Next Election Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Address: P.O. Box 12308 City: Austin State/Zip: TX 78711 Phone: (512) 463-1551 Fax: E-Mail: Website: Judge David Newell Place 9 Judge David Newell was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on November 4, 2014. The son of Thomas and Linda Newell, David was born at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, though he grew up in Sugar Land, Texas with his much taller, older brother, Robert Newell. Overall, the nine-person panel has long been dominated by Republicans and there are currently no Democratic judges. This year, three seats are up for grabs. Only the Republican primaries for. David Newell (Republican Party) is a judge for Place 9 of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He assumed office on January 1, 2015. His current term ends on December 31, 2026. Newell is not running for re-election to Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 in 2026. I serve you as a Judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals. I have over two decades of experience handling and deciding criminal appeals as either a lawyer or a judge. Justice Newell will not seek reelection in 2026. John Messinger(Republican Party) is running for election for the Place 9 judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.