José P. Garza is an American lawyer serving as the District Attorney of Travis County, Texas since 2021.[1]
José Garza | |
|---|---|
 José Garza was elected in November 2020 | |
| 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 |
Early life and education edit
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 edit
He was previously the executive director of the Workers Defense Project from 2015[3] to 2021[4] and was the Democratic Party nominee to be Travis County District Attorney.[5][6] Garza defeated incumbent DA Margaret Moore in the July 2020 runoff for the Democratic Party nomination.[6] 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."[7] Garza ran on a platform of ending prosecutions for low-level drug possession, holding police officers accountable for misconduct, and pursuing restorative justice.[8][9] While Garza was the executive director the Workers Defense Project, he worked to pass paid sick-time policies in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.[10] He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.[10]
In November of 2023, Garza was asked to leave the funeral of fallen Austin Police Officer and SWAT Team Member Jorge Pastore. This was due to Garza’s history of prosecuting police officers. "When he came walking in, I thought what gall this man has to show up at a funeral for an officer killed in the line of duty when all he's done since he's been in office is go after cops," said Dennis Farris, President of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association. [11]
References edit
- ^ 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.
- ^ Barragan, James. "New Workers Defense Project leader at home in fight for workers' rights". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
- ^ WD_ADMIN (February 11, 2021). "Board Presidents On Next Co-Executive Director National Search". Workers Defense Project. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Progressive DA Reportedly Asked to Leave Slain Officer's Funeral". policemag.com. November 20, 2023. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
External links edit
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