Thomas Baker
Candidate for Justice, 15th Court of Appeals, Place 2
Justice Tom Baker is a lifelong Texan who believes the law ought to work for regular folks, not just the powerful. During his tenure on the Texas Third Court of Appeals from 2019-24, he worked to apply the law fairly, protect the Constitution, and serve the people of Central Texas with integrity.
Born and raised in Denison, Texas, Justice Baker has called Temple home since 1994. He built his legal career helping families and everyday Texans navigate the legal system, specializing in family law and appellate work across Central Texas, including Bell, Coryell, and Williamson counties.
Before joining the bench, Justice Baker spent years providing pro bono legal services through his private law practice and through Lone Star Legal Aid, standing up for domestic violence survivors, veterans, and working families who needed a lawyer but couldn’t afford one. Service to others has always been at the heart of his work.
Justice Baker also proudly served his country. He was commissioned in the United States Naval Reserve in 1983, attended the Naval Justice School, and completed three tours of duty in Corpus Christi, Guam, and New Orleans. For his service, he was awarded two Navy Commendation Medals.
His commitment to public service continued back home in Texas, where he served as Assistant County Attorney for Bee County before building his legal practice in Central Texas.
Justice Baker earned his Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas at Austin and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center.
Today, Justice Baker is proud of the work he and his colleagues achieved on the Third Court of Appeals, where he ranked among the most productive appellate justices in Texas. He approaches every case with the same guiding principle: listen carefully, follow the law, and treat people fairly.
Justice Baker and his wife, Cynthia, a longtime Texas educator, raised their daughters Sarah and Emily in Central Texas.
He is asking for your support to again serve the people of Texas with fairness, independence, and a deep respect for the rule of law as Justice, Place 2, 15th Court of Appeals in Texas.
