Bexar County leaders chose Anna Campos — sister of state Rep. Liz Campos (D-San Antonio) — as the next Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4.
The position has been open since December, when former Justice of the Peace Michele Garcia died battling cervical cancer.
The county had been using temporary judges to fill in, but on Tuesday, went ahead and installed Campos, the presumptive nominee to win the seat in November.
Campos secured the Democratic nomination in a three-way primary last month, and doesn’t face a Republican opponent.
“This appointment is consistent with the will of the voters, and promotes continuity in the administration of justice,” says an agenda memo filed by Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and Commissioner Tommy Calvert (Pct. 4).
Commissioners approved it 4-0, with Commissioner Grant Moody (Pct. 3), the court’s lone Republican, abstaining.
Justices of the Peace preside over minor criminal and civil issues, like traffic offenses and landlord-tenant disputes, though the job doesn’t require a law degree. They also perform marriage ceremonies and bail hearings.
Campos, 61, started her career working for San Antonio trial attorney Frank Herrera, and spent 35 years working as a legal assistant, legal administrator, and legal director.
“If you know anything about Mr. Herrera’s firm, you know that he’s always fought for the underdogs,” she said at a Feb. 14 campaign forum. ” … I will ensure that the court runs efficiently, treats every person with dignity and respect, and remains accessible and fair.”
Campos’ younger sister, Liz, has represented Texas House District 119, since 2020.
Anna Campos ran unsuccessfully for a Texas House seat in 2012, but under the Republican banner.
