Michele Garcia, who served as Justice of the Peace for Bexar County’s Precinct 4, died after battling an aggressive form of cancer.

Garcia, a Democrat, was elected to the seat in 2022. After receiving her diagnosis, she decided not to file for reelection in 2026. She went into hospice several weeks ago.

Bexar County has four Justices of the Peace who preside over minor criminal and civil issues, like traffic offenses and landlord-tenant disputes. They also perform marriage ceremonies and bail hearings, though the job doesn’t require a law degree.

The Bexar County Commissioners Court will appoint a temporary justice in Precinct 4 until Garcia’s replacement is elected next year.

Four Democrats are running for the position in the March 3 primary: Erasmo “Raz” Hernandez, who worked as a litigation support and evidence manager at the district attorney’s office; Anna Campos, a business consultant; Veronica Brooks, who worked as a contract specialist for the Department of Defense; and Chris McKnight, a court clerk.

No Republicans filed for the seat.