State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio) is considering running for Bexar County District Attorney instead of reelection in 2026.

The race is wide open after District Attorney Joe Gonzales, a Democrat, announced in June that he would not seek a third term.

Luz Elena Chapa, who lost her Fourth Court of Appeals seat to Republican Lori Massey Brissette in last November, is also considering the race and expected to make a decision this week.

Martinez Fischer said in a statement Saturday that he was “concerned about the void being left” in a critical role, and launching an exploratory committee before deciding whether to run.

Filing for the March primary opened Saturday and closes Dec. 9.

“I understand the role the District Attorney plays in protecting our community from
violent offenders and dispensing compassionate justice to those deserving a second
chance,” Martinez Fischer said in a statement.

“In the coming days, I will seek counsel from our legal community, examine the agency operations of the District Attorney’s office, and consult with county leaders on how best to implement any necessary financial and structural changes to strengthen this office.”

Martinez Fischer represents San Antonio’s Northwest side in the Texas Legislature, where he’s served for more than two decades.

Texas Democrats have seen their limited influence at the state capitol reduced even further in recent years, and Martinez Fischer was replaced in his post as House Democratic Caucus chair before the last legislative session.

Jumping over to the DA race would likely set up a crowded race to replace him Texas House District 116 — considered deeply blue territory.

Other Democrats campaigning for the District Attorney opening include prosecutors Oscar Salinas and Angelica Carrión Powers and criminal defense attorney Veronica Legarreta.

District Court Judge Ron Rangel launched an exploratory committee but took his name out of contention.

On the Republican side, former Assistant District Attorney Ashley Foster launched a campaign last week.

Past DA races have been expensive affairs. Gonzales defeated an incumbent Democrat for the role in 2018 with roughly $1 million in campaign help from a national liberal criminal justice reform PAC. Four years later, he fended off a challenge from Republican Marc LaHood in another expensive race.