We go over this in 2306, but although Texas has an elected judiciary the Texas Constitution allows the governor to appoint judges in case of vacancies - with the confirmation by the Texas Senate. This has led to an unusual custom. Judges have a tendency to resign their offices prior to the end of their terms so that the governor can appoint their replacement. Judicial elections are generally non-competitive and low information, so the appointees tend to be elected to full terms.
In his 14 years in office, Rick Perry had a greater stamp on the judiciary than any of hos predecessors.
Ballotpedia lists them here.
