No Primary Opponent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 1, 2026

Judge Ben Smith Faces No Primary Opponent in Republican Primary for Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals

PLANO, Texas – Judge Benjamin N. Smith, currently presiding over the 380th Judicial District Court in Collin County, today announced that he will face no primary challenger in the March 3, 2026 Republican primary for Place 6 on the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals.

The filing deadline has passed with no other Republican candidates qualifying to run against Judge Smith, clearing his path to advance directly to the general election as the Republican nominee. This unopposed primary reflects strong confidence from party members and the legal community in Judge Smith's record of fair, efficient, and principled judicial service.

Since his appointment to the bench by Governor Rick Perry in 2012, Judge Smith has presided over a wide range of complex felony criminal, family, and civil cases in Collin County. His experience as a former chief felony prosecutor and his commitment to the rule of law have earned him widespread respect across North Texas.

"I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by Republican voters and leaders," said Judge Ben Smith. "With no primary opposition, I look forward to focusing fully on continuing my service to the people of Collin, Dallas, Grayson, Kaufman, Hunt, and Rockwall Counties on the Fifth Court of Appeals. I remain committed to upholding justice, protecting individual rights, and ensuring our courts serve with integrity and impartiality."

Judge Smith resides in Collin County and is a graduate of Boston University School of Law.

For more information about Judge Ben Smith's campaign for the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals, visit www.judgebensmith.com or contact the campaign office.

Contact: Cris Rude, Judge Ben Smith for Justice Email: campaign@judgebensmith.com