SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has won the Democratic nomination as he seeks reelection to a third term in November.
Salazar received 71% of the vote to 29% for his lone challenger, Sharon Rodriguez.
"What we've been doing has been working," Salazar told KENS 5 when asked about his likely primary victory. "We're going to continue to do more of that."
Salazar is now looking ahead toward the general election, telling his supporters that "all hands are on deck" come November and his focus will be on reducing violent crime.
At the same time, he said that issue is a national one not constrained to Bexar County.
“We’re seeing a lot of guns stolen with cars," Salazar said. "We’ll keep arresting the bad guys, it’s what we do. But we need the community to help us prevent crime from happening.”
Meanwhile, on the Republican ballot, Nathan Buchanan won with 55% of the votes. He held off Victor Mendoza (23%) and Dennis Casillas (22%).
About the race
The sheriff heads up the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, and is the head law enforcement officer in the county. Salazar has served in the role since January 2017, having previously worked with the San Antonio Police Department for 23 years. He touts increased accountability and fortified public trust as priorities.
Rodriguez has never held public office but says on her website that she would prioritize the creation of "an improved and more transparent vetting process for leadership positions within the agency," adding the sheriff's office also needs to improve its working conditions for deputies and staff. Rodriguez has experience in law enforcement, previously serving with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office and Hollywood Park Police Department.
Buchanan previously mounted an unsuccessful campaign for Bexar County judge, the seat ultimately won by Peter Sakai. A small business owner and Texas peace officer, he says via his website that he would prioritize the rights of the individual over government.
Mendoza, a VIA transit police officer and former detention officer at the Bexar County Jail, says his main priorities would be modernizing policing tactics; eliminating budget inefficiencies; and improving the morale and working conditions of those working in the county jail. Mendoza claims over 27 years of experience in law enforcement, previously serving with BCSO and SAPD park police.
Dennis Casillas says his focus is on safeguarding schools; ensuring the jail is properly staffed; and addressing the community's mental health issues. Casillas has 37 years of experience in law enforcement and has been an outspoken critic of Sheriff Salazar, saying "the citizens of Bexar County need a Sheriff who's a public servant, not a media celebrity."
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