8 Bexar County DA Hopefuls Debate Reform and Public Safety

Democratic candidates clash over staffing, backlogs, and public trust in the district attorney's office

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Eight Democratic candidates for Bexar County district attorney debated issues facing the office, including staffing shortages, case backlogs, and public trust, during a forum hosted by the San Antonio Report and the Greater San Antonio Chamber. The candidates discussed how to address these challenges, with some emphasizing internal management fixes and others arguing for more fundamental reforms. The debate revealed divisions between candidates with experience in the DA's office and those calling for outside leadership.

Why it matters

The Bexar County district attorney's office plays a central role in public safety and the local justice system. With the incumbent DA not seeking re-election, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the odds-on favorite to become the next district attorney, making this an important race that will shape the future direction of the office.

The details

The eight Democratic candidates include three current prosecutors in the DA's office, three former prosecutors now in private practice, the head of the county's Managed Assigned Counsel Office, and a former appellate judge. The candidates clashed over issues like staffing shortages, case backlogs, and public trust, with some advocating for internal management fixes and others pushing for more fundamental reforms. Several candidates also addressed the growing political pressure facing urban district attorneys in Texas from state leaders.

  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
  • Early voting for the primary begins on February 17, 2026.

The players

Jane Davis

A 40-year veteran of the Bexar County DA's office who oversees the Juvenile Division.

Angelica 'Meli' Carrión Powers

Oversees the family division in the Bexar County DA's office.

Oscar Salinas

A prosecutor in the Bexar County DA's office.

Veronica Legarreta

A former prosecutor now working in private practice.

Luz Elena Chapa

A former judge on the Fourth Court of Appeals.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's very important that you realize that someone here is recommending somebody take over this office who has absolutely no experience in being in a DA's office, or in leading a DAs office, or even trying a case, I think that's terrible.”

— Jane Davis (San Antonio Report)

“When people think the DA's office doesn't care, they stop calling the police. That's when people really get hurt.”

— Shannon Locke, Criminal defense attorney (San Antonio Report)

“Just because a case results in a not guilty verdict does not mean there was an unjust or unwarranted prosecution. It means the jury system is working appropriately.”

— Oscar Salinas, Prosecutor (San Antonio Report)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with early voting beginning on February 17. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Ashley Foster and potentially an independent candidate in the November general election.

The takeaway

The Bexar County district attorney's race highlights the challenges facing urban prosecutors in Texas, including staffing shortages, case backlogs, and maintaining public trust. The candidates' differing approaches to reform and public safety reflect the broader debate over the role of district attorneys in the criminal justice system.