State Rep. Ina Minjarez announced Monday afternoon that she would be running for Bexar County judge.
The Democrat, who represents House District 124 on the West Side of San Antonio, said Monday she had spent the past few weeks talking to community members and supporters about her potential candidacy.
Minjarez launched an exploratory committee for the county judge seat in October after current Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff confirmed he would not be running for a sixth term. Minjarez was the first to publicly express interest in succeeding Wolff.
“Over the course of my career, I have fought for our everyday neighbors — working families, small businesses, and resilient seniors,” Minjarez said in a statement. “I want to continue this fight. I want to ensure that every citizen is heard. I want to address the needs of our entire community. I know the best place for me to lead the fight is in Bexar County Commissioners Court.”
Minjarez was first elected to her seat in 2015 in a special election, replacing now-state Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio).
Minjarez said she would finish out the rest of her state house term. As a member of the Texas Legislature, she does not fall under “resign-to-run” law.
“Throughout my career as a lawyer and public servant, I have learned the value of working hard and keeping my promises,” she said in a statement. “In this spirit, I will also honor my commitment to representing House District 124 and serve out the remainder of my term in the Texas House of Representatives.”
Minjarez’s announcement follows that of former Judge Peter Sakai, another Democrat who made his candidacy official last week.
Two others have appointed treasurers, the first step in starting a campaign, in seeking the office of county judge, according to Bexar County campaign finance reports.
Disclosure: Ina Minjarez’s husband, Leo Gomez, sits on the San Antonio Report’s board of directors.
