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James Bethke

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
James Bethke
Elections and appointments
Last election
March 3, 2026
Contact

James Bethke (Democratic Party) ran for election for Bexar County District Attorney in Texas. Bethke lost in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.

Elections

2026

See also: Municipal elections in Bexar County, Texas (2026)

General election

The primary will occur on May 26, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Bexar County District Attorney

Ashley Foster (R) is running in the general election for Bexar County District Attorney on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Ashley Foster
Ashley Foster (R)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary runoff

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

Democratic primary runoff for Bexar County District Attorney

Luz Elena Chapa (D) and Jane Davis (D) are running in the Democratic primary runoff for Bexar County District Attorney on May 26, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

Democratic primary for Bexar County District Attorney

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Bexar County District Attorney on March 3, 2026.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Luz Elena Chapa
Luz Elena Chapa
 
23.8
 
37,623
Jane Davis
 
18.1
 
28,670
Image of Shannon Locke
Shannon Locke  Candidate Connection
 
14.0
 
22,137
Veronica Legarreta
 
11.8
 
18,715
Oscar Salinas
 
11.4
 
18,051
Meredith Chacon
 
8.9
 
14,119
Meli Carrion Powers
 
6.3
 
9,956
Image of James Bethke
James Bethke
 
5.6
 
8,790

Total votes: 158,061
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

Republican primary for Bexar County District Attorney

Ashley Foster (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Bexar County District Attorney on March 3, 2026.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Ashley Foster
Ashley Foster
 
100.0
 
63,276

Total votes: 63,276
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

James Bethke did not complete Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Bethke's campaign website stated the following:

Public Safety First

The District Attorney's first responsibility is keeping the community safe. Jim will prosecute violent crimes aggressively while using diversion and rehabilitation strategically—where they work, not as substitutes for accountability.

  • Prioritize serious and violent crime prosecutionHold dangerous offenders accountableSupport proven diversion and rehabilitation programsClear communication with law enforcement

A High-Performing DA's Office

An effective DA's office requires experienced prosecutors, clear priorities, and efficient systems. Jim will recruit and retain top legal talent, modernize operations, and reduce unnecessary case delays.

  • Recruit and retain top prosecutorial talentSet clear case priorities and charging standardsReduce case delays through smarter case managementCreate a culture of excellence and integrity

Transparency & Accountability

Public trust depends on an office that operates with integrity and openness. Jim will publish performance data, enforce ethical standards, and hold prosecutors accountable for outcomes—not just activity.

  • Publish regular performance and outcome dataCreate clear, written prosecution policiesEnforce consistent ethical standardsEngage with victims, families, and the community


— James Bethke's campaign website (February 19, 2026)

Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

See also


External links

Footnotes