Ana Ochoa Nelson, 38, is a prosecutor in the Family Violence Division of the Bexar County DA’s office. She is one of two Democrats running to replace Judge Ben Robertson, who is running for a different bench seat in 2026.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is Ana Ochoa Nelson and I am running for the 226th District Court. I come from a family of hardworking public servants who taught me that integrity and hard work matter. I graduated from Loyola University New Orleans, and am a proud alumna of St. Mary’s University School of Law. I have spent my entire legal career in service to our community as a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office where I have primarily been assigned to the Family Violence Division prosecuting cases involving domestic violence and crimes against children. My husband and I are raising our family right here in San Antonio, and I enjoy teaching Sunday school, coaching my children’s sports teams.
2. Describe your educational background.
I attended Loyola University New Orleans for my undergraduate degree, where my college experience was shaped by Hurricane Katrina during my freshman year. Witnessing the devastation and resilience of the community deepened my sense of responsibility and strengthened my commitment to public service.
That experience sharpened my desire to serve others and reinforced the importance of leadership in times of crisis. I later earned my Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, where I developed strong legal and advocacy skills, preparing me for a career dedicated to service.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
I have spent my legal career serving the people of Bexar County as a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office, handling cases across misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony divisions. My experience includes complex family violence cases, high-volume dockets, and jury trials, where I have worked closely with victims, law enforcement, and defense counsel to pursue justice fairly and responsibly. One of my cases advanced through the appellate process to the Supreme Court of the United States, where I had the rare privilege of watching a colleague argue the case before the Court.
4. Philosophically, how do you balance the public’s desire for restitution in all types of crimes, while also providing a productive path forward for offenders who don’t pose a danger to the public?
I believe the justice system works best when people are held accountable and treated fairly. Victims deserve to know their harm is taken seriously, and courts must impose consequences that reflect the real impact of a crime. Throughout my career, I have approached each case by looking at the facts, the people involved, and the long-term impact of every decision. As a judge, I would continue that individualized approach to protect public safety, respect victims, and use rehabilitation when appropriate to achieve real, lasting results.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
I am seeking this office because I am ready to bring my experience and judgment to the bench. As a prosecutor, I have seen how judges’ decisions affect victims, families, and people whose lives are shaped by the court system. I decided to run because I believe this court deserves a judge who is prepared, thoughtful, and committed to treating everyone with respect.
I chose to run as a Democrat because the party’s values reflect my belief in equal justice and opportunity. I support protecting individual rights and making sure the legal system works for people from every background. My commitment has always been to public service, not politics, and I believe in strengthening trust in the justice system.
