Sarah Clower Keathley Elected President-Elect of State Bar of Texas
Sarah Clower Keathley was elected president-elect of the State Bar of Texas on April 30, 2026.
Why it matters: Leadership changes at the State Bar of Texas shape statewide legal policy, ethics, and standards impacting thousands of attorneys. Keathley’s direction will influence the bar’s agenda through 2028.
- Keathley won 8,014 of 15,239 votes (52.59%) against Ray Thomas.
- She is co-founder of Keathley & Keathley in Corsicana, Texas.
- Keathley previously served as Navarro County Bar Association president and held leadership roles on State Bar committees.
- She becomes president-elect in June 2026 and will serve as State Bar president from June 2027 to June 2028.
Sarah Clower Keathley has secured the role of president-elect for the State Bar of Texas following a month-long election, where she defeated Ray Thomas by a margin of 8,014 to 7,225, representing 52.59% of the 15,239 total votes cast.
- Keathley will be officially installed as president-elect during the State Bar Board of Directors meeting in June 2026, and she is set to serve as president from June 2027 through June 2028.
- She is the co-founder of Keathley & Keathley, a Corsicana-based civil and family law practice.
- Her legal service includes a term as president of the Navarro County Bar Association, director on the State Bar Board, and chairing both the Professional Development Program and Law Practice Management Committees.
- Keathley has also worked as an assistant general counsel for the Texas General Services Commission and held positions as city attorney, municipal judge, and credentialed mediator.
Upon receiving the election results, Keathley stated, "I am honored to have been elected and look forward to serving the attorneys of Texas in this new role."
She has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer, a distinction that highlights her peer recognition and career achievements, according to the Corsicana Daily Sun.
By the numbers:
- 8,014 — Votes Keathley received, making up 52.59% of total turnout
- 15,239 — Total ballots cast
- June 2027–28 — Keathley’s presidential term
What's next: Keathley will be sworn in as president-elect at the State Bar Board of Directors meeting in June 2026.