Judge Ben Smith for Justice, Fifth Court of Appeals

09/04/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated the retirement of our bailiff, Luke Eichner, after 14 years of dedicated service.

Our court team has been together for all of the 14 years I’ve been on the bench, and I couldn’t have asked for a better work family. I’m so grateful for Luke’s professionalism, loyalty, and the essential role he played in keeping our court safe, organized, and running efficiently.

We’ll miss him very much, but his retirement is well-earned, and we wish him joy, good health, and peace as he embarks on this new adventure.

09/04/2026

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE SHOULD A JUSTICE ON THE 5TH COURT OF APPEALS BRING TO THE BENCH? 

The Fifth Court reviews decisions made by trial courts. That is why firsthand trial-court experience matters.

Since 2012, Judge Ben Smith has presided over civil disputes, felony criminal cases, and family-law matters in the 380th District Court.

He understands how trial records are developed, how difficult rulings are made, and how the law affects the real people involved in every case.

That experience has prepared Judge Ben Smith to serve on the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals.

Learn more:
https://www.judgebensmith.com/

Follow Judge Ben Smith on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/judgebensmith

Vote for Judge Ben Smith on November 3, 2026.

Pol. Ad paid for by Judge Ben Smith for Justice Campaign.

09/02/2026

We have 50 large Judge Ben Smith signs left, and we need help getting them out across the district.

Our goal is simple: 10 volunteers willing to place five signs each in approved locations.

If you can help, comment below or send us a private message. We’ll coordinate the signs and placement details with you.

Every sign helps us introduce more voters to Judge Ben Smith and his campaign for the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals.

Can you take five?
Message us.

09/02/2026

Six counties. One court.

The Texas Fifth Court of Appeals serves Dallas, Collin, Grayson, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Hunt counties.

The court reviews civil and criminal appeals from trial courts throughout this diverse North Texas district. Its decisions can affect individuals, families, businesses, and communities across all six counties.

Judge Ben Smith is running to bring his district-court experience, broad legal background, and commitment to fair and consistent application of the law to the Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6.

Learn more: https://www.judgebensmith.com/
Follow Judge Ben Smith on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judgebensmith
Vote Judge Ben Smith on November 3, 2026.

09/01/2026

FROM THE COURTROOM

For the people involved, there is no such thing as an unimportant case.

Every person who enters a courtroom deserves a judge who is prepared, listens carefully, treats both sides with respect, and applies the law consistently.

Judge Ben Smith has spent years making difficult decisions in civil, felony criminal, and family-law matters. That courtroom experience has reinforced a simple principle: Every case must be decided based on the facts and the law—not outside pressure or personal politics.

That is the standard Ben will bring to the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals.

Learn more:
https://www.judgebensmith.com/

Follow Judge Ben Smith on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/judgebensmith

Vote Judge Ben Smith on November 3, 2026.

08/31/2026

Collin County attorney Danny McDaniel has known Judge Ben Smith for approximately 15 years and practiced in his courtroom for 14.

Danny says he does not always like the outcome of every ruling, but he’s never left Judge Smith’s courtroom believing he got the law wrong. He describes Judge Smith as a student of the law who knows when compassion is warranted—and when firmness is required.

That is why Danny wholeheartedly endorses Judge Ben Smith for the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals.

Learn more: https://www.judgebensmith.com/
Follow Judge Ben Smith: https://www.facebook.com/judgebensmith
Vote Judge Ben Smith on November 3, 2026

08/30/2026

Happy Sunday!

08/29/2026

Coffee and conversation in Grayson and Hunt counties!

Thank you to the Grayson County precinct chairs who joined us, along with special guest Rep. Shelley Luther. We missed getting a few people in the photo who had already headed out, but we truly appreciated everyone who came.

We also had a great visit in Hunt County with local precinct chairs and members of the Hunt County Young Republicans. A big thank you to Luke’s in Greenville for the amazing coffee and pies!

One of the best parts of these gatherings was having a real conversation. We appreciated the thoughtful questions, the willingness to learn more about the appellate bench, and everyone’sf commitment to spreading the word and getting out the vote.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to join us!

08/29/2026

For Judge Ben Smith, the “R” next to his name stands for more than Republican. It stands for Rule of Law.

Ben believes judges must interpret the Constitution and our laws as written... not rewrite them based on personal beliefs or desired outcomes.

A judge should serve the law with humility and treat every person with fairness and dignity.

Learn more: https://www.judgebensmith.com/
Follow Judge Ben Smith: https://www.facebook.com/judgebensmith

Vote Judge Ben Smith on November 3, 2026.

08/27/2026

Big news: Six law enforcement associations have endorsed Judge Ben Smith for Justice of the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 6 — a strong vote of confidence from those who serve and protect our communities. Read more about the endorsements and Judge Smith’s commitment to the rule of law and public safety: https://wix.to/ae8AKVl

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 Appea...