Harris County District Attorney candidates

With a professional background as a defense attorney, why the switch to prosecution?

It's all the same thing. It has to do with justice. A good prosecutor is sworn to convict in accordance with justice. People who know me, both Republicans and Democrats, know I'm a man of justice, and I'll do what's right.We need to put the right people away, and put them away for a long time.

What do you think helped you win the Democratic nomination for Harris County District Attorney?

I've run as a candidate before, so I think there was some name recognition. A lot of it was just luck. Sometimes it's like throwing darts. Or fishing—sometimes you get a catch, other times you don't.

Mike Anderson, Republican candidate, Harris County District Attorney

With your professional experience, what most qualifies you for the nomination as the Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney?

I worked as an assistant for the district attorney under Johnny Holmes. During that time, I tried more than 170 first chair felony jury trials—I lost one. I was involved in the investigation and prosectution of 11 capital murder cases and supervised prosecutors and was assigned as the chief prosecutor in three district courts. All of the things that I have done have brought home important aspects of any leadership position: you work hard, treat people fairly, you do the right thing and you follow the law. The DA's job is to work hard to see that justice is served, thereby making the public safer. You do that by following your oath to conform to and uphold the law. It's important to not make decisions based on political affiliations.

If elected, what would your main priorities be in your first year as District Attorney?

I think it's important that the public trust in the office be re-established. I think it has suffered in the past couple years. It's important to amend relations with local law enforcement and for prosecutors in the office to know that I am behind them, and that we are working together as servants to the people.

What are a few of the challenges currently facing the office that concern you?

There are some excellent [prosecutors] now, but by sheer numbers, many experienced prosecutors have left. There are some great building blocks, but making up for that loss in numbers is certainly going to be a challenge.