Michele Garcia, who served as Justice of the Peace for Bexar County’s Precinct 4, died Friday 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.
Garcia graduated from Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz in 2002 and went on to study psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University. She interned with the county while completing her undergraduate degree, and later worked as a court clerk before running for office.
On Monday, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai confirmed that Garcia had been battling cervical cancer, and noted that her last wishes were to help spread awareness about the disease, which can typically be treated when it’s caught early.
“Judge Garcia was a devoted public servant whose life reflected integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community,” Sakai said. “[She] left a profound impact with the community she served.”
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.
