Q&A: Meet the Candidates Running for Harris County District Attorney

Democrat Sean Teare and Republican Dan Simons are running for Harris County District Attorney in the upcoming November 5 election. Get to know each candidate in our Q&A.

Details

Teare won the March 5 Democratic primary for Harris County District Attorney with 75.16% of the vote, defeating incumbent Attorney Kim Ogg, according to previous results. Impact on the community reports. Teare served as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for 11 years, according to his campaign website.

Simons is a former Harris County prosecutor and criminal defense attorney who ran unopposed in the March 5 Republican primary.

What residents need to know

Key dates provided by the Harris County Clerk’s Office for the Nov. 5 election are:

Oct. 7: Last day to register to vote (Texas does not have online voter registration)
October 21: First day of early voting
October 25: deadline for submitting applications for postal voting
November 1: Last day of early voting
November 5: Election Day

For more information on voter registration, visit the county tax office website here . For more information on elections, visit here Impact on the communityGo to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Configuration

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 50 words, to answer the questions provided, and to avoid attacking their opponents. Responses may have been edited or shortened to comply with these guidelines or for style and clarity.

Why are you running for Harris County District Attorney?

I am running to make sure that justice is always served. We must pursue justice for victims while protecting the rights of the accused. Violent crime is out of control and victims need someone to speak up for them. I truly believe that the District Attorney should not play favorites.

If you were elected, what would be your top priorities in office?

Resolving outstanding court cases, building a team of “no-favor” prosecutors, ensuring the smooth operation of the office, and building strong coalitions with law enforcement and all communities.

What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?

I grew up homeless and in foster care from the age of 12. I moved in with friends to finish high school. I joined the Air Force as a police officer. I was a child victim from the age of 8 to 15. I would become the first Thurgood Marshall District Attorney in Harris County.

Harris County leaders are prioritizing public safety in the upcoming fiscal year budget. What actions would you take to ensure accountability for public safety on your first day in office if elected?

I will push for partnerships to secure much-needed funding for the District Attorney’s Office, seek savings so more resources can be directed toward fighting for justice, and prioritize innovative partnerships with police and the community at large.

Why are you running for Harris County District Attorney?

I am running for Harris County District Attorney to restore integrity, transparency, and fairness to our criminal justice system. I will focus on reducing violent crime, reforming broken policies, and ensuring that justice is administered with compassion and efficiency while making our community safer for all.

If you were elected, what would be your top priorities in office?

My top priorities as District Attorney would be to reduce violent crime, expand rehabilitation programs for nonviolent offenders, and improve case management. I will also focus on rebuilding morale in the office, retaining experienced prosecutors, and ensuring a fair, transparent justice system that protects our community.

What about your experience makes you stand out as a candidate?

With over a decade of experience as a prosecutor, including six years as head of the Vehicular Crimes Division, I have handled a wide range of cases from misdemeanors to aggravated murder. My deep roots in Harris County, combined with my commitment to justice and community safety, set me apart as a candidate.

Harris County leaders are prioritizing public safety in the upcoming fiscal year budget. What actions would you take to ensure accountability for public safety on your first day in office if elected?

On my first day in office, I would immediately evaluate ongoing cases to ensure they align with public safety priorities. I would begin a review of the District Attorney’s Office to improve processes, focusing on violent crimes and high-risk offenders. Strengthen diversion programs and work with law enforcement to ensure transparency, integrity…