He went to Harvard Law, served on the Texas Supreme Court, and was appointed by Greg Abbott to be the first chief justice of a brand-new court created by the Texas legislature.
Brister grew up in Waco and has served on a state district court, two courts of appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court. He also chaired the Texas Commission on Public School Finance. The 15th Court of Appeals — newly created in 2023 — hears challenges involving state officials and agencies. Brister was its first appointed chief.
Judges aren't allowed to take sides on these values — it's against judicial ethics rules. The best clue to how a judge thinks is the party they run with.