Wallace B. Jefferson

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Wallace B. Jefferson is the Republican Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. His term ends December 31, 2008.

[edit] Historic Appointments and Election

He has three times made Texas judicial history. In 2001, Governor Rick Perry appointed him the first African American Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and then again in 2004 when he was appointed the first African American Chief Justice by Perry in 2004. In November 2002, Jefferson also became, along with Justice Dale Wainwright, the first African American elected to the Court.

Jefferson was first appointed to the court on April 18, 2001 to fill the vacancy left by Alberto R. Gonzales, who resigned to become White House Counsel to President George W. Bush. Jefferson was re-elected to that seat in 2002 with 56% of the vote.

Before Jefferson could get a chance to complete his new term, however, he was again promoted by Gov. Perry. On September 20, 2004, Perry appointed Jefferson the successor to Chief Justice Thomas R. Phillips, who retired from the Court a few weeks earlier after nearly 17 years as chief. Jefferson was elected to serve out the remainder of Phillips's unexpired term as Chief Justice in November 2006. Thus, Jefferson was not elected to a full six-year term but will face the voters again in 2008.

[edit] Personal life

Jefferson and his wife, Rhonda, have three sons. He is an alumnus of John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas, the James Madison College at Michigan State University and the University of Texas School of Law.

[edit] External links

Preceded by Thomas R. Phillips	Texas Supreme Court Justice, Chief Justice 2004 – present	Incumbent
Preceded by Alberto R. Gonzalez	Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4 2001-2004	Succeeded by David M. Medina