Gloria Martinez was elected Bexar County District Clerk in 2022, defeating an incumbent Democrat in the primary. She started her career in the District Clerk’s Office while still in college 1985, and has also served in the Navy Reserves.
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is Gloria A. Martinez, born in Glendale, California. I was raised and live in San Antonio. I live on the northwest side of San Antonio with my husband. Together, we have a blended family of eight children. I am a proud Navy veteran, and my commitment to service has guided me throughout my life. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and have continued my professional development through numerous leadership courses during my time in the military and throughout my career.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job and how you would approach the role.
Having worked in multiple divisions within the District Clerk’s Office, including criminal, juvenile, and the civil section, I bring hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how each department operates. I know what it takes to manage the workload, complete the paperwork accurately, and ensure cases move efficiently through the system.
This isn’t just knowledge from the outside I’ve done the work. I understand the day-to-day responsibilities of the employees, the challenges they face, and that experience is what I bring to this role.
My approach as District Clerk will always be focused on continuing to modernize our technology in improving efficiency and public access while also supporting and empowering the employees who keep the office running. With my experience as a lead clerk and my background in the military, I bring leadership, discipline, and a commitment to getting the job done right.
3. Why did you decide to seek this office? And why did you decide to run under the party affiliation that you chose?
I decided to seek the office of District Clerk because I’ve spent most of my life here, and this office isn’t just where I worked. It’s my second home. Through the 33 yrs experience, I saw where improvements are needed but also to ensure that employees are supported, respected, and given the tools they need to succeed. Plus, for too long, the District Clerk’s Office has stayed behind its walls without actively reaching out to the community. After taking office, I felt it was time to change that. We need to go out, educate the public on the services we provide, and truly be present for the people we serve.
I am running as a Democrat because it reflects who I am and the values I’ve always stood for. I believe in fairness, opportunity, and standing up for the employees and working families. Those principles will guide my leadership, and I will remain committed to them.
In contrast, during the last runoff, when my opponent and I faced each other, the same opponent chose to support a Republican after losing, putting this seat at risk of going from blue to red. That is not something I would ever do. I remain committed, consistent, and proud to stand as a Democrat.
4. How would you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
I care deeply about serving this community with integrity and respect. Every day, my deputy Chiefs and I listen to the people who come through my office because their experiences matter.
When someone takes the time to share feedback, I take it personally. If it’s a compliment, we celebrate it because it reflects the hard work of my employees. If it’s a concern, we act on it right away and ensure we get to the root of the complaint , but more importantly, we don’t just fix issues. We learn from them so we can do better and make sure the same problems don’t happen again.
My commitment is simple: to listen, to respond, and to continuously improve so that every person who interacts with my office feels heard, respected, and well served.
Read more
‘Unfinished business’: Two career staffers face rematch in Democrats’ District Clerk runoff
Bexar County Clerk, District Clerk primaries head to runoffs
The San Antonio Report’s 2026 Democratic Primary Runoff Voter Guide
Meet the candidates running for office in Bexar County in 2026
