Below are the unedited responses from Jane Bland to the Amarillo Pioneer’s candidate questionnaire for 2020. Bland is a Republican incumbent candidate for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6.
Please note: Questions from the Pioneer are in italics and the candidate’s responses are in standard type.
Bland/Photo by Campaign
What is your occupation?
Justice, Texas Supreme Court, Place 6
What is your age?
54
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees earned, and institutions attended. You may also list any professional certifications.
The University of Texas, BBA (accounting, 1987, with highest honors); Law (1990, with high honors)
Is this your first time running for office? If not, please list which offices you have sought or held in the past.
I served as a Justice on the Texas First Court of Appeals for 15 years, and I served as a State District Judge for 6 years.
If you have a website, Facebook, Twitter, or any other online campaign materials, please list the links below.
JusticeJaneBland.com
Why did you decide to run for office in 2020?
Governor Abbott appointed me to fill a vacancy on the Texas Supreme Court. I am up for election in November 2020.
What experience do you have that qualifies you to hold this position?
I have served more than 20 years at three levels of the state judiciary: 6 years as a state district judge, 15 years as a justice on the Court of Appeals, and on the Texas Supreme Court. I am board-certified in Civil Appellate Law and Civil Trial Law. I am a high honors graduate from the University of Texas and was an editor of the Texas Law Review. I chaired Houston Volunteer Lawyers, and I co-chair the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. I chair the Texas Pattern Jury Charge Oversight Committee and serve on the state-wide rules committee. I am a member of the American Law Institute.
Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, please list your PAC endorsements.
I am unopposed in the Republican primary. I expect to be endorsed by numerous groups based on my qualifications and experience.
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support in your race?
I will support and defend our Texas and United States Constitutions and our laws. I will work hard to fairly and impartially apply the law to the facts at hand, without imposing any personal agenda. I am the only candidate in the race who has experience as a state judge. I am the only candidate in the race who is board-certified in civil appellate law (the kind of work the Court does) and in civil trial law. I ask for your vote in November 2020.