BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Shannon Locke, a well-respected criminal defense attorney in San Antonio, has declared his candidacy for the position of Bexar County District Attorney. This announcement was made in a news release on Thursday afternoon.
In his release, Locke identified three key focus areas for his campaign: fostering transparency to rebuild public trust, leveraging his experience to achieve tangible results, and promoting accountability at every level within the district attorney’s office.
“This office belongs to the people, not to politicians,” Locke stated. He emphasized that during his interactions with community members, he has consistently heard the desire for a justice system that is both firm and fair, one that prioritizes problem-solving over seeking media attention. “That’s the kind of District Attorney I intend to be,” he reiterated.
Before pursuing a legal career, Locke held a significant executive position at a Fortune 500 company, which showcases his leadership and management capabilities. Following the official filing for his candidacy, Locke is scheduled to host a press conference at 2:30 p.m. He will be accompanied by former District 9 Councilman John Courage, who supports his campaign.
Current District Attorney Joe Gonzales, who made headlines in 2018 by defeating the incumbent Nico LaHood and then successfully running for re-election in 2022 against Marc LaHood, has already announced he will not seek another term. This has opened the door for several potential candidates, including Texas Representative Troy Martinez Fischer, who recently established an exploratory committee for the position. Additionally, Judge Ron Rangel had pursued similar plans but later decided against running.
The District Attorney’s office has faced criticism due to a backlog of cases and questionable handling of high-profile legal matters. Notably, there have been controversies surrounding the dismissal of charges against Myrta Romanos in a capital murder case involving Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn child.
Locke plans to hold a formal campaign kickoff event in the coming weeks, with more details expected to be announced soon. His approach and commitment to community involvement may resonate with Bexar County residents looking for reforms in the justice system.