Who’s running? Who’s weighing it? This is where the 2022 county judge race stands today

Ivalis Gonzalez Meza (center) celebrates the life of of her mother during the San Antonio for Hillary Clinton Campaign headquarters election night watch party in 2016.

Lisa Krantz, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

With another contender in the running for Bexar County Judge, there are still a few more potentials that may throw their name in the hat.

Millennials grew up with County Judge Nelson Wolff, who won’t run for reelection next year, but the ballot on the Democrat side is shaping up to contain a diverse set of candidates. It’ll be an interesting race.

With a former district judge and state representative officially kicking off their campaigns, there are a two more still considering a run for the seat that basically serves as the CEO of Bexar County — including a young Latina working for the mayor’s office.

Let’s take a look at where the 2022 election stands today.

Who is running?

There are only two candidates on the Democratic side that have announced their campaign.
Former district judge of nearly 15 years Peter Sakai of “children’s court” kicked off his campaign in early November.
State Rep. Ina Minjarez also announced her candidacy for county judge spot on Monday, November 15.

Who’s weighing their options?

The former mayor

Garza is 52 years old.
He served as mayor from 2001 to 2005 and beat out Tim Bannwolff.
Elected at the age of 32, Garza was also the youngest person elected as mayor of San Antonio.
Garza has served as a trustee with San Antonio ISD since 2009.
Garza is a Democrat, but he once endorsed Rick Perry for governor.

Interesting quote:

“It’s going to take a concerted effort, a common vision and leadership that can see through the future,” Garza tells the Express-News.

The chief

Gonzalez Meza is 40.
She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her law degree from St. Mary’s University.
She previously worked with Spurs Sports & Entertainment on community outreach.
Her mother Choco Meza, who passed away 5 years ago, ran a campaign for the first Latina on city council María Berriozábal in 1981 while pregnant with Ivalis.
Her brother Danny worked as the chief of staff for Congressman Joaquin Castro.
She has also served as government liaison for the San Antonio River Authority, a Democratic Party precinct chair and a member of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women.