2012 Races | Bexar County Democratic Party

FEDERAL

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

President and Vice-President of
the United States

Barack Obama (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Joe Biden (i)

United States Senator

Paul Sadler
Web Site | BIO

Paul Sadler served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1991 - 2003. During his tenure in the Texas House of Representatives, he served on numerous committees including Education, Judiciary, Pensions and Investments, Health and Human Services, Calendars and was one of eight members designated to the Legislative Budget Board. His most significant committee work, however, was in the area of Education. Sadler served on the House Public Education Committee from 1993 - 2003 (Chairman 1995 - 2003). Chairman of the Select Committee on State Revenue and Public School Finance in 1997; and Chairman of the Select Committee on Public School Employee Health Insurance in 2001. Paul was the only house member to serve as Chairman of more than one committee in the same session.

Among his accomplishments as Chairman are the re-write of the entire Education Code in 1995; enactment of public school employee health insurance for the first time in the history of the State; passage of a $3.8 billion education package, which at the time included the largest property tax cut in the history of the State; provided teacher pay raises for three consecutive sessions for the first time in the history of the State; established critical need programs for Pre-K and kindergarten; the 9th grade initiative targeting students at risk of drop-out; and increased funding for public school facilities.

New interim maps for congressional districts were issued by the US District Court in San Antonio on Feb. 28.
View Plan 235

U.S. Representative
District 20
DISTRICT MAP

Joaquín Castro
Web Site

ELECTED

As Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Committee and Democratic Floor Leader in the Texas House, Joaquín Castro has been an effective leader in Texas politics, despite a difficult political environment. In this session alone, he transcended partisan gridlock to help restore millions of dollars in funding to critical health care and education programs. He has also been at the forefront in proposing forward-thinking legislative reforms in the areas of mental health, teen pregnancy, and juvenile justice.

Outside of the legislative chamber, Joaquín has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community. He has created the Trailblazers College Tour, personally raising money to send underprivileged students on college visits, giving them exposure to some of the nation's best institutions of higher education. He has also created SA READS, San Antonio's largest literacy campaign and book drive. To date, over 200,000 books have been distributed to more than 150 schools and shelters across the city.

Having experienced America's promise firsthand, he wants to help build out what he calls the Infrastructure of Opportunity so that future generations will have the same chance to pursue their American Dream. He believes that just as there is an infrastructure of transportation that helps us get to where we want to go on the road there is an Infrastructure of Opportunity that helps Americans get to where they want to go in life. It is that Infrastructure of Opportunity - good public schools, great universities and a sound healthcare system - that enables Americans to pursue their American Dream.

U.S. Representative
District 21
DISTRICT MAP

Candace Duvál
Web Site

I'm running for Congress because for years the voices of too many Texans have been pushed aside in Washington. Families and small-business owners have been drowned out by giant corporations and ignored by out-of-touch politicians who are beholden to Wall Street bankers and special interests. I've spent time in 3 states working for myself in small businesses, seeing fewer and fewer people able to go into business for themselves.

That's not right. We deserve better. Too many Americans feel like they have been out there on their own after the recession. Their anxieties about retirement, their children's education and advancing in their own careers are real. Growing up and becoming an entrepreneur here in Austin, I've known firsthand what it's like to get taken advantage of by banks while struggling to pay bills. And there are other families across Texas still looking for that next job, or pouring all of their efforts into their small businesses, or hoping that the promise of Social Security and Medicare will be there when they need it.

Central Texans deserve a voice in Congress that understands these concerns. We deserve a voice that speaks up for our needs above the political theater and the demands of powerful lobbyists and corporate donors. For years we haven't had that voice. We need to change that. In Congress, I'll fight to make sure our voices are heard again.

U.S. Representative
District 23
DISTRICT MAP

Pete Gallego
Web Site

ELECTED

Pete Gallego was born in the West Texas town of Alpine. He attended local public schools and worked in his family's restaurant, where he learned the value of a hard day's work. Pete graduated from Sul Ross State University in two years while balancing three jobs. After graduating, Pete went on to earn a degree from The University of Texas School of Law. He became an assistant attorney general before returning home to serve as a felony prosecutor.

When he was just 28 years old, Pete's neighbors elected him State Representative, and sent him to Austin to fight for them. During his career in Austin, Pete led the 43 members of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus and chaired numerous legislative committees. Pete crafted and helped pass legislation investing billions of dollars in public schools. He's worked to secure our border, reform our criminal justice system and support Texas veterans.

Since he was first elected in 1990, Pete Gallego has earned a reputation for reaching across the aisle to solve problems. Pete has worked with both Democrats and Republicans to safeguard funding for priorities that make people's lives better - building schools and roads, protecting water quality, and creating jobs. Now Pete Gallego is ready to take his experience and proven record to fight for us in Washington.

"It is time we put policy before politics. It is time we focus on what is really important, our children's future. If elected as your congressman I will stand up for what is right in Washington and help build an America with unlimited opportunity, a strong economy and a safe future." - Pete P. Gallego

U.S. Representative
District 28
DISTRICT MAP

Henry Cuellar (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Congressman Henry Cuellar has over two decades of public service to Texas, beginning in 1987 when he was sworn in to the Texas House of Representatives. After serving for several years as Texas Secretary of State, Mr. Cuellar was elected to Congress in 2004. He is widely regarded as a leading centrist in the US House of Representatives.

In 2010, Congressman Cuellar helped pass health care reform legislation in Congress to provide millions of Texans, of all ages, access to health care and state-based health insurance exchanges. Texas, as the most uninsured state in the nation, stands to benefit greatly from this legilation, especially in the face of rising premiums, which have doubled in Texas over the past decade.

Congressman Cuellar's top priorities are accessibility to constituents, education, health care, supporting veterans, serving seniors, providing for small businesses, enhancing homeland security, esnuring border secrurity, advancing trade, and taking any other action that supports hard-working families and individuals.

U.S. Representative
District 35
DISTRICT MAP

Lloyd Doggett
Web Site

ELECTED

Congressman Lloyd Doggett serves on the House Budget Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all tax and trade measures, as well as Social Security and Medicare. He is ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Human Resources, which has jurisdiction over issues that relate to child care, child and family services, child support, foster care, adoption, and unemployment compensation. He serves as Chairman of the Texas Democratic delegation.

Rep. Doggett has been a vocal advocate for tax code reform and has sought to close tax loopholes that favor large corporate interests to the detriment of small businesses and individual taxpayers.

Rep. Doggett has opposed efforts to privatize Social Security, has promoted affordable prescription drug coverage for seniors, and worked to boost federal support for education, maintaining that America's competitiveness begins with an opportunity for students to achieve all of the education for which they are willing to work. President Obama has called for a permanent extension of the American Opportunity, or More Education, tax cut that Rep. Doggett authored, which provides an annual $2,500 tax credit for students seeking more education after high school. He received the ABA’s Justice Award for his work on legislation that assists with funding for legal services to the disadvantaged and has also worked to ensure our local vets have better access to healthcare facilities and the educational benefits they earned.

STATE

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

Railroad Commissioner

Dale Henry
Act Blue Page

Dale Henry is a graduate of the University of Texas Petroleum Engineering School and a registered petroleum engineer in the State of Texas. He has directed field research and management of oil and gas well services for the Dowell Division of the Dow Chemical Company (USA) and Dowell Schlumberger (worldwide), developing techniques, edquipment and chemicals for oil and gas well stimulation and control. He was responsible for training field supervisors and staff engineering personnel all over the world.

Mr. Henry was the top salesman for Dowell-Schlumberger worldwide for well services, contracts in the US, the Persian Gulf, North Africa, South America, and the North Sea, and was responsible for writing and selling multi-million dollar contracts for oil and gas well services onshore and offshore.

Dale Henry has been City Manager for Hamilton and Lampasas, overseeing the building of water and sewer treatment plans, and working with TXDOT on bridge right-of-way and roadbed design, and has been a board member of the Senate Bill 1, Texas 50-yr watter planning, Lower Colorado River Authority planning group.

Justice
Texas Supreme Court
Place 6

Michele Petty
Web Site

Michele Petty is a graduate of Churchill HS, Baylor University, and Baylor Law School. She served as a Briefing Attorney for Justice Franklin Spears of the Texas Supreme Court, where she wrote opinions for the court and made recommendations as to whether the court should grant writ to hear an appeal.

Michele became an Associate at the firm of Tinsman & Houser, where she tried workers' compensation lawsuits, personal injury cases, product liability cases, professional negligence, toxic torts, will contests and a variety of other civil litigation, including winning a record verdict of behalf of a rape victim.

Petty became Board certified in civil trial law in 1992. She was a partner in Kaplan & Petty, where she expanded her practice to include child molestation and employment discrimination cases, and later started the Law Office of Michele Petty. She expanded her practice into family law, where she has continued to be a voice for the voiceless.

Michele Petty has often testified at City Hall regarding local issues, and this summer testified before a Texas Joint Subcommittee considering a bill that would have undercut San Antonio's tree ordinance. She has testified before the FCC and before an EPA commission. Michele Petty is a long time environmental activist and past Chair of the Alamo Sierra Club.

Judge
Court of Criminal Appeals
Place 1 (Presiding)

Keith Hampton
Web Site | Microsite

Keith Hampton graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1984 and received his Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law of San Antonio in 1989. A native of Burkburnett, Texas, Keith now lives in Austin with his wife Cynthia and their daughter Rebekah.

A life-long Democrat, Keith began his career at age 17 as the youngest precinct chairperson for the Texas Democratic Party. For the last twenty years, Keith has defended the Texas Constitution and the Constitution of the United States in hundreds of cases. As an active member of the criminal defense bar, a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and a member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, Keith has tirelessly worked for fairness, integrity, and justice for all Texans. If elected, Keith Hampton will be the only judge who has handled death penalty cases in all stages of litigation - from accusation, trial, appeal, and all post-conviction proceedings, including appearing before the Supreme Court of the United States.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION & STATE LEGISLATURE

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

Member
State Board of Education
District 3

Marisa B. Pérez
Web Site

ELECTED

The proper education of Texas children is imperative in creating a stronger community and ensuring a brighter tomorrow. There is a need for proper representation and advocacy on the State Board of Education as our curriculum and processes have been under attack and the victims are the children of Texas.

I understand the dynamics of public school education as I am a proud product from kindergarten to my graduation from the University of Texas at Austin and have worked with children for many years as a former CPS adoption team specialist. We need to ensure that our public schools have representatives whose vision for the position is that of a stronger public school system rather than pushing political agendas and divisive rhetoric. I plan to fight for a stronger educational curriculum, responsible management of the Permanent School Fund, proper accountability measures and an increase in collaborative community efforts geared towards assisting in the developments of our children.

Our educational system should be focused on ensuring that our children are ready to excel in higher education and being competitive in the globalizing workforce. I will represent and advocate for our children and ensure that our community grows stronger. A brighter tomorrow requires a devoted today. - Marisa B. Pérez

Member
State Board of Education
District 5

Rebecca Bell-Metereau
Web Site

The Texas State Board of Education has embarrassed Texans. Republican incumbent Ken Mercer said in the SA Express-News that teachers got a "well-deserved spanking." I think our public school teachers deserve a pat on the back and encouragement for performing one of the most challenging jobs in the state. The arguments and bad decisions of the Board have made Texas a national joke. Some members want no teaching of higher order thinking skills in our public schools. The Board voted to remove Thomas Jefferson from the curriculum as an Enlightenment thinker. They rejected César Chávez and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall as models of citizenship.

Our children deserve better. As a mother of two graduates of Texas public schools and a teacher at Texas State University, I want to restore respect for teachers and public schools. Texas students need to learn the most advanced science, technology, literature, art, music, and social studies. We need a change. We need educators, not politicians, on the State Board of Education, to give our students a 21st century education for our economy and our future. - Rebecca Bell-Metereau

New interim maps for Texas House & Senate districts were issued by the US District Court in San Antonio on Feb. 28.
State House Plan H309 | State Senate Plan S172

State Senator
District 19
DISTRICT MAP

Carlos Uresti (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

A champion of children, veterans and the elderly, Senator Carlos Uresti has authored, co-authored and sponsored numerous bills on their behalf, including landmark reforms of the Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services, an expansion of the state's newborn screening program, a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, and a Silver Alert system for missing elderly persons. Last session, Sen. Uresti passed legislation giving voters a choice to dissolve the troubled Bexar Met utility. Carlos Uresti also brought stability to the oil and gas appraisal process, to the benefit of counties and school districts, and passed legislation for the Port of San Antonio that has already resulted in job creation through large employers, such as Boeing.

Senator Uresti is the founding chairman of the Blue Ribbon Task Force, a coalition of community activists, leaders and volunteers dedicated to the idea that every child should get a fair chance at life - free of physical and mental abuse, hunger and neglect. In the 2009 Legislature, he created a statewide Blue Ribbon Task Force to study new approaches for the treatment and prevention of child abuse.

Senator Uresti sits on the Board of Trustees for Communities-In-Schools of San Antonio, the nation's largest community-based dropout prevention organization, and is a lifetime member of Veteran of Foreign Wars Manuel Alvarado Post 9186. He formed the Bexar County Veterans' Coalition in 2006 and is a member of the United States Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association.

State Senator
District 21
DISTRICT MAP

Judith Zaffirini (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

State Senator
District 25
DISTRICT MAP

John Courage
Web Site

SA Express-News Endorsement,
Oct 11, 2012

John Courage is a Texas Veteran. He is a teacher and former community college trustee running for the Texas Senate in the 25th Senatorial District. John Courage's name embodies what Texans in District 25 are looking for in their next state senator, the Common Sense to insist that our mainstream values, and not just the Wall Street values, be represented in Austin; the Uncommon Courage to stand with ordinary Texas families and small businesses against the corporate and special interests; the determination to rekindle that faith and confidence we once had in government to be a force for positive change in our daily lives John's agenda includes:

Insuring the best possible education system for all Texas children by insuring that every school district, teacher, and student in Texas have the resources they need to produce a top notch education,
Insuring the need for quality health care services for all Texans, especially our children, and our elderly and disabled family members by wisely employing both state and federal resources.
Insuring public safety in our neighborhoods and in our communities by supporting our first responders and our legal system.
Insuring continued safe and reliable transportation services, by increasing public transportation services and maintaining roads and highways without tolling and double taxing existing roads'
Ending the Redistricting mess. John proposes a practical independent Commission for Redistricting Texas be created
Justice should not be for sale. John proposes new campaign finance reforms for the Texas Judiciary

State Senator
District 26
DISTRICT MAP

Leticia Van de Putte (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

* Due to redistricting, the above candidates will draw lots to determine the length of their term after the 2012 election.

State Representative
District 116
DISTRICT MAP

Trey Martínez Fischer (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

State Representative
District 117
DISTRICT MAP

Philip Cortez
Web Site

ELECTED

Philip Cortez grew up in the Palo Alto neighborhood, where his parents instilled in him a love for education, a sense of duty to his country, and a determination to improve his community.

He earned an associate's degree from Palo Alto Community College, and bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is currently studying for a PhD in Educational Administration at the University of Texas at Austin.

Since 1999, Philip has proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was an enlisted airman with the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, and continues his duty to his country as a Captain in the Air Force Reserve.

Philip is a Community Resource Advocate for the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, and a guest reader at Frank Madla and Kindred elementary schools. He and his wife, Leticia, are parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

In 2007 Philip was elected to represent District 4 in the San Antonio City Council. He won re-electtion in 2009 with 78% of the vote. As Councilman, Philip fought to improve police and fire departments, clean up parks, and modernize libraries throughout his district.

State Representative
District 118
DISTRICT MAP

Joe Farias (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

State Representative
District 119
DISTRICT MAP

Roland Gutiérrez (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Roland Gutiérrez is a 1989 graduate of Central Catholic HS. He earned his BA in Political Science from UTSA in 1995 and his Law degree from St. Mary's University in 1998. He is the founder and CEO of the Gutiérrez Law Firm, specializing in Immigration Law.

Roland Gutiérrez was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, District 119 in a special election in May 2008. He serves on the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures, Urban Affairs and the Select Committee on Voter Identification and Voter Fraud. In addition, Gutiérrez is a current member of the Board of Directors for the Free Trade Alliance for 2012.

As a State Representative, Gutiérrez's efforts all have a common thread: helping the people of his district and Texas shape a better future for themselves and their families. He is a strong champion for appropriate funding of public education, affordable public health care, effective public safety and policies to help strengthen the economic security of fellow Texans. Gutierrez has successfully passed laws including measures to protect successful family health programs, provide a tax cut to small businesses, fund new courts to help streamline the local judicial process, and hold foreign manufacturers accountable for harmful products sold in local outlets.

Along with his primary legislation, Gutiérrez also fought hard for teachers and his constituents by crafting amendments on the House floor and working with his colleagues to protect the environment, improve public schools, support public safety officers, and protect voters. As a State Representative, Roland Gutiérrez pledges to continue the goals that form the heart of public service: "To help the ordinary people of my district shape an extraordinary future for themselves and their families," Gutierrez says.

State Representative
District 120
DISTRICT MAP

Ruth Jones McClendon (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

State Representative
District 123
DISTRICT MAP

Mike Villarreal (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

State Representative
District 124
DISTRICT MAP

José Menéndez (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

State Representative
District 125
DISTRICT MAP

Justin Rodríguez
Web Site

ELECTED

Justin Rodríguez grew up near St. Mary's University. Following Antonian College Prep, Justin earned his BBA degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and subsequently earned an academic fellowship to attend the University of Wisconsin Law School (JD, 2000). In law school Justin served as Vice President of the Latino Law Students' Association and participated in the law school's Legal Defense Program. There he represented indigent clients in state court. At graduation Justin was awarded the Bruce F. Beilfus Award for Outstanding Service to the Law School.

Justin returned to San Antonio and dove into education and policy issues while working as a juvenile prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. As an Assistant D.A. Justin handled thousands of cases involving juveniles and worked diligently to assist young offenders in their rehabilitative efforts.

Soon after, Justin was elected to the San Antonio ISD's Board of Education, serving as chair of the Board's government affairs committee and student advisory panel. Justin was also an active member on the Council of Urban Boards of Education. In addition, Justin joined a nationwide task force that examined the education and policy ramifications surrounding issues of race, including the minority achievement gap.

Justin loves to serve the community he continues to call home. As President of the Jefferson Neighborhood Association, as a former board member of the San Antonio Children's Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio, Justin cares about San Antonio. He helped senior citizens as a volunteer for the Community Justice Program and Meals on Wheels. For his service, Justin was awarded a Congressional Award for Outstanding Service to the Community.

4th COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

Justice
Place 2

Baldemar Garza
Web Site

Justice
Place 3

Patricia Alvarez
Web Site

ELECTED

Justice
Place 4

Luz Elena Chapa
Web Site

ELECTED

Luz Elena Chapa was raised in El Paso and earned both a B.A. and her law degree from Saint Mary's University. She has practiced in the area of civil litigation on both sides of the docket in counties across South Texas. Luz Elena lives in San Antonio with her husband, attorney Miguel J. Chapa, and their two daughters. She is fluent in Spanish.

"I will work tirelessly to earn your support and your friendship along the way. I am humbled by the overwhelming support that has been extended to me thus far, and in turn, so many of you have helped me to reaffirm my decision to run for Place 4. Aside from being an attorney, I am a wife, mother, daughter, and sister who cares about her community and who is wholeheartedly committed to serviing it." - Luz Elena Chapa

Justice
Place 5

David Towler
Web Site

I've lived in small-town South Texas, and I've lived in San Antonio. I've practiced law in both also. I could have stayed in San Antonio and probably made more money. But I've chosen to live in a rural community because that's where I wanted to raise my children, and that's where I've chosen to give back to this society that has given so much to me. Now, I sincerely hope that I can continue to give back by helping to fix a court system that is viewed by too many as broken and unfair.

I take my obligations as a professional very seriously. As an attorney, I get the privilege of being a part of our system of justice and earning a good living. But, in return for that, I owe the duty to provide competent legal service to those who can't afford it, the duty to help our system provide equal justice to all, and the duty to inspire public confidence in the legal profession.

I've worked hard to do all of those things my entire career. I don't look at those obligations as burdens; I look at them as opportunities. Public confidence in the faireness of our legal system has fallen to new lows. The time is now to restore it. With the help of the voters, I will. - David Towler

Justice
Place 7

Rebeca C. Martínez
Web Site

ELECTED

I was educated at Southern Methodist University and Boston University School of Law, am a former law clerk, and have 20 years of actual courtroom experience representing myriad plaintiffs and defendants at every court level, I offer the most fair and impartial perspective to the diversity of cases appealed to the 4th Court of Appeals.

I am committed to sustaining the principle of justice that requires decision-making not based on bias or preference of one over another for improper reasons. My contribution reports do NOT reflect maximum-allowed contributions from any special interest PAC. Given the reality of campaign fundraising, I accept contributions allowed under the law from supporters who express nothing more than a desire to support a fair, impartial and qualified candidate for the Court of Appeals.

I am the proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, married to a career law enforcement officer, and strengthened by my faith and family. In almost 20 years of practice and public service, my proudest accomplishments are experienced both in and out of the courtroom, where compromise is reached and a sense of real justice is accomplished for families. I am most proud of my ability to achieve a practice that allows for quality representation of the indigent. - Rebeca C. Martínez

STATE DISTRICT COURTS

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

Judge (Civil Court)
37th Judicial District

Michael Mery
Web Site

ELECTED

Currently, as a Visiting Judge, I hear family law cases, Title IV-D matters (child support enforcement), civil cases of all kinds, probate matters, juvenile cases and criminal cases. As a mediator, I mediate divorces, custody disputes, personal injury cases, consumer litigation, probate matters, contract disputes, mortgage foreclosures, and other civil matters that are in litigation.

During my tenure as Judge of Bexar County Court-at-Law No.12, I was instrumental in designing and establishing the Mental Health Court of Bexar County, over which I presided for three years (2008-2010). Bexar County Commissioners Court recognized my work on this court by awarding me the Hidalgo Award, its highest civilian award, in December of 2010.

Growing up on San Antonio's Westside, I learned from my parents and my grandparents the importance of hard work, education, and helping others. Thirty years ago as a law student, I represented migrant farm workers and their families. As a Bexar County Assistant District Attorney and a Texas Assistant Attorney General, I fought child abuse. As a Bexar County Court-at-Law Judge for over 11 years, I led judicial reform while hearing thousands of cases.

Today as a Visiting Judge, I still listen carefully, rule wisely, and treat everyone respectfully to see that justice is served. I'm proud of my record of service. I would be proud and honored to serve as your judge. I respectfully ask for your vote. - Michael Mery

Judge (Civil Court)
57th Judicial District

Antonia "Toni" Arteaga (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Judge (Civil Court)
73rd Judicial District

David A. Canales

ELECTED

Judge (Civil Court)
131st Judicial District

John D. Gabriel (i)

ELECTED

Judge (Civil Court)
166th Judicial District

Laura Salinas

ELECTED

Laura Salinas served as Judge of County Court at Law No. 9 from January 2007 till December 2010. She presided over criminal misdemeanor cases for Bexar County that included DWI, Thefts, Possession of Marijuana, Burglary of Vehicle and other misdemeanors. Prior to her election to the bench and since January 2011, Laura Salinas has been a solo practitioner focusing on family law and criminal law cases.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Laura Salinas was the first in her family to graduate from high school and achieve higher education. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Robert E. Lee High School in 1990. Laura then graduated Cum Laude in 1994 from The University of the Incarnate Word with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business. Laura then attended Southern Methodist University of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in May 1997 and passing the Texas Bar Exam in November 1997. Knowing she wanted to serve the community where she was raised, Laura returned to San Antonio immediately after graduation.

As a judge, she shared her time mentoring and sharing her experiences with San Antonio's youth through programs like Courts in Schools, which presented real court proceedings and hearings to San Antonio middle schools and high schools to teach students about the legal system and the consequences of committing crimes. In addition to her family, Laura had teachers and counselors who guided her and inspired her career decisions. She feels it is her responsibility to do the same and serve her community.

Judge (Criminal Court)
175th Judicial District

Mary Román (i)

ELECTED

Judge Mary Román, the first Hispanic woman elected in a countywide race as district judge in Bexar County, was a single parent of four children and past thirty when she began the long strenuous task of gaining the education required for the legal career she coveted. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1980 and her law degree from St. Mary's School of law, in May 1984. She is board certified in Criminal Law.

She began her legal career as a Bexar County Assistant District Attorney and spent several years in private practice of family and criminal law cases. Since her election as Judge of the 175th District Court, she has earned a reputation as a judge who listens to all of the parties without prejudging their case and makes decisions based on all the facts presented. She treats everyone who comes into the court with courtesy and respect.

Judge Román believes in making our community a better place. She works to increase awareness of domestic violence through various civic organizations and she is active in her church where she serves as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She cherishes the time spent with her husband, her grown children and grandchildren. By re-electing Judge Román, this public servant will continue to serve as an experienced judge, who is fair and whose integrity is beyond reproach.

Judge (Criminal Court)
379th Judicial District

Ron Rangel (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

The 379^th District Court deals with felony cases. I have served as the judge of this court since my election in 2008 after working as a child victim's advocate for Child Protective Services, as a prosecutor, and as a defense attorney. During the time of my service on the bench, I have presided over many high profile jury trials, including the first two human trafficking jury trials in Bexar County, both resulting in verdicts of life without parole.

I have earned excellent scores in 2010 and 2012 judicial surveys mailed to all practicing attorneys in San Antonio. In the latest poll, I scored highest in the area of "good temperament" among all the criminal district court judges. I have saved taxpayer money and have disposed of cases in an efficient, fair and timely manner. I have reduced the existing caseload in this court from 1200 cases to approximately 500 cases today and have consistently ranked as the lowest cost per case among the criminal district courts.

I am proud to announce my endorsements by the SA Express-News Editorial Board, SA Police Officer's Association, SA Professional Fire Fighters Association, Deputy Sheriff's Association of Bexar County, SA AFL-CIO, Stonewall Democrats of SA, Bexar County Young Democrats, and the Tejano Democrats.

I am a family man and owe my success to the full support of my wife, my lovely children, and my parents. Safe schools and communities for them and all of our families are as important to me as they are to you. I humbly ask for your vote. - Judge Ron Rangel

Judge (Juvenile Court)
386th Judicial District

Stephen D. Smith
Web Site

Stephen Smith has devoted most of his adult life to the families of Bexar County and is campaigning under the slogan "Our families Deserve Better!"

Stephen Smith was a volunteer for several years with Child Advocates of San Antonio, advocating for child victims of severe abuse or neglect. He became a licensed foster parent and is the adoptive parent of two sons. As an attorney, he has authored several articles in legal magazines. He has been a frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education events for lawyers. He also has considerable trial experience and has been successful in overturning two cases where clients were proven to be actually innocent of their felony convictions.

Mr. Smith graduated Cum Laude from St. Mary's University and is a member of the Juvenile Section of the State Bar of Texas. He worked with the St. Mary's Clinic for Social Justice and is an active member of the San Antonio Bar Association.

As judge he promises to increase the availability of mentors and role models to youth before the court. Stephen Smith will make the safety of Bexar County citizens his first priority and will work his heart out to increase services for families of youth in crisis.

Judge (Criminal Court)
399th Judicial District

Ray J. Olivarrí

ELECTED

Judge (Civil Court)
407th Judicial District

Karen Pozza (i)

ELECTED

Judge (Civil Court)
408th Judicial District

Larry Noll (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Judge Larry Noll has been a judge for 20 years and a lawyer for 39 years. In a 2011 & 2012 Judicial Survey of Judges' performance, Judge Noll received the highest approval rating of any civil district judge in Bexar County. His Board Certifications in Family Law and Residential Real Estate Law have served him well on the bench. He also has been an Adjunct Professor of Family Law at St. Mary's University for 24 years. Recently, Larry was appointed as Co-chair of the San Antonio Bar Association's Community Justice Program, a program founded to assist Texas Rural Legal Aid meet its commitment to handle the legal problems in the civil area for those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer to assist them. Larry continues his commitment to assisting lawyers by sharing his expertise with members of the Bar at the State Bar Convention, College of the State Bar, local family lawyers, St. Mary's Law Alumni and the local Real Estate Discussion Group.

Judge Noll is endorsed by the San Antonio Police Officer's Association, AFL-CIO, Teamsters Union, San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, North East Democrats, Deputy Sheriff's Association of Bexar County, Tejano Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Bexar County Constables Association of Bexar County, and Bexar County Young Democrats. He is also endorsed by the Medical Community Bexar PAC.

His Republican opponent has only 7 years experience practicing law. Judge Noll, a staunch Democrat, is supported by an impressive committee of Republicans for Noll and was endorsed by the Express-News Editorial board in the Primary Election.

Judge (Civil Court)
438th Judicial District

Gloria Saldaña

ELECTED

Bio Whenever you must be in court, you deserve a good, experienced civil court judge. I am a former state district judge and offer a combined depth of experience as a judge, as an attorney/litigator, a business owner and as a certified mediator, possessing an extraordinary judicial temperament. Whether you are a citizen of this county or an attorney, in my courtroom you will be afforded courtesy, respect, impartiality, and treatment free from bias. My courtroom will decide cases fairly and objectively, as the evidence and the law apply.

My involvement in community affairs has been life-long and rewarding and has included teaching English as a Second Language, volunteering with the United Way, mentoring students of Tafolla MS, serving as a member of the Executive Committee of the Benedictine Resource Center (sponsor of the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative, the Joven Community Program and the Center for Public Policy Priorities). I was a member of the State Bar Grievance Committee, the Board of the Bexar County Legal Aid Association, the Board of the Family Violence Prevention Services, the League of Women Voters, the Board of the Mexican American Bar Association, the SA Conservation Society, SA Junior Symphony Society, the Community Justice Program, the Wills Clinics at St. Mary's University, and a long-standing member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and an active member of the Monte Vista Historic Neighborhood Association. I have represented children and their families in Child Protection Cases since 1995 and have been a member of the Bexar County Children's Court Attorney Ad Litem Association. - Gloria Saldaña

BEXAR COUNTY

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

Sheriff

Amadeo Ortiz (i)
Web Site

Tax Assessor-Collector

Albert Uresti
Web Site

ELECTED

Albert Uresti was born on the West Side of San Antonio and is the oldest of eight siblings. Albert and Elsie have been married for 39 years and have three children and two grandchildren. While raising a family and working full-time, Uresti received his Bachelor's Degree and then his Master's degree in Public Administration. At the same time, he quickly rose up the ranks in the San Antonio Fire Department to District Fire Chief. While working and going to school, Albert also devoted himself to his community, including its youth and Senior Citizens, as a civic leader, volunteer, and coach. Albert has over 32 years of government work experience and has devoted the last ten plus years primarily to city management and his real estate and consulting business. As Tax Assessor, Uresti will be committed to Supporting Tax Breaks for Senior Citizens, the Disabled, and our Veterans; Shorter Faster Lines; Easy Monthly Payment Plans; and Extended Office Hours and Weekends.

PRECINCTS: County Commissioners, Justices of the Peace, & Constables

Office

Term Yrs

Democratic Candidate

County Commissioner
Precinct 1
PRECINCT MAP

Sergio "Chico" Rodríguez (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Commissioner Chico Rodríguez has worked diligently to provide funding for infrastructure improvements and social services within Pct 1. The following are only a few of the results Bexar County has seen through his leadership and dedication:

Approved $1.09 billion budget (2007-2008) maintaining same property tax rate just under 32.7 cents. Budget highlights include an increase in law enforcement patrol by 25%, the county's largest increase to date. In addition, a flood control program totaling $550 million over 10 years - the largest program in the county's history. This includes $53 million for second year of two-year, $106 million regional flood control program, as well as, $11.7 million for the acceleration of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Improvement Project.

Voted for a voluntary County tax freeze on homesteads for the elderly and the disabled

Voted to create a Veterans Advisory Committee charged to ensure Bexar County serves the needs of our Veterans

Helped bring half a million dollars in private donations to programs that help at risk youth in Pct 1

Initiated programs providing free mammograms and free flu shots to residents in Pct 1

Expanded Meals on Wheels Program - delivering good, hot meals to seniors

Supported a residential healthcare facility for special needs children in partnership with Children's Shelter ($878K) - 4040 High Ridge Circle

Initiated new programs to help keep teens in school and offer assistance to abused children

Supported new diabetes treatment center at the CentroMed Community Health Center at Commercial and Teal Road

Justice of the Peace,
Precinct 1, Place 1
PRECINCT MAP

Monica Lisa Caballero (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

During the past seven years as your Precinct 1, Place 1, Justice of the Peace, Judge Monica Lisa Caballero has:

Maintained a courtroom with no backlog
Participated in the Valero Truancy Mock Court Programs
Developed community service programs that encourage, recycling, graffiti clean-up and responsible pet ownership
Taught after-school martial arts and kidnap prevention classes
Court ordered teen fathers to counseling with the Southwest Key Fatherhood Program
Treated Court participants with dignity and respect

Justice of the Peace,
Precinct 2, Place 1
PRECINCT MAP

Roberto "Robbie"
Vázquez

ELECTED

Constable
Precinct 1
PRECINCT MAP

Rubén C. Tejeda (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

Constable
Precinct 2
PRECINCT MAP

Val Flores

ELECTED

My name is Val Flores, Constable Pct. 2. I was born and raised in San Antonio. My ancestors arrived in Bexar County in 1731; I am a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, (SRT) Alamo Chapter 40. I graduated from Thomas Edison High School; I served my country during Vietnam and Desert Storm. I have a Criminal Justice Degree and Master Peace Officer License. I attended and graduated from the Newly Elected Constable's School and from The Texas Constable's Leadership College at Sam Houston State University. I have served the citizens of Bexar County for over 20 years which includes Bexar County Sheriff's office, Deputy Constable, Sgt. with Incarnate Word University and the last 3½ years as the current Constable of Precinct 2.

If re-elected we will continue to execute all court orders both civil & criminal and support the J.P. Courts, continue to assign our traffic units in school zones protecting our kids, our civil section patrolling the neighborhoods protecting our senior citizens and deterring home invasions, keep our K-9 units actively on the streets to monitor gang & drug activity. My faith in God, Country and community is my motivation to succeed.

Constable
Precinct 3
PRECINCT MAP

Edward "Ed" Coleman
Web Site

Constable
Precinct 4
PRECINCT MAP

Robert "Mike" Blount (i)
Web Site

ELECTED

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Office

Term Yrs

County Chair,
Bexar County Democratic Party

	Elected May 29 - took office August 21
Manuel Medina Web Site

State Chair,
Texas Democratic Party

	Elected and took office at the Democratic State Convention, June 9, 2012
Gilberto Hinojosa Web Site

VOTER INFORMATION
First day to request a mail ballot for the November 6 General Election	Friday, Sept 7 Mail Voting Information & Application También puede pedirle una boleta por correo al Departamento de Elecciones. You may also request a mail ballot by phone from the Elections Department. 210-335-0362.
Last day to register to vote for the November 6 General Election / Ultimo día para registrarse para las elecciones del 6 de noviembre	Tuesday, October 9 - Voter Registration Information
Early Voting for the November 6 General Election / Votación adelantada para las elecciones del 6 de noviembre	Monday, October 22 - Friday, November 2 Schedule & List of Early Voting Locations Zoomable map of Early Voting locations Printable Map of Early Voting Locations Find the Sample Ballot for your precinct Generic Sample Ballot / Boleta de muestra Acceptable forms of ID at the polling place Formas de identificación aceptadas en la localidad de votación
Last day that a completed mail ballot application will be accepted	Tuesday, October 30
Election Day	November 6, 2012 Find the Polling Place & Sample Ballot for your precinct Acceptable forms of ID at the polling place Formas de identificación aceptadas en la localidad de votación
Texas Secretary of State	sos.state.tx.us/elections
VOTEXAS.org	votexas.org (English) votexas.org/spanish (Español)
Bexar County Elections Department	elections.bexar.org

visitors to our Elections pages since April 8, 2011

Political Advertising donated, Bexar County Democratic Party Communications Committee