State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer is testing the waters for Bexar County district attorney, launching an exploratory committee and enlisting veteran prosecutors and defense attorneys to help decide whether to jump in. The move comes as the seat opens up — incumbent Joe Gonzales said earlier this year he would not seek re-election — putting the DA race squarely on San Antonio’s radar ahead of the March nomination.
In a campaign news release, Martinez Fischer said he has “tremendous respect for our criminal justice system” and noted he “cut my teeth 27 years ago accepting court-appointed criminal defense cases” as part of his legal background. He said he plans to review office operations and consult with county leaders about potential structural and financial reforms to strengthen prosecutions and public safety. Those details and direct quotes were outlined in the release, as reported by KSAT.
Who’s leading the exploratory committee
Martinez Fischer’s exploratory team will be led by Therese Huntzinger, a former chief prosecutor in the DA’s juvenile crimes division; Bobby Barrera, the past president of the San Antonio Bar Association and a director with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association; and Mario Del Prado, a former chief prosecutor in the DA’s major crimes division. The group, the release says, brings more than 120 years of combined legal experience to the vetting process. Those personnel details were reported by San Antonio Express-News.
Why the timing matters
Gonzales’ June decision not to run again created the opening Martinez Fischer is now exploring, and the lawmaker says he was encouraged by fellow legal professionals to consider the post, according to KSAT. Martinez Fischer is an attorney who earned his law degree from the University of Texas and represents House District 116; his district office is listed at 4243 E. Piedras Drive on The Texas Tribune directory. He said the exploratory effort will include a review of the DA’s structure and budgeting to see whether changes would improve outcomes, particularly for violent crime victims and specialty court programs.
Next steps
Forming an exploratory committee is an early step that lets a prospective candidate gauge support and resources before filing formal paperwork, and Martinez Fischer’s team will spend the coming days meeting with prosecutors, defense attorneys and county leaders ahead of the March nomination. The field narrowed earlier this year when State District Judge Ron Rangel decided not to pursue the post, a development that reshaped the outlook for potential contenders, as reported by San Antonio Express-News. Martinez Fischer did not declare himself an official candidate; his announcement limited itself to creating the exploratory committee and laying out what the team will examine.
