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Travis County DA race: Democratic candidates
Primary Election Day is on Tuesday, March 5. One of the hottest races involves the democratic candidates for Travis County District Attorney.
AUSTIN, Texas - Super Tuesday is officially here. In Travis County, District Attorney Jose Garza is up against Democratic opponent Jeremy Sylestine.
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza is standing by his conviction record, but his challenger Jeremy Sylestine, a former prosecutor, believes he is a better fit for the job. Both democratic challengers, however, do agree the safety of the community is a top priority.
Sylestine is running to unseat Garza and is calling for change.
RELATED: Voting in 2024 Texas primaries: What you need to know
Sylestine is currently a defense attorney, but was with the Travis County District Attorney’s office for 15 years. He left during Garza’s term.
Garza was elected in 2020 after promising criminal justice reform, to hold people accountable who commit violent crime, and to prosecute sexual assault cases.
During his tenure, a Travis County Grand Jury indicted 21 Austin police officers on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for protester injuries during the 2020 demonstrations related to the killing of George Floyd. The District Attorney’s office dismissed 17 of those cases.
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Democratic primary for Travis County DA
Travis County DA Jose Garza is standing by his conviction record, but his challenger Jeremy Sylestine, a former prosecutor, believes he is a better fit for the job.
Sylestine is a Democrat running against Garza in the primary election and Daniel Betts is a Republican running unopposed.
During a candidate forum held in February, Sylestine and Betts said, if elected, they want to be more transparent with the community. They said violent crimes need to be prosecuted seriously, and they want to help those dealing with mental health problems.
The two candidates at the forum are both criminal defense attorneys and have similar views, but are on different ballots.
MORE STORIES:
- Travis County DA race: Democratic candidates trade punches on final day of campaign
- Travis County DA race: Democratic candidates agree safety of community is top priority
- Travis County DA receives criticism from opponents ahead of election
- Travis County DA primary: Elon Musk weighs in
- District Attorney candidates differ on prosecuting drug crimes
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Travis County DA receives criticism
Political opponents of Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza criticized the DA at a candidate forum in Austin.
Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.
FOX 7 Austin has put together a guide with everything you need to know to be able to vote in Texas for the 2024 primaries. For more information, click here.