Law Enforcement Associations Endorse Judge Ben Smith for Fifth Court of Appeals
Six police associations, including the Texas Municipal Police Association and Dallas Police Association, back Judge Smith for Place 6.
Judge Smith with members of the Plano Police Association.
NORTH TEXAS — August 27, 2026 — Judge Ben Smith, candidate for Justice of the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6, announced the endorsement of six law enforcement associations representing officers across North Texas and the state.
Judge Smith has earned the endorsement of:
Texas Municipal Police Association
Dallas Police Association
McKinney Police Association
Plano Police Association
Prosper Police Association
Wylie Police Association
“I am deeply honored to have the support of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” Judge Smith said. “Law enforcement officers see our justice system from a perspective few others do. They understand the importance of judges who know the law, respect the Constitution, and apply the law fairly and consistently.”
Judge Smith currently serves as presiding judge of the 380th District Court in Collin County, where he has served since 2012. As judge of a general-jurisdiction district court, Smith has presided over criminal felony, civil, and family law matters.
Before taking the bench, Smith spent eight years as an assistant district attorney in Kaufman and Collin Counties. During his career as a prosecutor, he served in positions including Chief Felony Prosecutor, Chief of the Misdemeanor Division, Second Assistant District Attorney, and Chief of the Special Prosecution Division. He prosecuted cases ranging from misdemeanor offenses to capital murder.
“Having spent years as a prosecutor and more than a decade on the district court bench, I have seen firsthand the responsibility carried by everyone who serves in our justice system,” Smith said. “These endorsements mean a great deal to me, and I am grateful for the confidence these officers have placed in my candidacy.”
The Fifth Court of Appeals hears civil and criminal appeals from Dallas, Collin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, and Rockwall Counties. Smith is running for Place 6 and is the only candidate that brings extensive trial-court experience across every area of law that come before the appellate court.
The law enforcement endorsements add to a growing coalition supporting Smith’s campaign, including elected officials, attorneys, community leaders, and citizens throughout North Texas.
For more information about Judge Ben Smith and his campaign for the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6, visit JudgeBenSmith.com.
About Judge Ben Smith
Judge Ben Smith has served as Judge of the 380th Judicial District Court in Collin County since 2012. He was appointed by Governor Rick Perry after winning the Republican primary and subsequently elected by Collin County voters four more times. Before taking the bench, Smith worked in private practice and served for eight years as an assistant district attorney in Kaufman and Collin Counties. He is a graduate of Boston University School of Law and is a candidate for Justice of the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6.
Political advertising paid for and/or authorized by Judge Ben Smith for Justice, 5th Court of Appeals.
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