Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

U.S. Viewpoints

EDITORIAL: Jane Davis easily best choice in Democratic primary for district attorney

May 25-Early voting this month in the Democratic and Republican primary runoff elections lasted only a week.

But it felt much longer given the stunning antisemitic comments from Maureen Galindo, a candidate in the Democratic runoff in Texas' 35th Congressional District, which includes the southern and eastern parts of Bexar County.

Our condemnation of those comments is well-established, and so is the national scorn she has received. Democratic voters in the district should show up for Johnny Garcia, a Bexar County sheriff's deputy who stands firmly on party principles and can bring communities together, not divide them by spewing conspiracy theories. We'll see which way CD 35 voters go.

But perhaps the most intense race on the runoff ballot is the Democratic primary for Bexar County district attorney between longtime prosecutor Jane Davis and former 4th Court of Appeals Justice Luz Elena Chapa. Our recommendation goes to Davis because we put a premium on her professional experience. She has worked in nearly every section of the district attorney's office and is running its juvenile division.

She has tried more than 400 criminal cases.

Chapa, on the other hand, has tried as many cases as we have. None.

Chapa's supporters have said the district attorney's office needs outside change, but we wonder how this might be achieved by someone who has never prosecuted a case. Given the potential impact on public safety and the stakes that come with decisions about liberty and pretrial incarceration, having relevant experience is awfully important.

This is not a learn-on-the job position. Davis would hit the ground running.

Beyond this, we have major concerns about the work culture Chapa was part of during her time at the 4th Court of Appeals. There were many concerns about overreliance on remote work and poor morale. A district attorney can't work via Zoom.

The Express-News Editorial Board is independent, nonpartisan and separate from the newsroom. It comprises Josh Brodesky, opinion editor; Tony Quesada, deputy opinion editor; and Cary Clack, editorial writer and columnist. The Editorial Board reports to Publisher Mark Medici.

To arrive at our recommendations, we interviewed many of the candidates, researched their policies and viewpoints, and weighed their relevant experience. As always, we encourage voters to conduct their own research.

Cast a ballot.

Democratic races

U.S. representative, District 35: Johnny Garcia

Lieutenant governor: Vikki Goodwin

Texas attorney general: Nathan Johnson

State representative, District 125: Adrian Reyna

Criminal district attorney: Jane Davis

Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 10: Cesar Garcia

District clerk: Christine "Chris" Castillo

County clerk: Lucy Adame-Clark

Republican races

U.S. senator: John Cornyn

U.S. representative, District 35: John Lujan

Texas attorney general: No recommendation

Railroad commissioner: No recommendation

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3: Alison Fox

State senator, District 19: Marcus Cardenas

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 11:10 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER