Early Voting Begins for High-Stakes Bexar County Runoff Elections
Multiple primary races, held on March 3, 2026, did not have clear winners in eight races. County election races have often been seen as competitive because no candidate garnered more than fifty percent of the votes to become the party’s nominee.
Whichever candidates are the top two vote getters earn the right to enter the runoff. Runoffs are referred to as a “second chance to vote.” The field is narrowed, the stakes are higher, and winners go directly to the November general election. Usually, Bexar County voter turnout for runoff races is low, despite the weight these votes carry.
On the democratic ballot, there are eight races to be decided on the federal, state, and local levels:
U.S. House District 35: Maureen Galindo vs. Marcus Isais Velez
Lt. Governor: Vikki Goodman vs. Johnny Garcia
Attorney General: Nathan Johnson vs. Joe Jaworski
Texas House District 125: Adrian Reyna vs. Michelle Barrientes Vela
Bexar County District Attorney: Luz Elena Chapa vs. Jane Davis
Bexar County Clerk: Lucy Adame Clark vs. Cynthia Castro
Bexar County District Court Clerk: Gloria Martinez vs. Christina “Chris” Castillo
County Court-at-Law No. 10: Cesar Garcia vs. Shannon Roberta Salmon
The race for the nomination as Bexar County District Attorney is seen as drawing the most attention and being billed as a contrast between the two remaining candidates — Luz Elena Chapa and Jane Davis. The primary vote totals show Chapa garnering 24% of the vote, while Davis garnered 18%.
This could be one of the driving factors causing the campaigns to become so intense, as advertising has become aggressive, with fliers from both camps flooding voters’ mailboxes weekly since the end of the March 3 primary.
The Davis literature reflects support from District Attorney Joe Gonzales, four former opponents in the primary, one of whom is a former colleague. Some organizations showing support include Northside AFT, NEBC Democrats, and the San Antonio Express-News, touting Davis’ bid as “Experience vs. Inexperience.”
The Chapa campaign fliers reflect a challenge to what she describes as “many cases have gone unprosecuted for years in the Gonzales-Davis DA’s office,” which she plans to address. She has also pledged to “fight back against ICE and Trump” and work to fully fund and staff the district attorney’s office.
Endorsements announced include SAPOA, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, the Bexar County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Senator José Menéndez, former County Judge Nelson Wolff, and Congressman Joaquin Castro.
One attorney associate whose input was sought described the race as a toss-up, calling it “experience vs. electability, with voters ultimately having the last word.”
Early voting began Monday, May 18, and ends Friday, May 22, 2026. Election Day is Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the day after Memorial Day.
Make your choice and use your voice — VOTE — You’ll Be Glad You Did!
Read Next: Three Teenagers Arrested In Random Shootings Across Austin
