Texas Chief Justice to speak to Burnet County Republican Club

Jefferson has twice made history as the first African-American justice and chief justice on the Supreme Court of Texas.  

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Jefferson to the court in 2001, making him the governor’s first appointment to a statewide judicial office. Jefferson was elected in 2002 with 60 percent of the vote in the contested Republican primary, and 56 percent of the vote in the contested general election. 

In 2004, Perry promoted him to chief justice and in 2006, Jefferson earned more votes than any other candidate for a non-federal statewide office. 

Jefferson is the son of retired Air Force Maj. William D. Jefferson and Joyce Jefferson of San Antonio. He graduated from John Jay High School in 1981 and received a bachelor of arts degree in political philosophy from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1985. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and in 2006 he was awarded an honorary juris doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. 

Jefferson was honored as outstanding alumnus by Michigan State in fall 2007 and the University of Texas School of Law in 2005. He received the James Madison College Distinguished Alumnus award in 2002. 

Jefferson was president of the San Antonio Bar Association in 1998 and the William S. Sessions American Inn of Court in 1999. He was also recognized as a Pillar of the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio. In 2007, the doors opened to the new Wallace B. Jefferson Middle School in San Antonio.        

For reservations, call Amber Jones at  (830) 612-7085. Tickets are $15 per person.