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Former appellate justice Luz Elena Chapa claimed a narrow victory Tuesday night over longtime prosecutor Jane Davis 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.
Late Tuesday night, Davis’ political consultant Laura Barberena told the San Antonio Report the campaign likely would not request a recount, though a final decision had not been made.
One of the clearest contrasts between the candidates was prosecutorial experience: Davis spent decades trying cases inside the district attorney’s office and presented herself as a candidate of continuity, while Chapa argued her years on the bench gave her the leadership experience needed to reform the agency.
Earlier in the evening, Chapa told TPR she believed her campaign’s persistence and grassroots support would carry her to victory.
“A lot of grit, tenacity, determination, a mighty force behind me, and a ton of support,” Chapa said.
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 said one of her top priorities would be securing additional county funding to strengthen the office.
“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.”
Chapa will now face Republican Ashley Foster, a former Bexar County prosecutor now practicing civil law, in November.
