Holly Taylor

Democrat | Texas

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Candidate Profile

Holly Taylor — Presiding Judge, Court of Crim. Appeals (Texas General | November 5, 2024)
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9 Texas General | November 3, 2026
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BIOGRAPHY

EDUCATION

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WORK & MILITARY

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AFFILIATIONS

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POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

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POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

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SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS


LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (13)

ActBlue (2024)

Bay Area Democratic Movement (2024)

Blue Horizon Texas PAC (2024)

Clubs in Action (2024)

Coalition of Democratic Allies (2024)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)

OTHER INFORMATION

Candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024.

"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."—Holly Taylor

(See: Candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024.)

"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." —Holly Taylor

Holly Taylor's  campaign website states, "While I can't speak to specific policies due to ethical constraints, my Democratic affiliation is deeply rooted in my values...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 deference to our State and Federal Constitutions and the rule of law, underscoring my commitment to justice for all."

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. 

Posted to Facebook:

"Today we honor Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States and the triumph of freedom and resilience. Together, let's build a community where freedom and justice are truly for all."

See Youtube Video "Holly Taylor TX Criminal Court of Appeals." Mothers for Democracy - Mothers Against Greg Abbott, 2023.

In an interview with MothersforDemocracy-MothersAgainstGregAbbott, Taylor expressed concerned that her opponent, David Schenck, is endorsed by True Texas Project, noting that such organizations adhere to The Great Replacement Theory. Taylor said, “It is absolutely critical to me that our courts remain independent and neutral, and that our judges act with integrity. Our code of judicial conduct provides that judges cannot discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, sex, or sexual orientation. Additionally, our code of judicial conduct specifies that judges are not supposed to be members of any organization that discriminates on those bases.”

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.)

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Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).

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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.

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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?

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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?

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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?

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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.)

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VALUES

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?

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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.

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ABOUT YOU

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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I voted in these primaries and general elections:

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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

Describe your judicial philosophy.

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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?

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

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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.)

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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?

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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?

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What is the proper role of a judge?

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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?

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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.  Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned.  Please comment on this topic.

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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?

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2ND AMENDMENT

What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?

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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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