Two of the state's most prominent conservative jurists have been nominated by President Trump to join the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which considers cases from all Texas federal courts, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Veteran Texas Supreme Court Justice, and, like the man who appointed him a prolific 'tweeter,' Don Willett has been nominated. Also nominated is James Ho, who succeeded Ted Cruz as the Texas Solicitor General.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn says the appointment of conservative judges to the appellate and Supreme Courts is one of the reasons why many conservatives, even those who weren't enthusiastic about Trump himself, voted for Trump last year.
"We don't need judges who are going to usurp the role of the Legislature and become policy makers," Cornyn told News Radio 1200 WOAI's Michael Board. "Because as unelected officials, there is no way that the public can hold (Federal Judges) accountable."
Cornyn also pointed out that both Willet, at 51, and Ho, at 44, are relatively young, and will continue to be conservative voices on the court long after Trump has retired.
Gov. Abbott, who had both Ho and Willet on his staff when he was Texas Attorney General, praised their appointment.
"I can attest to their brililance as lawyers and their unwavering commitment to the rule of law," Abbott said. "I look forward to their swift approval by the U.S. Senate and to their service on the 5th Circuit, where I know they will uphold the constitution."
The Fifth Circuit is already considered the most conservative appellate court in the country. It just this week overturned a San Antonio federal judge and allowed Texas to enforce parts of the law banning Sanctuary Cities, overruling the demands of liberal activists and politicians.
The addition of Willet and Ho to the court is expected to enhance that conservative image.
"President Turmp won the election, because the voters knew that the person they elected president was going to nominate a certain type of judge," Cornyn said.