Hays County DA Delegates Authority Amid Medical Issue

Kelly Higgins will not seek re-election as he recovers from undisclosed condition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins has largely stepped back from his duties over the past six months and will not seek re-election as he recovers from a medical condition that required a six-week hospitalization. Two of Higgins' staff members have been running the day-to-day operations of the DA's office since July, when Higgins signed an affidavit delegating that authority.

Why it matters

The situation raises questions about transparency and succession planning in the Hays County District Attorney's office, as well as the challenges of maintaining effective leadership during a medical crisis.

The details

Gregg Cox, first assistant district attorney of the criminal division, and Jordan Powell, first assistant district attorney of the civil division, have been running the Hays County DA's office since July. Higgins signed an affidavit on July 28 delegating his authority, citing a medical condition that required a six-week hospitalization and subsequent rehabilitation. Higgins remains involved in the office's work while recovering at home, but has not specified his medical condition, citing privacy concerns.

  • In July 2025, Higgins signed an affidavit delegating his authority.
  • Higgins spent six weeks hospitalized over the summer of 2025.
  • Higgins is now recuperating at home, making use of physical and speech therapy.

The players

Kelly Higgins

The Hays County District Attorney who has largely stepped back from his duties due to a medical condition.

Gregg Cox

The first assistant district attorney of the criminal division who has been running the day-to-day operations of the Hays County DA's office.

Jordan Powell

The first assistant district attorney of the civil division who has been running the day-to-day operations of the Hays County DA's office.

Ruben Becerra

The Hays County Judge who stated that the DA's office has been competently managed during Higgins' absence.

Alfonso Salazar

A U.S. Air Force veteran and criminal defense attorney in San Marcos who is running for the Hays County District Attorney position in the Democratic primary.

Landon Campbell

The chief of the misdemeanor and specialty courts division in the Hays County District Attorney's office who is also running for the position in the Democratic primary.

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What they’re saying

“The information was well known around the courthouse, county government and in the legal and law enforcement communities. We have done our best to keep anyone that needed to know aware of the situation, while still being respectful of the right to privacy of Mr. Higgins.”

— Gregg Cox, First Assistant District Attorney, Criminal Division (expressnews.com)

“I can assure the community that the DA's office has been competently managed on day-to-day operations and I have been working seamlessly with our very experienced chiefs and managers.”

— Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The two Democratic candidates, Alfonso Salazar and Landon Campbell, will face off in the party primary on March 3, 2026. The winner will then run in the general election for the Hays County District Attorney position.

The takeaway

The situation in the Hays County District Attorney's office highlights the importance of transparency and succession planning, especially when a key public official faces a medical crisis. It also underscores the need for clear communication with the community about changes in leadership.