State Rep Trey Fischer and Fourth Appeal Judge Elena Chapa remain undecided on their DA Bids
Bexar County’s race for district attorney is shaping up with a growing list of Democrats stepping forward as the office prepares for a major transition.
This summer, the current District Attorney Joe Gonzales announced he would retire when his term ends. Early attention then centered on District Court Judge Ron Rangel, who many assumed would be the frontrunner in the race. That shifted abruptly when Rangel decided not to run.
Criminal defense attorney Shannon W. Locke officially entered the race this week. Locke, who has spent two decades in criminal law, told reporters his work inside courtrooms and alongside clients pushed him to run.
Locke isn’t the only one in the race, Prosecutors Oscar Salinas and Angelica “Meli” Carrión Powers, along with criminal defense attorney Veronica Legarreta, have also launched campaigns.
State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer and former Fourth Court of Appeals Justice Luz Elena Chapa are reportedly weighing bids but have not yet formally filed.
Candidates have until December 8 to enter the March 3 primary, which will determine who faces a Republican opponent in the 2026 November general election.
