SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales will not run for reelection, he announced in a news conference on Thursday.
“Today I’m not saying goodbye, but I’m saying thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me,” Gonzales said as he discussed his decision and outlined his remaining 18 months in office.
Gonzales said he made the announcement early to clear the field for competitive campaigns ahead of the next primary election in March 2026.
His decision was not influenced by concerns regarding the thousands of backlogged Bexar County criminal cases awaiting indictment, he said.
“My decision is based on wanting to spend more time with my family. Those issues were nothing more than distractions. People who are supportive of our office and know what we do, know those soundbites and bait clicks,” Gonzales said.
Citing “lack of resources” as an obstacle during his time as the county’s top prosecutor, Gonzales said that in the upcoming budget cycle, he will push for increased funding and “long overdue raises to staff.”
He thanked his team for their work toward restorative justice and jail reform, topics Gonzales says he will continue advocating for.
As for the remainder of his term, Gonzales said, “I intend to make every one of those 18 months count.”
Gonzales was elected to the role in 2018, beating incumbent Nico LaHood.
He was re-elected in 2022 over Republican candidate Marc LaHood, the former DA’s brother.
KSAT will livestream the news conference in this article and on KSAT Plus. Delays are possible; if there is not a livestream available, check back at a later time.
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