AUSTIN, Texas — Incumbent Travis County District Attorney José Garza will remain in his role for four more years, after defeating Republican Daniel Betts in Tuesday's general election.
The Democrat was first elected as Travis County DA in 2020, when he upset then-incumbent district attorney Margaret Moore in the Democratic primary. He went on to win the general election against Republican Martin Henry with nearly 70% of the vote.
“Tonight, voters in Travis County decisively re-affirmed their belief that we need a criminal justice system that works for everyone, no matter their income, race, or walk of life," Garza said in a statement Tuesday night. "I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the past four years, from addressing the root causes of crime to treating survivors of sexual assault, and all survivors of crime, with dignity and respect. I am honored to serve as your District Attorney, and look forward to continuing our work together. Thank you for your trust in me.”
Garza faced a challenge of his own this election cycle, defeating attorney Jeremy Sylestine in March's Democratic primary. The race gained outsized attention despite its local nature, after a September report from the Wall Street Journal stated that Austin-based billionaire businessman Elon Musk spent $650,000 to try and block Garza's reelection. Musk's "Saving Austin PAC" was also responsible for a flyer that featured a bloody teddy bear, claiming Garza was "filling the streets with pedophiles and killers."
Garza wound up winning the primary with almost 67% of the vote.
Given Travis County's Democratic lean, Garza was heavily favored going into his first reelection bid against Betts, a criminal defense attorney based in Austin. Betts won the nomination after running unopposed in the Republican primary.
