José Garza

José P. Garza is an American lawyer. He is the District Attorney for Travis County, Texas.[1]

For Mexican convicted drug lord, see José Manuel Garza Rendón.

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 from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.[2]

Career

He is currently 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
  1. Nichanian, Daniel (November 3, 2020). "Austin and Orlando Elect Prosecutors Who Vow to Fight Mass Incarceration". The Appeal. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  2. Kamp, Amy (December 25, 2015). "Jose Garza takes the helm". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Nichols, John (July 16, 2020). "Austin, Texas, Just Voted to End the Drug War". The Nation. ISSN 0027-8378. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  6. Barajas, Michael (November 2, 2020). "José Garza Redefines 'Progressive Prosecutor'". The Texas Observer. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  7. Nolan, Hamilton (November 30, 2020). "The Man Building the Bridge Between Labor Rights and Criminal Justice Reform". Workday Minnesota. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  8. Day, Meagan (July 25, 2020). "Austin's Likely Next District Attorney Vows to End the Drug War". jacobinmag.com. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
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