Mari Sanchez Belew is a budget and finance analyst at Bacik Group, and previously worked as a Business Risk and Controls Advisor at USAA. She joined the National Guard while in college and went on to serve as a captain in the U.S. Army.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Mari Sanchez Belew, a 42-year-old San Antonio resident, military veteran, and business and risk management professional. I hold a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, with additional certifications in cybersecurity and risk management.
I served as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence officer, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where I developed strong leadership, analytical, and operational planning skills. After military service, I worked in both the private and public sectors, including roles at US Army South, Air Force Cyber, and USAA, focusing on operations, compliance, risk management, and process improvement.
I currently work at the Defense Logistics Agency, where I manage teams responsible for financial oversight, data accuracy, compliance, and coordination with federal agencies. Across my career, I have focused on accountability, transparency, and building systems that work efficiently and fairly for the people they serve.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job, and how you would approach the role.
The Bexar County Clerk’s office serves a wide range of people every day; residents, attorneys, judges, and county staff. And all of them rely on accurate records, clear processes, and responsive service. My career has been built around delivering exactly that.
I currently manage financial and data-driven operations that require careful documentation, strict deadlines, and coordination with multiple stakeholders. I’ve led teams responsible for ensuring records are accurate, funds are tracked correctly, and issues are addressed before they become problems. In previous roles, I worked closely with compliance teams, auditors, legal partners, and IT professionals to improve processes while meeting regulatory requirements.
As County Clerk, my approach would be practical and service-focused. That means supporting staff with clear procedures and training, making systems easier to navigate for attorneys and the courts, and ensuring residents can access services without unnecessary barriers. The Clerk’s office should be efficient, professional, and predictable. People should know what to expect, trust the process, and feel confident that their business is handled correctly the first time.
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 run for Bexar County Clerk because this office shapes how people experience their local government at important moments in their lives: voting, accessing vital records, and working within the court system. These interactions should be straightforward, respectful, and reliable, yet too often people encounter confusion, delays, or unnecessary barriers. I believe strong leadership, clear processes, and a commitment to public service can make a real difference in how well this office serves the community.
Throughout my career, I have focused on improving systems, strengthening accountability, and supporting teams so they can do their jobs effectively. I’ve worked in environments where accuracy, transparency, and trust are not optional, and I bring that same mindset to this role. I am running because Bexar County residents, legal professionals, and judges all deserve an office that is responsive, professional, and focused on getting the work done right the first time.
I am running as a Democrat because I believe in a people-centered government that values participation, fairness, and equal access. Democrats work to protect voting rights, expand access to public services, and ensure government serves the public: values I will carry into this office while administering its duties fairly and responsibly.
4. How would you (or how do you, if already elected) solicit input and feedback from constituents?
The people who interact with the County Clerk’s office every day often have the clearest insight into what is working and what needs improvement. I believe meaningful feedback starts with listening and being accessible.
I engage with neighbors through direct conversations, community meetings, email, and digital communication, and I prioritize follow-up so people know their concerns are heard. As County Clerk, I would continue that approach by maintaining open and consistent communication with court partners, legal professionals, and the public.
Soliciting feedback is only effective if it leads to action. I would review recurring concerns, identify process gaps, and work collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to improve clarity, efficiency, and service. My goal is for the Clerk’s office to be known as responsive, professional, and respectful. An office people trust because they feel heard and supported.
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