DeBerry, Minjarez top primary choices for Bexar County judge

When people in this town refer to “the judge,” they are speaking of Nelson Wolff.

For two decades, Wolff has served as Bexar County judge with authority, transforming county government — and this seat — in dynamic and powerful ways. In the modern era of San Antonio, no politician has been more influential than Wolff, who also has served as a state lawmaker, City Council member and mayor. He took his experience and remade county government.

Pick your issue: economic development (Toyota), conservation (the Mission Reach), transportation infrastructure, a relentless push for criminal justice reform, the local COVID-19 response. Wolff has led on each with a gravitational force, transforming San Antonio.

With Wolff retiring, voters will determine the next chapter for Bexar County leadership.

In the Republican primary, we recommend public relations executive and former County Commissioner Trish DeBerry.

Readers of these pages know we have had sharp differences with DeBerry over public contracts held by talkStrategy, her PR firm. We won’t rehash those concerns beyond this: Given the intersection of county government with other governmental entities, if elected, DeBerry should sever ties with her firm. To maintain those contracts would be a terrible look and undermine much of her agenda.

But she is certainly more than qualified to be county judge. In her year in office, DeBerry was a force on Commissioners Court. She is a fiscal conservative and social progressive. She has pushed for a reduction in property taxes, more open government, the prompt release of body-cam footage and professionalization of the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. Her sparring with Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has been ugly. But her passion to address root causes of domestic violence and solve community problems is evident.

The Democratic side features four candidates — former mayoral adviser Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, state Rep. Ina Minjarez, former District Court Judge Peter Sakai and perennial candidate Gerardo “Gerard” Ponce.

Sakai has built a reputation as an innovative collaborator in helping children and families. He served as a district judge for nearly 15 years before resigning from the 225th District Court bench Oct. 31. His work in the judicial system has been nationally recognized. His understanding of the courts is an invaluable strength.

Gonzalez was chief of staff for Mayor Ron Nirenberg, gaining firsthand experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While each is a strong candidate, our recommendation goes to state Rep. Ina Minjarez, someone we have viewed as a rising star in Bexar County politics.

Minjarez, who was elected in a 2015 special election to represent House District 124 on the West Side, served as a prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. She understands the courts and is versed in the need for criminal justice reforms.

She has been remarkably effective in the Legislature. At the end of the 85th session, Texas Monthly named her “Rookie of the Year.” She’s no rookie now, and Bexar County would benefit from her experience and key relationships.

A member of several key committees over the years, including appropriations, transportation, and health and human services, Minjarez has successfully pushed legislation that secured more than $1 billion for local priorities, including co-sponsoring a bill to get $60 million in property tax relief for Bexar County homeowners.

In the Republican-dominated Legislature, Minjarez has been undeterred. She played a pivotal role in ensuring San Antonio and Bexar County secured federal COVID-19 relief funds and more equitable political maps during redistricting.

She advocates for children and families, working to expand access to health care and education, and she’s pushed criminal justice reform, efforts she says she will continue.

Minjarez told us she’s ready to take the helm of Bexar County — and we agree. It’s Minjarez in the Democratic primary.