Progressive Justice Now Drafting MPT Delia Garza for County Attorney
Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza (District 2)
Yesterday saw the launch of Progressive Justice Now, an organization calling for Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza (District 2) to run for Travis County Attorney.
The County Attorney’s duties include:
Prosecuting misdemeanor crimes
Obtaining protective orders for victims of domestic violence
Obtaining involuntary commitments for certain mentally ill persons
Advising the elected officials of Travis County regarding their official duties
Progressive Justice Now has also filed paperwork appointing a treasurer Brian McGiverin, for Progressive Justice Now PAC, the campaign supporting this effort.
"Travis County should be poised to lead Texas on criminal justice reform. Instead, we've fallen behind Dallas County," stated Mr. McGiverin in the launch press release. "If Mayor Pro Tem Garza becomes County Attorney, I know she'll fight to ensure her office's work fully reflects our community's progressive values."
Representing south east Austin, MPT Garza was elected in November, 2014, as part of Austin’s first 10-1 Council. She was reelected in November, 2016, and was elected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in January, 2019.
MPT Garza is the first Latina to serve on the City Council in Austin, and the first Latina to serve as Austin’s Mayor Pro Tem. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, and a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. She previously served as an Assistant Attorney General advocating for Texas families in the Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General. (See, MPT Garza Council page).
Current Travis County Attorney David Escamilla was first appointed in 2003 and most recently won a four year term in November 2016. It has been reported he is planning to retire when his term expires in 20200.
MPT Garza has yet to make a formal announcement on running, and her timing will be important. Under the law, a council member resigns their seat if they announce for another office within 13 months of their term ending. Her term expires in November 2020, so holding to December allows for a run at County Attorney without resigning her council seat.
Conversely, an announcement before December, would mean a May special election to fill the balance of her term (Bingham Group knows of at least two candidates as of now).
Leading Progressive Justice Now are co-chairs Martha P. Cotera, a community activist, and Austin Council Member Gregorio Casar (District 4). Also signing on in support are Austin State House Reps. Celia Israel, Sheryl Cole, Eddie Rodriguez, and Gina Hinojosa.
Council colleagues Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison (District 1), Pio Renteria (District 3), Ann Kitchen (District 5), Jimmy Flannigan (District 6) and Paige Ellis (District 8) are also public supporters.
// The Bingham Group, LLC
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