DA Joe Gonzalez announced on June 5 that he won’t seek reelection to the office in 2026.
SAN ANTONIO — Less than a week after Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales announced he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026, a longtime Criminal District Court judge could soon jumpstart the race to succeed him.
Ron Rangel, who oversees the 379th Criminal District Court in Bexar County, has formed an exploratory committee for the soon-to-be open district attorney seat, according to a press release issued by the local political strategy firm VIVA Politics.
While it doesn’t mean Rangel is officially running, it’s typically a preliminary step. It’s also the first time Rangel has formed an exploratory committee for a possible campaign.
“Having served as a Criminal District Court judge for the past 17 years, I have a deep understanding of our justice system,” Rangel is quoted as saying in a brief statement. “And I know the hard work it takes to keep our community safe.”
An alumnus of St. Mary’s University, Rangel has also worked as a CPS case worker and prosecutor in Hidalgo County. The Democrat has served in the 379th District Court since 2008; among his most high-profile cases was that of Otis McKane, who in 2021 was sentenced to death for murdering SAPD Detective Benjamin Marconi in late 2016.
His current term ends in 2028. Should he officially announced a campaign for district attorney, Rangel would have to vacate his position as judge.
The 2026 Democratic Primary in Texas is scheduled for March 3.
Laura Barberena, with VIVA Politics, said that priming for a potential district attorney run isn’t something Rangel was contemplating before Gonzales announced Thursday that he would depart as DA next year. Gonzales has occupied the position since January 2019, having most recently defeated Republican Marc LaHood in the November 2022 election to win another four-year term.
His decision stemmed from wanting to spend more time with family, saying they’ve been “unbelievably supportive of my public service.” Gonzales said he made his decision this early to help facilitate a 2026 race with the strongest possible candidates.
“It has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve as your district attorney,” he said. “No job could be more rewarding than keeping our community safe.”
In order to run for district attorney in Texas, candidates must live in the community where they’re running and be a practicing lawyer or judge.