The details
Teare won the March 5 Democratic primary for Harris County district attorney with 75.16% of votes, beating incumbent Kim Ogg, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Teare served as a prosecutor with the Harris County district attorney’s office for 11 years, according to his campaign website.
Simons is a former Harris County prosecutor and criminal defense attorney who ran unopposed in the March 5 Republican primary.
What residents should know
Key dates provided by the Harris County Clerk's office for the Nov. 5 election are:
- Oct. 7: last day to register to vote (Texas does not have online voter registration)
- Oct. 21: first day of early voting
- Oct. 25: ballot by mail application deadline
- Nov. 1: last day of early voting
- Nov. 5: Election Day
The setup
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Dan Simons
Experience:
Former Harris County prosecutor; criminal defense attorney; 16 years combined solo business experience
Candidate Website:
https://www.dan4da.com
Contact Information:
713-705-3456
Why are you running for Harris County district attorney?
I am running to make sure equal justice is always done. We must seek justice for victims while protecting the rights of the accused. Violent crime is out-of-control and victims need someone to speak for them. I passionately believe the district attorney should play no favorites.
If elected, what would your top priorities be in office?
Confronting courthouse case backlog, building a team of “play no-favorite” prosecutors, making sure the office runs efficiently, and building strong coalitions with law enforcement and all communities.
What about your background makes you stand out as a candidate?
I grew up homeless and in foster care, at 12. I moved in with friends to graduate high school. I joined the Air Force as a cop. I was a child victim from 8 to 15 years old. I would be the first Thurgood Marshall district attorney in Harris County.
Harris County leaders are prioritizing public safety in the upcoming fiscal year budget. What are some actions you would take for public safety accountability on your first day in office, if elected?
I would push for partnerships to get funding needed for the district attorney’s office, look for savings so more resources can be put into fighting for justice and prioritize innovative partnerships with police and the entire community.
Sean Teare
Experience:
Former Harris County prosecutor (11 years); division chief, Vehicular Crimes Division (six years); criminal defense attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.seanteareforda.com
Contact Information:
713-294-6619
Why are you running for Harris County district attorney?
I’m running for Harris County district attorney to restore integrity, transparency, and fairness to our criminal justice system. My focus is on reducing violent crime, reforming broken policies, and ensuring justice is served with empathy and efficiency, while making our community safer for everyone.
If elected, what would your top priorities be in office?
My top priorities as district attorney would be reducing violent crime, expanding diversion programs for non-violent offenders, and improving case management. I’ll also focus on rebuilding morale within the office, retaining experienced prosecutors, and ensuring a fair, transparent justice system that protects our community.
What about your background makes you stand out as a candidate?
With over a decade of experience as a prosecutor, including six years leading the Vehicular Crimes Division, I’ve handled a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors to capital murder. My deep roots in Harris County, coupled with my commitment to justice and community safety, set me apart as a candidate.
Harris County leaders are prioritizing public safety in the upcoming fiscal year budget. What are some actions you would take for public safety accountability on your first day in office, if elected?
On my first day in office, I would immediately assess ongoing cases to ensure they align with public safety priorities. I would initiate a review of the DA's office to streamline processes, focusing on violent crime and high-risk offenders. Strengthening diversion programs and collaborating with law enforcement for transparent, fair...
