AT A GLANCE
- Luz Elena Chapa narrowly defeated Jane Davis in the Democratic runoff for Bexar County district attorney.
- Chapa led by fewer than 1,000 votes with all precincts reporting late Tuesday night.
- Davis’ campaign indicated a recount was unlikely, though no final decision had been made.
- Chapa will face Republican Ashley Foster in the November general election.
Luz Elena Chapa Narrowly Wins Democratic Runoff For Bexar County District Attorney
Former appellate justice Luz Elena Chapa narrowly defeated longtime prosecutor Jane Davis on Tuesday night in the Democratic runoff for Bexar County district attorney.
With all precincts reporting late Tuesday night, Chapa led Davis by fewer than 1,000 votes in the race to replace outgoing District Attorney Joe Gonzales, who did not seek reelection.
According to local new reports, Davis’ political consultant Laura Barberena told reporters the campaign likely would not request a recount, though a final decision had not been made.
Chapa And Davis Offered Different Visions For The DA’s Office
One of the clearest differences between the two Democratic candidates was prosecutorial experience.
Davis spent decades trying cases inside the district attorney’s office and framed her campaign around experience and continuity. Chapa, by contrast, argued that her years on the bench gave her the leadership background needed to reform the agency.
Chapa campaigned as an outsider who could improve morale and management inside the district attorney’s office, which has faced staffing shortages and criticism over workplace culture. During the campaign, she also accused Gonzales of confronting her at a political event, an allegation he denied.
Chapa Says Funding And Office Culture Will Be Priorities
Chapa said one of her top priorities would be securing additional county funding to strengthen the office and help retain talent.
“Well, it’s making sure that we have funding in place to make sure that we have incredible talent in the DA’s office,” Chapa said. “First and foremost, we need to change the tone and culture within the office itself. There have been reports of a hostile work environment, and I think that’s why voters wanted change.”
The winner in November will replace Gonzales, who is leaving the office after choosing not to seek another term.
Related: ‘Attack’ Claim Takes Center Stage in DA Runoff Race
November Race Set For Bexar County District Attorney
Chapa will now face Republican Ashley Foster, a former Bexar County prosecutor who now practices civil law, in the November general election.
The race will decide who takes over one of Bexar County’s most powerful law enforcement offices at a time when the next district attorney will be expected to address staffing, morale, management and public confidence inside the agency.
