Former Opponents Endorse Veteran Prosecutor in DA Runoff

Jane Davis receives support from primary rivals ahead of May 26 Democratic runoff in Bexar County

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Longtime prosecutor Jane Davis has received endorsements from several of her former opponents in the Democratic primary for Bexar County District Attorney. Davis, who finished second in the initial primary, is facing former appeals court judge Luz Elena Chapa in the May 26 runoff. Davis touted her decades of experience in the DA's office, while Chapa has positioned herself as a fresh face to fix the office's problems.

Why it matters

The endorsements from Davis' former rivals could provide a boost as she seeks to overcome Chapa's first-place primary finish. The winner of the Democratic runoff will face the Republican nominee in the November general election to replace outgoing DA Joe Gonzales.

The details

Davis, who has worked as a prosecutor for over 40 years, announced endorsements from three former primary opponents - Jim Bethke, Veronica Legarreta, and Meli Carrión Powers. Bethke, Legarreta, and Powers combined for 24% of the vote in the initial primary. Davis criticized Chapa's lack of prosecutorial experience, saying "My opponent has never tried a criminal case, she has zero experience, and she's never worked in a DA's Office. She has no idea how to do it." Chapa, a former appeals court judge, has the backing of local law enforcement unions.

  • The March 3, 2026 primary election narrowed the field to Davis and Chapa for the May 26 runoff.
  • Davis announced the endorsements from her former opponents on March 5, 2026.

The players

Jane Davis

A longtime prosecutor who has worked in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office for over 40 years, including as chief of the Juvenile Division.

Luz Elena Chapa

A former Fourth Court of Appeals justice who is running against Davis in the Democratic primary runoff.

Jim Bethke

One of the eight candidates who ran in the initial Democratic primary for Bexar County District Attorney.

Veronica Legarreta

One of the eight candidates who ran in the initial Democratic primary for Bexar County District Attorney.

Meli Carrión Powers

One of the eight candidates who ran in the initial Democratic primary for Bexar County District Attorney, and currently serves as chief of the DA's Family Violence Division.

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What they’re saying

“We all agree that experience matters, and I'm the one that has the experience. My opponent has never tried a criminal case, she has zero experience, and she's never worked in a DA's Office. She has no idea how to do it.”

— Jane Davis (expressnews.com)

“People are tired of negative attacks and sucker punches from entrenched interest. How can the same people who've been at the heart of the dysfunction in the DA's office possibly be trusted to fix the problems they caused? Voters made it clear they want fresh new leadership to restore trust and integrity in the DA's office. That's why I came in first place and that's why I'll win the runoff.”

— Luz Elena Chapa (expressnews.com)

“Jane has courtroom experience that is unmatched by her opponent. Jane has spent years and years managing and leading teams and working through challenges in this office.”

— Meli Carrión Powers, Chief of the DA's Family Violence Division (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Democratic primary runoff between Jane Davis and Luz Elena Chapa will be held on May 26, 2026. The winner will face the Republican nominee in the November general election.

The takeaway

The endorsements from Davis' former primary opponents highlight the experience and institutional knowledge she would bring to the District Attorney's office, in contrast with Chapa's outsider status. However, Chapa's first-place primary finish and backing from law enforcement unions suggest the runoff could be a close and hard-fought contest.