José Garza
José Garza | |
---|---|
District Attorney of Travis County | |
Assumed office January 1, 2021 | |
Preceded by | Margaret Moore |
Personal details | |
Born | José P. Garza Laredo, Texas, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | University of Texas at Austin (BA) Catholic University (JD) |
Website | Campaign website |
José P. Garza is an American lawyer serving as the District Attorney of Travis County, Texas since 2021.[1]
Early life and education[]
José Garza was born in Laredo, Texas, and grew up in San Antonio. He graduated from University of Texas in 2001. He later graduated with a J.D. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.[2]
Career[]
He was previously the executive director of the Workers Defense Project and was the Democratic Party nominee to be Travis County District Attorney.[3][4] Garza defeated incumbent DA Margaret Moore in the July 2020 runoff for the Democratic Party nomination.[4] Garza began his campaign by advocating for significant changes to drug prosecutions, "On day one, we will end the prosecution of low-level drug offenses here in Travis County."[5] Garza ran on a platform of ending prosecutions for low-level drug possession, holding police officers accountable for misconduct, and pursuing restorative justice.[6][7] While Garza was the executive director the Workers Defense Project, he worked to pass paid sick-time policies in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.[8] He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.[8]
References[]
- ^ Nichanian, Daniel (November 3, 2020). "Austin and Orlando Elect Prosecutors Who Vow to Fight Mass Incarceration". The Appeal. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ Kamp, Amy (December 25, 2015). "Jose Garza takes the helm". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Nichanian, Daniel (July 15, 2020). "In Austin Prosecutor Races, Wins for the Left and a Milestone for Drug Decriminalization". The Appeal Political Report. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ a b Winkle, Kate; Travis, Avery (July 14, 2020). "Incumbent Margaret Moore concedes to José Garza in Travis County DA runoff after early results". KXAN. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Nichols, John (July 16, 2020). "Austin, Texas, Just Voted to End the Drug War". The Nation. ISSN 0027-8378. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Barajas, Michael (November 2, 2020). "José Garza Redefines 'Progressive Prosecutor'". The Texas Observer. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Nolan, Hamilton (November 30, 2020). "The Man Building the Bridge Between Labor Rights and Criminal Justice Reform". Workday Minnesota. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ a b Day, Meagan (July 25, 2020). "Austin's Likely Next District Attorney Vows to End the Drug War". jacobinmag.com. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
External links[]
- American lawyers
- Hispanic and Latino American politicians
- Living people
- Members of the Democratic Socialists of America
- Texas Democrats
- Texas socialists
- Texas politician stubs