Q&A: Meet the Democratic candidates running for Harris County district attorney

Why are you running for Harris County district attorney?

Passionate about justice, I'm running for Harris County district attorney to reform a broken system. With experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney, I've seen its flaws. The current dysfunction and backlog demand change. I aim to lead with integrity, prioritize public service over politics, and restore trust in our ...

What are the biggest challenges facing Harris County residents, and how would you address those challenges if elected?

Harris County faces challenges of a dysfunctional justice system, low morale, and a case backlog. As district attorney, I'll prioritize reform, improve morale, and address the backlog. My leadership will restore efficiency, fairness, and integrity, ensuring the system serves all residents while protecting the community from genuine threats.

What do you see for the future of Harris County’s court backlog and its impact on public safety?

Harris County's court backlog jeopardizes public safety. I'll implement reforms to address the backlog efficiently, ensuring prompt trials for serious cases. This will prevent unnecessary delays, keep nonviolent offenders out of prolonged pretrial detention, and enhance public safety by swiftly adjudicating cases with a focus on community protection.

With intimate partner homicides tripling in Harris County between 2019 and 2022, what steps would your office take in improving the process of reporting sexual assaults and ensuring offenders are held accountable in the criminal justice system?

To address the surge in intimate partner homicides, my office will enhance collaboration with law enforcement, increase resources for victim support, and streamline reporting processes. We'll prioritize prosecuting sexual assault cases, providing training to improve investigations, and implementing policies to hold offenders accountable swiftly, ensuring justice for survivors.

What does public safety accountability and transparency mean to you?

Public safety accountability and transparency mean fostering trust through open communication. It involves promptly addressing community concerns, disclosing relevant information, and holding law enforcement accountable. By involving the public in decision-making, maintaining transparency in policies, and ensuring accountability for misconduct, we build a safer and more trusting community.

Why are you running for Harris County district attorney?

I’ve been a lawyer for 36 years, and achieved individual victories for clients, but as the district attorney, I am able to help everyone in Harris County by adopting prosecution polices that promote public safety. My work for crime victims has made violent crime our priority, but my oath as …

What are the biggest challenges facing Harris County residents, and how would you address those challenges if elected?

Prioritize violent crime. We need to continue to prioritize the prosecution of violent crimes, such as murder, to work with judges and defense counsel to get these cases to trial so the accused and victims’ families can have their day in court. Appropriate staffing. The number one duty of a …

What do you see for the future of Harris County’s court backlog and its impact on public safety?

It is time to properly fund our criminal justice system. Our prosecutors have made an amazing dent in the backlog since its 2021 all-time high of 152,000 cases. That number stands today at approximately 105,000 cases. We will keep working but without permanent funding to increase the number …

With intimate partner homicides tripling in Harris County between 2019 and 2022, what steps would your office take in improving the process of reporting sexual assaults and ensuring offenders are held accountable in the criminal justice system?